Springer Series on Polymer and Composite Materials – serie

This book gives an overview of recent developments in the synthesis of macromolecules for water purification applications. The preparation of these polymers from organic and inorganic starting materials is described. Important post-polymerization modifications, introduction of functional groups and production of supramolecular assemblies and nanomaterials are shown. The synthesized materials are presented with their interesting properties and broad areas of applications. A comprehensive discussion about the engineering aspect and the usage in water treatment as well as environmental issues is given. The wide variety of materials and their synthesis techniques will encourage scientists in developing new synthesis routes and materials, whereby engineers will be encouraged to find new possible applications.

This book provides an overview of polymer nanocomposites and hybrid materials with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). Among inorganic nanoparticles, functionalized POSS are unique nano-building blocks that can be used to create a wide variety of hybrid and composite materials, where precise control of nanostructures and properties is required. This book describes the influence of incorporation of POSS moieties into (organic) polymer matrices on the mechanical, thermal and flammability behavior of composites and hybrid organic-inorganic materials. Importantly, POSS-containing materials can be bio-functionalized by linking e.g. peptides and growth factors through appropriate surface modification in order to enhance the haemo-compatibility of cardiovascular devices made of these materials. This volume includes descriptions of synthesis routes of POSS and POSS-containing polymeric materials (e.g. based on polyolefines, epoxy resins and polyurethanes), presentation of POSS’ role as flame retardants and as biocompatible linker, as well as the depiction of decomposition and ageing processes.

This book provides information about the sources, structure, and properties of keratin as well as its applications. The extraction from different biomass sources (e.g. feathers, hairs, nails, horn, hoof, and claws) as well as the characterization methods of these extracted materials are explained. The development of bioproducts from keratins is challenging and limited since they are neither soluble in polar solvents nor in non-polar solvents. Therefore, the utilization of different microorganisms for the degradation of keratin is also discussed.The main aim of this book is to highlight the unique features of keratin and to update readers with the possible prospects to develop various value-added products from keratins. The book is highly interesting to researchers working in industry and academia on bioproducts, tissue engineering, biocomposites, biofilm, and biofibers.

​This book provides an introduction of how radiation is processed in polymeric materials, how materials properties are affected and how the resulting materials are analyzed. It covers synthesis, characterization, or modification of important materials, e.g. polycarbonates, polyamides and polysaccharides, using radiation. For example, a complete chapter is dedicated to the characterization of biodegradable polymers irradiated with low and heavy ions. This book will be beneficial to all polymer scientists in the development of new macromolecules and to all engineers using these materials in applications. It summarizes the fundamental knowledge and latest innovations in research fields from medicine to space.

The book focuses on the thermal transformations of various types of metal chelates, e.g. low molecular weight and polymeric metal chelates, coordination polymers and metal-organic frameworks. It analyzes the major advances and the problems in the preparation of metal oxide materials, mixed-oxide nanocomposites, carbon materials and polymer derived non-oxide nanocomposites by the thermolysis of different metal chelates. It also highlights the influence of the spatial and electronic structure of metal chelates on the mechanism and kinetics of their thermal transformations, and discusses important issues like conjugate thermolysis and computer modelling of the thermolysis process. This book is useful for researchers experienced in thermolysis as well as for young scientists interested in this area of science.

This book gives an overview of recent developments in the synthesis of macromolecules for water purification applications. The preparation of these polymers from organic and inorganic starting materials is described. Important post-polymerization modifications, introduction of functional groups and production of supramolecular assemblies and nanomaterials are shown. The synthesized materials are presented with their interesting properties and broad areas of applications. A comprehensive discussion about the engineering aspect and the usage in water treatment as well as environmental issues is given. The wide variety of materials and their synthesis techniques will encourage scientists in developing new synthesis routes and materials, whereby engineers will be encouraged to find new possible applications.

This book presents a comprehensive survey about the most recent developments in industrial applications, processing techniques and modifications of polymers from marine sources. It systematically introduces the reader to the biomaterials Chitin, Collagen, Alginates, Cellulose and Polyesters and links their interwoven industrial significance and environmental implications. The book elucidates the impact of industrial sourcing of the aquatic system for organic and inorganic matter on the environment and deepens the understanding of the industrial and economic significance of aquatic biopolymers. Further it addresses the question of how to balance the conservation of aquatic life and the industrial and economic interest in developing biodegradable alternatives for plastic. Thus the book will appeal to scientists in the field of chemistry, materials and polymer science as well as engineering.

This book presents a comprehensive survey about the most recent developments in industrial applications, processing techniques and modifications of polymers from marine sources. It systematically introduces the reader to the biomaterials Chitin, Collagen, Alginates, Cellulose and Polyesters and links their interwoven industrial significance and environmental implications. The book elucidates the impact of industrial sourcing of the aquatic system for organic and inorganic matter on the environment and deepens the understanding of the industrial and economic significance of aquatic biopolymers. Further it addresses the question of how to balance the conservation of aquatic life and the industrial and economic interest in developing biodegradable alternatives for plastic. Thus the book will appeal to scientists in the field of chemistry, materials and polymer science as well as engineering.

This book presents a comprehensive overview on origin, structure, properties, modification strategies and applications of the biopolymer lignin. It is organized into four themed parts. The first part focuses on the analysis and characterization of the second most abundant biopolymer. The following part is devoted to the biological aspects of lignin such as biosynthesis and degradation. In the third part, chemical modification strategies and the preparation of composites as well as nano- and microparticles are discussed.The final part addresses the industrial application of lignin and its derivatives, as well as lignin materials. The usage for synthesis of biofuels, fine chemicals and in agriculture and food industry is covered.This book is a comprehensive source for researchers, scientists and engineers working in the field of biopolymers as well as renewable materials and sources.

This book presents a comprehensive overview on origin, structure, properties, modification strategies and applications of the biopolymer lignin. It is organized into four themed parts. The first part focuses on the analysis and characterization of the second most abundant biopolymer. The following part is devoted to the biological aspects of lignin such as biosynthesis and degradation. In the third part, chemical modification strategies and the preparation of composites as well as nano- and microparticles are discussed.The final part addresses the industrial application of lignin and its derivatives, as well as lignin materials. The usage for synthesis of biofuels, fine chemicals and in agriculture and food industry is covered.This book is a comprehensive source for researchers, scientists and engineers working in the field of biopolymers as well as renewable materials and sources.

The book provides practical recommendations for creation of fire retardant materials with an increased service life. The enhanced fire resistance seen in these materials is based on the regularities of the chemical and physicochemical interaction of the components of intumescent composition in the process of thermolytic synthesis of heat-insulating char-foamed layers. The aim of fire protection of various objects with intumescent materials is to create a heat-insulating charred layer on the surface of structural elements; this layer can withstand high temperatures and mechanical damage which are typical during fires. The authors describe the contribution of basic components (melamine, pentaerythritol, ammonium polyphosphate), additional components (chlorinated paraffin, urea, cellulose, carbon nano additives, etc.) and polymer binders of intumescent compositions on the process of charring. The technological aspects of manufacturing, application and operation of fire retardant intumescent compositions, which can be useful for organizations that produce and use fire retardant materials, are also described.

The book provides practical recommendations for creation of fire retardant materials with an increased service life. The enhanced fire resistance seen in these materials is based on the regularities of the chemical and physicochemical interaction of the components of intumescent composition in the process of thermolytic synthesis of heat-insulating char-foamed layers. The aim of fire protection of various objects with intumescent materials is to create a heat-insulating charred layer on the surface of structural elements; this layer can withstand high temperatures and mechanical damage which are typical during fires. The authors describe the contribution of basic components (melamine, pentaerythritol, ammonium polyphosphate), additional components (chlorinated paraffin, urea, cellulose, carbon nano additives, etc.) and polymer binders of intumescent compositions on the process of charring. The technological aspects of manufacturing, application and operation of fire retardant intumescent compositions, which can be useful for organizations that produce and use fire retardant materials, are also described.

This book covers newly emerging two-dimensional nanomaterials which have been recently used for the purpose of water purification. It focuses on the synthesis methods of 2D materials and answers how scientists/engineers/nanotechnologist/environmentalists could use these materials for fabricating new separation membranes and most probably making commercially feasible technology. The chapters are written by a collection of international experts ensuring a broad view of each topic. The book will be of interest to experienced researchers as well as young scientists looking for an introduction into 2D materials-based cross-disciplinary research.

This book covers newly emerging two-dimensional nanomaterials which have been recently used for the purpose of water purification. It focuses on the synthesis methods of 2D materials and answers how scientists/engineers/nanotechnologist/environmentalists could use these materials for fabricating new separation membranes and most probably making commercially feasible technology. The chapters are written by a collection of international experts ensuring a broad view of each topic. The book will be of interest to experienced researchers as well as young scientists looking for an introduction into 2D materials-based cross-disciplinary research.

This book examines the commercial role of various microbial polysaccharides and recent advances in their production. Offering an overview of the physiological role, biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms, it also explores the current challenges regarding bioprocessing for the production of polysaccharides.

This book examines the commercial role of various microbial polysaccharides and recent advances in their production. Offering an overview of the physiological role, biosynthetic pathways and regulatory mechanisms, it also explores the current challenges regarding bioprocessing for the production of polysaccharides.

This book summarizes many of the recent research accomplishments in the area of polyvinylchloride (PVC)-based blends and their preparation, characterization and applications. Various sub-topics are addressed, such as the state-of-the-art of PVC based blends, new challenges and opportunities, emphasis being given to the types and sizes of components/fillers and optimum compositions of PVC blends, their processing and structure-properties relationships, modification/compatibilization methods, and possible applications. PVC/thermoplastic based nano, micro and macro blends, PVC membranes, bio-based plasticizers and PVC blends with components from renewable resources are reported. The various chapters in this book are contributed by prominent researchers from industry, academia and government/private research laboratories across the globe. It covers an up-to-date record on the major findings and observations in the field of PVC-based blends.

This book summarizes many of the recent research accomplishments in the area of polyvinylchloride (PVC)-based blends and their preparation, characterization and applications. Various sub-topics are addressed, such as the state-of-the-art of PVC based blends, new challenges and opportunities, emphasis being given to the types and sizes of components/fillers and optimum compositions of PVC blends, their processing and structure-properties relationships, modification/compatibilization methods, and possible applications. PVC/thermoplastic based nano, micro and macro blends, PVC membranes, bio-based plasticizers and PVC blends with components from renewable resources are reported. The various chapters in this book are contributed by prominent researchers from industry, academia and government/private research laboratories across the globe. It covers an up-to-date record on the major findings and observations in the field of PVC-based blends.

The book provides an up-to-date account of the various techniques of fabrication & functionalization of electrospun nanofibers as well as recent advancements. An overview of the advanced applications of such techniques in different areas is also presented. Both experimental and theoretical approaches related to electrospun nanofibers are covered along with a discussion on the inherent properties of electrospun nanofibers. Therefore, this book provides a unique resource not only to established researchers but also newcomers starting out in this field.

The book provides an up-to-date account of the various techniques of fabrication & functionalization of electrospun nanofibers as well as recent advancements. An overview of the advanced applications of such techniques in different areas is also presented. Both experimental and theoretical approaches related to electrospun nanofibers are covered along with a discussion on the inherent properties of electrospun nanofibers. Therefore, this book provides a unique resource not only to established researchers but also newcomers starting out in this field.

This book emphasizes various challenges and opportunities in biopolymers and identifying their potential applications in various fields including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics. It offers an overview of the environmental-related issues, regulatory and legislative issues,  green extraction technologies, and sustainability challenges. It will be interesting and valuable for researchers working in the related field.

This book emphasizes various challenges and opportunities in biopolymers and identifying their potential applications in various fields including food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and electronics. It offers an overview of the environmental-related issues, regulatory and legislative issues,  green extraction technologies, and sustainability challenges. It will be interesting and valuable for researchers working in the related field.

This book provides an overview of the initiation of combustion processes of polymeric materials. It presents physicochemical processes associated with heating as well as numerical methods for initiation parameter calculation. In addition, the book describes thermal degradation of polymers and the effect of an incident heat flux on initiation time. It then highlights the most commonly used devices for measuring the time to ignition using external heat sources. The target group of this book are scientists and researchers dealing with materials combustion and also graduates and practitioners focused on fire protection.

This book provides an overview of the initiation of combustion processes of polymeric materials. It presents physicochemical processes associated with heating as well as numerical methods for initiation parameter calculation. In addition, the book describes thermal degradation of polymers and the effect of an incident heat flux on initiation time. It then highlights the most commonly used devices for measuring the time to ignition using external heat sources. The target group of this book are scientists and researchers dealing with materials combustion and also graduates and practitioners focused on fire protection.

This book provides an overview of the latest technology and advances in the field of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and their diverse applications in healthcare diagnostics, food safety and quality, as well as environmental monitoring. Divided into 3 parts, the book offers an introduction to the basics of molecular imprinting and affinity materials, followed by an outline of the main sensor applications and the contribution of smart nanomaterials to molecular imprinting. The last part of the book compares MIP-based diagnostics technologies with antibody- and aptamer-based diagnostics, and discusses existing and further commercial opportunities for MIPs.Through this book, readers will get a wide range of information from basics to advanced applications in the molecular imprinting area and discover the impact of integrated approaches such as computational studies and nanotechnology on the development of imprinting techniques for biotechnological applications covering healthcare, environmental and food safety research.With its rich content, the book is a unique contribution to the field and it holds great potential to be a reference work not only for researchers working in the field but also for the researchers who plan to design collaborative research projects to contribute to their particular field (e.g., medical scientists, medical doctors, agricultural or food engineers).

This book provides an overview of the latest technology and advances in the field of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and their diverse applications in healthcare diagnostics, food safety and quality, as well as environmental monitoring. Divided into 3 parts, the book offers an introduction to the basics of molecular imprinting and affinity materials, followed by an outline of the main sensor applications and the contribution of smart nanomaterials to molecular imprinting. The last part of the book compares MIP-based diagnostics technologies with antibody- and aptamer-based diagnostics, and discusses existing and further commercial opportunities for MIPs.Through this book, readers will get a wide range of information from basics to advanced applications in the molecular imprinting area and discover the impact of integrated approaches such as computational studies and nanotechnology on the development of imprinting techniques for biotechnological applications covering healthcare, environmental and food safety research.With its rich content, the book is a unique contribution to the field and it holds great potential to be a reference work not only for researchers working in the field but also for the researchers who plan to design collaborative research projects to contribute to their particular field (e.g., medical scientists, medical doctors, agricultural or food engineers).

This book presents a comprehensive overview of bio-nanocomposites, from the fundamentals to emerging biomedical applications. Bio-nanocomposites have established themselves as a promising class of hybrid materials derived from natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers and organic/inorganic fillers. Different compositions can, therefore, lead to different applications based on the desired performance. This book introduces a variety of biopolymer nanocomposites, from their synthesis to their structure and applications. The fundamentals and systematic advancements in synthesizing bio-nanocomposites and their characterizations have been highlighted. In addition, the biocompatible and bridgeable properties of bio-nanocomposites are investigated in terms of functionalization, dispersion, and surface manipulation. This book also provides insights into the most recent research in bio-nanocomposites as applied to biomedical fields, including tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, food packaging, agriculture, sensors, and therapies. Finally, the book proposes future prospects and challenges associated with bio-nanocomposites to achieve the desired performance in targeted biomedical applications. Given its scope, this book interests students, academics, and researchers working on the synthesis, biological applications, and pharmaceutical uses of biopolymers and associated nanocomposites.

This book presents a comprehensive overview of bio-nanocomposites, from the fundamentals to emerging biomedical applications. Bio-nanocomposites have established themselves as a promising class of hybrid materials derived from natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers and organic/inorganic fillers. Different compositions can, therefore, lead to different applications based on the desired performance. This book introduces a variety of biopolymer nanocomposites, from their synthesis to their structure and applications. The fundamentals and systematic advancements in synthesizing bio-nanocomposites and their characterizations have been highlighted. In addition, the biocompatible and bridgeable properties of bio-nanocomposites are investigated in terms of functionalization, dispersion, and surface manipulation. This book also provides insights into the most recent research in bio-nanocomposites as applied to biomedical fields, including tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, food packaging, agriculture, sensors, and therapies. Finally, the book proposes future prospects and challenges associated with bio-nanocomposites to achieve the desired performance in targeted biomedical applications. Given its scope, this book interests students, academics, and researchers working on the synthesis, biological applications, and pharmaceutical uses of biopolymers and associated nanocomposites.

This book brings together a collection of groundbreaking research papers, offering an in-depth exploration of the latest developments, methodologies, and future possibilities of natural fiber composites in the dynamic field of materials science and engineering. Within these pages, it discovers the intricate world of fabrication techniques for hybrid composites based on natural fibers and various matrix materials. This book unravels the secrets behind the enhanced mechanical properties of natural fiber hybrids, showcasing remarkable tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus improvements. It explores the impact of alkaline treatments on the mechanical properties of reinforcement materials through detailed morphological studies and FTIR analyses. Comparative studies between epoxy-matrix-based and EcoPoxy (Bio resin) matrix-based hybrid composites reveal intriguing insights, while investigations into basalt and E-glass woven-fiber-based epoxy hybrid composites with graphite filler material showcase superior mechanical properties. Moreover, this book goes beyond presenting findings; it sets the stage for future research. Proposals for further investigations include exploring diverse chemical treatments for natural fibers, studying the effects of various filler materials, analyzing moisture absorption behavior, and expanding the application scope of natural fiber hybrid composites. Whether you're an experienced researcher, an engineering enthusiast, or a student entering the captivating realm of materials science, this book will be a valuable resource. This book takes a profound journey into the advancements, challenges, and potential applications of natural fiber hybrid composites, shaping the future of sustainable engineering solutions and innovative materials with advancements in natural fiber hybrid composites.