Yiu-Wing Mai – författare

The central theme of the book is tailoring the interface properties to optimise the mechanical peformance and structural integrity of composites with enhanced strength/stiffness and fracture toughness (or specific fracture resistance). It deals mainly with interfaces in advanced composites made from high performance fibers, such as glass, carbon, aramid, ultra high modulus polyethylene and some inorganic (e.g. B/W, A12O3, SiC) fibers, and matrix materials encompassing polymers, metals/alloys and ceramics. The book is intended to provide a comprehensive treatment of composite interfaces in such a way that it should be of interest to materials scientists, technologists and practising engineers, as well as graduate students and their supervisors in advanced composites. We hope that this book will also serve as a valuable source of reference to all those involved in the design and research of composite interfaces.

The book contains eight chapters of discussions on microstructure-property relationships with underlying fundamental mechanics principles. In Chapter 1, an introduction is given to the nature and definition of interfaces in fiber reinforced composites. Chapter 2 is devoted to the mechanisms of adhesion which are specific to each fiber-matrix system, and the physio-chemical characterization of the interface with regard to the origin of adhesion. The experimental techniques that have been developed to assess the fiber-matrix interface bond quality on a microscopic scale are presented in Chapter 3, along with the techniques of measuring interlaminar/intralaminar strengths and fracture toughness using bulk composite laminates. The applicability and limitations associated with loading geometry and interpretation of test data are compared. Chapter 4 presents comprehensive theoretical analyses based on shear-lag models of the single fiber composite tests, with particular interest being placed on the interface debond process and the nature of the fiber-matrix interfacial bonding. Chapter 5 is devoted to reviewing current techniques of fiber surface treatments which have been devised to improve the bond strength and the fiber-matrix compatibility/stability during the manufacturing processes of composites. The micro-failure mechanisms and their associated theories of fracture toughness of composites are discussed in Chapter 6. The roles of the interface and its effects on the mechanical performance of fiber composites are addressed from several viewpoints. Recent research efforts to augment the transverse and interlaminar fracture toughness by means of controlled interfaces are presented in Chapters 7 and 8.

This highlights ongoing research efforts on different aspectsof polymer nanocomposites and explores their potentials to exhibitmulti-functional properties. Inthis context, it addresses both fundamental and advanced concepts, whiledelineating the parameters and mechanisms responsible for these potentials. Aspects considered includeembrittlement/toughness; wear/scratchbehaviour; thermalstability and flame retardancy;barrier, electrical and thermal conductivity; andoptical and magnetic properties.

Further, the book was writtenas a coherent unit rather than a collection of chapters on differenttopics. As such, theresults, analyses and discussions presented herein provide a guide for thedevelopment of a new class of multi-functional nanocomposites. Offering aninvaluable resource for materials researchers and postgraduate students in thepolymer composites field, theywill also greatly benefit materials  

This book highlights the latest, cutting-edge advances in implantable biomaterials. It brings together a class of advanced biomaterials in two highly active research areas, namely implants and tissue scaffolds, to underline their respective functional requirements for further development. It is unique in providing a full range of methodological procedures, including materials syntheses, characterisation, cellular tests and mathematical modelling. Covering metallic, ceramic, polymeric and composite materials commonly used in biological applications and clinical therapeutics, it is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to further their understanding of the latest developments in implantable biomaterials. Focusing on biomedical applications in implants and scaffolds, it provides methodological guides to this rapidly growing field.

Qing Li and Yiu-Wing Mai are both professors at the University of Sydney, School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering.