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Bio-nanocomposites combine the enhanced properties of commercial polymer nanocomposites with the low environmental impact of biodegradable material, making them a topic of great current interest. Because of their tremendous role in reducing dependency on commercial non-biodegradable polymers, and their environmentally-friendly nature, bio-nanocomposites need to be studied in greater detail. In this book, recent advancements in their development are brought together in a single text, to provide researchers with a thorough insight into the various systems, and to open up future perspectives. Although the commercial applications of these bio-nanocomposites are in their infancy, these materials have a huge commercial potential. In setting out the next generation of advances in nanocomposite technology, this book opens the way for further developments in the field. Describing the subject as a whole, from a basic introduction to the more specific systems and advancements, this book can be used both as a professional reference and for teaching purposes.

With the advent of polymer nanocomposites, research on polyolefin nanocomposites has grown exponentially. Correcting the deficiency of a meaningful text on these important materials, Advances in Polyolefin Nanocomposites:Sums up recent advances in nanoscale dispersion of filler in polyolefinsPresents a basic introduction to polyolefin nanocomposite technology for the readers new to this fieldProvides insights on the use of technologies for polyolefins nanocomposites for commercial applicationIncludes contributions from the most experienced researchers in the fieldOffers insights into the commercial usage of techniquesThe text uses theoretical models to illustrate the organic–inorganic interfaces in polyolefins and also provides a detailed description of the recently developed models for property prediction of these nanocomposites. It concentrates on developments with not only aluminosilicate fillers, but also with equally important fillers like layer double hydroxides and nanotubes. The authors review polyolefin nanocomposite technology and methodologies of generation, properties and generation of composite blends, and advances in synthesis of nanocomposites using solution blending methods. The book covers theoretical and experimental considerations of clay surface modification and the importance and effect of various prominent filler categories.

Explains miniemulsion technology and techniques and why they have many distinct advantages over the conventional emulsion polymerization technology Miniemulsion Polymerization Technology comprises 10 papers by many of the world's experts on the subject. It summarizes the recent advances in miniemulsion polymerization technology including the advances on the selection of surfactants and co-surfactants, the expansion of miniemulsion technology in various polymers and co-polymer systems, and the use of miniemulsion polymerization for the synthesis of advanced polymer particle morphologies.There have been a large number of texts on emulsion and other forms of polymerization methods, but miniemulsion polymerization, though it provides unique routes for polymer particle synthesis, has been neglected.This edited volume: Details the use of miniemulsion polymerization in encapsulation, core shell functional particles, nitroxide mediated polymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization or radical addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, to generate advanced polymer nanoparticles or organic-inorganic composite particlesExamines the wide spectrum of commercial possibilities of miniemulsion polymerizationProvides both introductory material as well as deep insights into the synthesis of polymer particles

Presents the synthesis, technology and processing details of a large range of polymers derived from renewable resourcesIt has been a long-term desire to replace polymers from fossil fuels with the more environmentally friendly polymers generated from renewable resources. Now, with the recent advancements in synthesis technologies and the finding of new functional monomers, research in this field has shown strong potential in generating better property polymers from renewable resources. A text describing these advances in synthesis, processing, and technology of such polymers not only provides the state-of-the-art information to researchers, but also acts to stimulate research in this direction. The contents are based on a wide range of functional monomers and the contributions are written by eminent researchers.Specifically Renewable Polymers: Demonstrates the design, synthesis, properties and applications of plant oil-based polymers Presents an elaborate review of acid mediated polymerization techniques for the generation of green polymers Details the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from olive oil based wastewater Describes the use of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques Reviews the renewable polymers derived from transgenic crop plants Provides an overview of a range of biomass-based polymers Concludes with the recent efforts and approaches exploiting the natural materials in developing drug delivery systems.

Polymer nanocomposites have revolutionised material performance, most notably in the plastics, automotive and aerospace industries. However, in order to be commercially viable, many of these materials must withstand high temperatures. In this book, leaders in the field outline the mechanisms behind the generation of suitable polymer systems, pulling together recent research to provide a unified and up-to-date assessment of recent technological advancements. The text is divided into two clear sections, introducing the reader to the two most important requirements for this material type: thermal stability and flame retardancy. Special attention is paid to practical examples, walking the reader through the numerous commercial applications of thermally stable and flame retardant nanocomposites. With a strong focus on placing theory within commercial context, this unique volume will appeal to practitioners as well as researchers.

This book describes advances in synthesis, processing, and technology of environmentally friendly polymers generated from renewable resources. With contents based on a wide range of functional monomers and contributions from eminent researchers, this volume demonstrates the design, synthesis, properties and applications of plant oil based polymers, presenting an elaborate review of acid mediated polymerization techniques for the generation of green polymers. Chemical engineers are provided with state-of-the-art information that acts to further progress research in this direction.

One of the first comprehensive books to focus on the role of polymers in the burgeoning energy materials marketPolymers are increasingly finding applications in the areas of energy storage and conversion. A number of recent advances in the control of the polymer molecular structure which allows the polymer properties to be more finely tuned have led to these advances and new applications. Polymers for Energy Storage and Conversion assimilates these advances in the form of a comprehensive text that includes the synthesis and properties of a large number of polymer systems for applications in areas such as lithium batteries, photovoltaics, and solar cells.Polymers for Energy Storage and Conversion: Introduces the structure and properties of polymer hydrogel with respect to its applications for low to intermediate temperature polymer electrolyte-based fuel cellsDescribes PVAc-based polymer blend electrolytes for lithium batteriesReviews lithium polymer batteries based on ionic liquidsProposes the concept of the solar cell with organic multiple quantum dots (MQDs)Discusses solvent effects in polymer-based organic photovoltaic devicesProvides an overview of the properties of the polymers that factor into their use for solar power, whether for niche applications or for large-scale harvestingReviews the use of macroporous organic polymers as promising materials for energy gas storageReadershipMaterials scientists working with energy materials, polymer engineers, chemists, and other scientists and engineers working with photovoltaics and batteries as well as in the solar and renewable energy sectors.

This unique and comprehensive book covers all the recent physical, chemical, and mechanical advancements in encapsulation nanotechnologies.Encapsulation is prevalent in the evolutionary processes of nature, where nature protects the materials from the environment by engulfing them in a suitable shell. These natural processes are well known and have been adopted and applied in the pharmaceutical, food, agricultural, and cosmetics industries.In recent years, because of the increased understanding of the material properties and behaviors at nanoscale, research in the encapsulation field has also moved to the generation of nanocapsules, nanocontainers, and other nano devices. One such example is the generation of self-healing nanocontainers holding corrosion inhibitors that can be used in anti-corrosion coatings. The processes used to generate such capsules have also undergone significant developments. Various technologies based on chemical, physical, and physico-chemical synthesis methods have been developed and applied successfully to generate encapsulated materials.Because of the increasing potential and value of the new nanotechnologies and products being used in a large number of commercial processes, the need for compiling one comprehensive volume comprising the recent technological advancements is also correspondingly timely and significant. This volume not only introduces the subject of encapsulation and nanotechnologies to scientists new to the field, but also serves as a reference for experts already working in this area.Encapsulation Nanotechnologies details in part: The copper encapsulation of carbon nanotubesVarious aspects of the application of fluid-bed technology for the coating and encapsulation processesThe use of the electrospinning technique for encapsulationThe concept of microencapsulation by interfacial polymerizationOverviews of encapsulation technologies for organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs), polymer capsule technology, the use of supercritical fluids (such as carbon dioxide), iCVD process for large-scale applications in hybrid gas barriersReadershipEncapsulation Nanotechnologiesis of prime interest to a wide range of materials scientists and engineers, both in industry and academia.

Since the publication of the successful first edition of the book in 2010, the field has matured and a large number of advancements have been made to the science of polymer nanotube nanocomposites (PNT) in terms of synthesis, filler surface modification, as well as properties. Moreover, a number of commercial applications have been realized. The aim of this second volume of the book is, thus, to update the information presented in the first volume as well as to incorporate the recent research and industrial developments.This edited volume brings together contributions from a variety of senior scientists in the field of polymer nanotube composites technology to shed light on the recent advances in these commercially important areas of polymer technology. The book provides the following features: Reviews the various synthesis techniques, properties and applications of the polymer nanocomposite systems.Describes the functionalization strategies for single walled nanotubes in order to achieve their nanoscale dispersion in epoxy matrices.Provides insights into the multiscale modeling of the properties of PNT.Provides perspectives on the electron microscopy characterization of PNT.Presents an overview of the different methodologies to achieve micro-patterning of PNT.Describes the recent progress on hybridization modifications of CNTs with carbon nanomaterials and their further applications in polymer nanocomposites.Provides details on the foams generates with PNT.Provides information on synthesis and properties of polycarbonate nanocomposite.Describes the advanced microscopy techniques for understanding of the polymer/nanotube composite interfaces and properties.

The book highlights applications of hybrid materials in solar energy systems, lithium ion batteries, electromagnetic shielding, sensing of pollutants and water purification.A hybrid material is defined as a material composed of an intimate mixture of inorganic components, organic components, or both types of components. In the last few years, a tremendous amount of attention has been given towards the development of materials for efficient energy harvesting; nanostructured hybrid materials have also been gaining significant advances to provide pollutant free drinking water, sensing of environmental pollutants, energy storage and conservation. Separately, intensive work on high performing polymer nanocomposites for applications in the automotive, aerospace and construction industries has been carried out, but the aggregation of many fillers, such as clay, LDH, CNT, graphene, represented a major barrier in their development. Only very recently has this problem been overcome by fabrication and applications of 3D hybrid nanomaterials as nanofillers in a variety of polymers.This book, Hybrid Nanomaterials, examines all the recent developments in the research and specially covers the following subjects: 3D hybrid nanomaterials nanofillersHybrid nanostructured materials for development of advanced lithium batteriesHigh performing hybrid nanomaterials for supercapacitor applicationsNano-hybrid materials in the development of solar energy applicationsApplication of hybrid nanomaterials in water purificationAdvanced nanostructured materials in electromagnetic shielding of radiationsPreparation, properties and application of hybrid nanomaterials in sensing of environmental pollutantsDevelopment of hybrid fillers/polymer nanocomposites for electronic applicationsHigh performance hybrid filler reinforced epoxy nanocompositesState-of-the-art overview of elastomer/hybrid filler nanocomposites

With their broad range of properties, polymer blends are widely used in adhesion, colloidal stability, the design of composite and biocompatible materials, and other areas. As the science and technology of polymer blends advances, an increasing number of polymer blend systems and applications continue to be developed. Functional Polymer Blends: Synthesis, Properties, and Performance presents the latest synthesis and characterization methodologies for generating polymer blend systems. This one-stop resource brings together both experimental and theoretical material, much of which has previously only been available in research papers.Featuring contributions by eminent international experts, the book: Reviews polymer blend systemsDetails miscibility enhancements in polymer blends through multiple hydrogen binding interactionsPresents the component dynamics in polymer blend systemsDiscusses concepts of shape memory polymer blendsConsiders ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer toughened polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blendsProvides theoretical insights through molecular dynamics simulation studies for binary blend miscibilityReports on the conformation and topology of cyclic linear polymer blends (CLBs)Addresses strain hardening in polymer blends with fibril morphologyExplores the modification of polymer blends by irradiation techniquesExamines the directed assembly of polymer blends using nanopatterned chemical surfacesCombining background and advanced information on technologies, methods, and applications, this practical reference is a must-have for researchers and industry professionals as well as students in materials science, chemistry, and chemical and surface engineering.

Polymer Brushes: Substrates, Technologies, and Properties covers various aspects of polymer brush technology, including synthesis, properties, performance, and applications. It presents both experimental details and theoretical insights to enable a better understanding of the brush system.After an overview of polymer brush systems, the book discusses methods for grafting organic brushes from the surface of clay platelets and for the covalent grafting of PNIPAm brushes. It then describes ferrocene polymer brushes, nonfouling brushes on poly(ethylene terephthalate) film surfaces, brushes formed on the inner surface of cylindrical pores, and the "zipper brush" approach. The authors examine the use of scanning electrochemical microscopy for analyzing brushes and compare surface-controlled atom transfer radical polymerization and surface-controlled single-electron transfer living radical polymerization. They also explore the application of polymer brushes in the chromatographic separations of viruses and proteins and the suppression of proteins and cell adhesions. The text concludes with a look at how polymer brushes are synthesized by surface-initiated iniferter-mediated polymerization.This book provides a one-stop reference on the various substrates and technologies used to synthesize polymer brushes. The hands-on information in the text will help readers choose the proper synthesis methods and materials for their system.

This work explores the use of composite nanotechnology for thin coatings on various substrates. It compiles recent advances in nanocomposite coatings for experienced researchers and provides background information for those new to the field. The book not only explains the synthesis of bulk nanocomposite materials, it describes their application in areas such as the automotive and packaging industries. It explains how nanocomposite coatings provide a gas barrier to the substrate foil or laminate and how the coatings are used to provide properties such as anti-scratch and anti-corrosion.

Advancements in polymer nanocomposite foams have led to their application in a variety of fields, such as automotive, packaging, and insulation. Employing nanocomposites in foam formation enhances their property profiles, enabling a broader range of uses, from conventional to advanced applications. Since many factors affect the generation of nanostructured foams, a thorough understanding of structure–property relationships in foams is important. Polymer Nanocomposite Foams presents developments in various aspects of nanocomposite foams, providing information on using composite nanotechnology for making functional foams to serve a variety of applications.Featuring contributions from experts in the field, this book reviews synthesis and processing techniques for preparing poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite foams and discusses strategies for toughening polymer foams. It summarizes the effects of adding nanoclay on polypropylene foaming behavior and describes routes to starch foams for improved performance. The books also reviews progress in achieving high-performance lightweight polymer nanocomposite foams while keeping desired mechanical properties, examines hybrid polyurethane nanocomposite foams, and covers polymer–clay nanocomposite production.The final chapters present recent advances in the field of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite aerogels and related materials as well as a review of the nanocomposite foams generated from high-performance thermoplastics. Summing up the most recent research developments in the area of polymer nanocomposite foams, this book provides background information for readers new to the field and serves as a reference text for researchers.

Polymer latex particles continue to become increasingly important in numerous commercial applications. Advanced synthesis techniques are the key to developing new functionality for nanoparticles. These methods make it possible to tailor the size, chemical composition, or properties of these particles, as well as the molecular weight of the polymer chain as a whole, based on given requirements.Advanced Polymer Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Surface Modifications summarizes important developments in the advanced synthesis and surface modification techniques used to generate and mold polymer particles. This book explores the evolution and enhancement of processes such as emulsion, mini-emulsion, micro-emulsion, dispersion, suspension, inverse emulsion (in organic phase), and polymerization. Understanding these developments will enable the reader to optimize particle system design, giving rise to a greater application spectrum. This book: Focuses on synthesis and characterization of particles with core-shell morphologies Details generation of nonspherical polymer particles using different synthetic routes Explores generation of specific architectures, such as block, star, graft, and gradient copolymer particlesThe authors describe pH-responsive nanoparticles and smart, thermally responsive particles. They also cover surface tailoring of various organic and inorganic nanoparticles by polymers, as well as theoretical studies on the kinetics of controlled radical polymerization techniques. Condensing and evaluating current knowledge of the development of polymer nanoparticles, this reference will prove a valuable addition to the area of polymer latex technology.

With the advent of polymer nanocomposites, research on polyolefin nanocomposites has grown exponentially. Correcting the deficiency of a meaningful text on these important materials, Advances in Polyolefin Nanocomposites:Sums up recent advances in nanoscale dispersion of filler in polyolefinsPresents a basic introduction to polyolefin nanocomposite technology for the readers new to this fieldProvides insights on the use of technologies for polyolefins nanocomposites for commercial applicationIncludes contributions from the most experienced researchers in the fieldOffers insights into the commercial usage of techniquesThe text uses theoretical models to illustrate the organic–inorganic interfaces in polyolefins and also provides a detailed description of the recently developed models for property prediction of these nanocomposites. It concentrates on developments with not only aluminosilicate fillers, but also with equally important fillers like layer double hydroxides and nanotubes. The authors review polyolefin nanocomposite technology and methodologies of generation, properties and generation of composite blends, and advances in synthesis of nanocomposites using solution blending methods. The book covers theoretical and experimental considerations of clay surface modification and the importance and effect of various prominent filler categories.

With their broad range of properties, polymer blends are widely used in adhesion, colloidal stability, the design of composite and biocompatible materials, and other areas. As the science and technology of polymer blends advances, an increasing number of polymer blend systems and applications continue to be developed. Functional Polymer Blends: Synthesis, Properties, and Performance presents the latest synthesis and characterization methodologies for generating polymer blend systems. This one-stop resource brings together both experimental and theoretical material, much of which has previously only been available in research papers.Featuring contributions by eminent international experts, the book: Reviews polymer blend systemsDetails miscibility enhancements in polymer blends through multiple hydrogen binding interactionsPresents the component dynamics in polymer blend systemsDiscusses concepts of shape memory polymer blendsConsiders ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer toughened polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blendsProvides theoretical insights through molecular dynamics simulation studies for binary blend miscibilityReports on the conformation and topology of cyclic linear polymer blends (CLBs)Addresses strain hardening in polymer blends with fibril morphologyExplores the modification of polymer blends by irradiation techniquesExamines the directed assembly of polymer blends using nanopatterned chemical surfacesCombining background and advanced information on technologies, methods, and applications, this practical reference is a must-have for researchers and industry professionals as well as students in materials science, chemistry, and chemical and surface engineering.

Polymer Brushes: Substrates, Technologies, and Properties covers various aspects of polymer brush technology, including synthesis, properties, performance, and applications. It presents both experimental details and theoretical insights to enable a better understanding of the brush system.After an overview of polymer brush systems, the book discusses methods for grafting organic brushes from the surface of clay platelets and for the covalent grafting of PNIPAm brushes. It then describes ferrocene polymer brushes, nonfouling brushes on poly(ethylene terephthalate) film surfaces, brushes formed on the inner surface of cylindrical pores, and the "zipper brush" approach. The authors examine the use of scanning electrochemical microscopy for analyzing brushes and compare surface-controlled atom transfer radical polymerization and surface-controlled single-electron transfer living radical polymerization. They also explore the application of polymer brushes in the chromatographic separations of viruses and proteins and the suppression of proteins and cell adhesions. The text concludes with a look at how polymer brushes are synthesized by surface-initiated iniferter-mediated polymerization.This book provides a one-stop reference on the various substrates and technologies used to synthesize polymer brushes. The hands-on information in the text will help readers choose the proper synthesis methods and materials for their system.

This work explores the use of composite nanotechnology for thin coatings on various substrates. It compiles recent advances in nanocomposite coatings for experienced researchers and provides background information for those new to the field. The book not only explains the synthesis of bulk nanocomposite materials, it describes their application in areas such as the automotive and packaging industries. It explains how nanocomposite coatings provide a gas barrier to the substrate foil or laminate and how the coatings are used to provide properties such as anti-scratch and anti-corrosion.

Advancements in polymer nanocomposite foams have led to their application in a variety of fields, such as automotive, packaging, and insulation. Employing nanocomposites in foam formation enhances their property profiles, enabling a broader range of uses, from conventional to advanced applications. Since many factors affect the generation of nanostructured foams, a thorough understanding of structure–property relationships in foams is important. Polymer Nanocomposite Foams presents developments in various aspects of nanocomposite foams, providing information on using composite nanotechnology for making functional foams to serve a variety of applications.Featuring contributions from experts in the field, this book reviews synthesis and processing techniques for preparing poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite foams and discusses strategies for toughening polymer foams. It summarizes the effects of adding nanoclay on polypropylene foaming behavior and describes routes to starch foams for improved performance. The books also reviews progress in achieving high-performance lightweight polymer nanocomposite foams while keeping desired mechanical properties, examines hybrid polyurethane nanocomposite foams, and covers polymer–clay nanocomposite production.The final chapters present recent advances in the field of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite aerogels and related materials as well as a review of the nanocomposite foams generated from high-performance thermoplastics. Summing up the most recent research developments in the area of polymer nanocomposite foams, this book provides background information for readers new to the field and serves as a reference text for researchers.

Manufacturing of Nanocomposites with Engineering Plastics collates recent research findings on the manufacturing, properties, and applications of nanocomposites with engineering plastics in one comprehensive volume. The book specifically examines topics of engineering plastics, rheology, thermo-mechanical properties, wear, flame retardancy, modeling, filler surface modification, and more. It represents a ready reference for managers and scholars working in the areas of polymer and nanocomposite materials science, both in industry and academia, and provides introductory information for people new to the field.

Provides a comprehensive review of the most recent research findings A single one-stop ready reference that assimilates knowledge on the development of nanocomposites with engineering plastics Contributions from leading experts in the field Provides examples of applications that will help with material selection Chapters are designed to provide not only introductory information, but also to lead the reader to more advanced characterization tools

Polymer nanocomposites revolutionized research in the composites area by achieving the nanoscale dispersion of the inorganic filler (clay platelets) in the polymer matrices after suitable surface modifications of the filler phase. A large number of polymer matrices were tried and nanocomposites with varying degrees of successes were achieved with these polymer systems. The majority of the synthesis are carried out by melt blending which frequently result in the full exfoliation of the filler. However, advanced techniques provide a number of advantages as compared to the melt blending and lead to more uniform composites with enhanced properties. There are a number of recent advances in these methods such as the use of reactive surfactants, modified initiators, advanced clay surface modifications, use of a variety of fillers, inverse polymerization, and miniemulsion polymerization methods which have further led the generation of advanced exfoliated nanocomposites. Until now, most of the published research has been scattered throughout the literature. This book provides a single comprehensive source of information about one of the most important facets of polymer nanocomposites technology: synthesis in emulsion and suspension. These polymerization methods lead to the generation of the well delaminated polymer nanocomposites with a wide range of polymer matrices. This book serves as both a professional reference for experienced researchers and a valuable text for newcomers to the field. It makes the reader aware of the potential commercial use of these recent developments.

Graphene is an emerging material for generating polymer nanocomposites. Its heat conducting properties are greater than any other material, yet so dense not even helium can pass through its honeycomb lattice. The inclusion of small amounts of graphene to polymer matrices has the possibility of significantly improving their electrical, barrier and mechanical properties. Since the Nobel prize for Physics was awarded in 2010 for the isolation of graphene there has been an explosion in graphene research and the discovery of new applications. This book discusses the current state-of-the-art in graphene nanocomposites with expertise drawn from across the globe. Insights into the functionalisation of graphene are presented, in the context of various polymer systems, along with appropriate methodologies to be adopted. Grasping this view from several active researchers in the field gives the editor the opportunity to look where future trends are heading. This is an important handbook for anyone wishing to get a comprehensive view of the field and bring established methodologies into their laboratory and will benefit post-graduate students and established researchers alike.