This book provides an overview on the latest advances in the synthesis, properties and applications of geopolymers reinforced with natural fibres such as pulp fibre, cotton, sisal, flax and hemp. The influence of adding various natural fibres and nanofillers on the mechanical properties of these composites is discussed. Potential challenges and future directions of these composites are highlighted and addressed. The content of this book caters to students, researchers and academics who are interested in the synthesis and applications of geopolymers composites.

Composite materials have been well developed to meet the challenges of high-performing material properties targeting engineering and structural applications. The ability of composite materials to absorb stresses and dissipate strain energy is vastly superior to that of other materials such as polymers and ceramics, and thus they offer engineers many mechanical, thermal, chemical and damage-tolerance advantages with limited drawbacks such as brittleness. Composite Materials: Manufacturing, Properties and Applications presents a comprehensive review of current status and future directions, latest technologies and innovative work, challenges and opportunities for composite materials. The chapters present latest advances and comprehensive coverage of material types, design, fabrication, modelling, properties and applications from conventional composite materials to advanced composites such as nanocomposites, self-healing and smart composites. The book targets researchers in the field of advanced composite materials and ceramics, students of materials science and engineering at the postgraduate level, as well as material engineers and scientists working in industrial R& D sectors for composite material manufacturing. - Comprehensive coverage of material types, design, fabrication, modelling, properties and applications from conventional composite materials to advanced composites such as nanocomposites, self-healing and smart composites - Features latest advances in terms of mechanical properties and other material parameters which are essential for designers and engineers in the composite and composite reinforcement manufacturing industry, as well as all those with an academic research interest in the subject - Offers a good platform for end users to refer to the latest technologies and topics fitting into specific applications and specific methods to tackle manufacturing or material processing issues in relation to different types of composite materials

Advances in Ceramic Matrix Composites, Second Edition, delivers an innovative approach to ceramic matrix composites, focusing on the latest advances and materials developments. As advanced ceramics and composite materials are increasingly utilized as components in batteries, fuel cells, sensors, high-temperature electronics, membranes and high-end biomedical devices, and in seals, valves, implants, and high-temperature and wear components, this book explores the substantial progress in new applications. Users will gain knowledge of the latest advances in CMCs, with an update on the role of ceramics in the fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for energy generation, and on natural fiber-reinforced eco-friendly geopolymer and cement composites. The specialized information contained in this book will be highly valuable to researchers and graduate students in ceramic science, engineering and ceramic composites technology, and engineers and scientists in the aerospace, energy, building and construction, biomedical and automotive industries. - Provides detailed coverage of parts and processing, properties and applications - Includes new developments in the field, such as natural fiber-reinforced composites and the use of CMCs in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) - Presents state-of-the-art research, enabling the reader to understand the latest applications for CMCs

Plant Fibers, their Composites, and Applications provides a systematic and comprehensive account of recent research into plant fibers, including the synthesis of plant fiber reinforced polymer composites, characterization techniques, and a broad spectrum of applications.Plant fibers have generated great interest among material scientists due to their characteristics, which include availability, low cost, biodegradability, easy processability, excellent thermo-mechanical properties, low acoustic properties. They have been proven to be excellent replacements for synthetic fibers and have found applications in advanced polymer composites.Coverage includes every stage of working with plant fibers, including synthesis, processing, characterization, applications, recycling, and life cycle assessment of plant fibers and their composites. Drawing on work from leading researchers in industry, academia, government and private research institutions across the globe, this is a definitive one-stop reference for anyone working with plant fibers. - Addresses emerging applications of plant fiber reinforced polymer composites in automotive, aerospace and construction and building applications - Provides detailed coverage of the modern processing technologies and synthesis for plant fibers and their composites - Includes valuable technical information relating to a range of new and nonconventional plant fibers

Advanced Fiber-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Composites: Design, Mechanical Properties, and Durability covers various fiber types and their usage as a sustainable material as well as their influence on mechanical properties and behavior, including compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact and bond resistance. Their durability in different environments (seawater, magnesium sulphate, sulphuric acid, elevated temperature, corrosive) is also discussed. The book also outlines a variety of mix design and curing regimes for alkali-activated composites. The additive manufacturing of these composites is also covered. Different types of fiber-reinforced alkali-activated composites discussed include steel fiber-reinforced, carbon fiber-reinforced, natural fiber-reinforced, synthetic fiber-reinforced, and others. - Discusses different fiber types and their effects on alkali-activated composite materials - Includes coverage of compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact and bond resistance, and more - Investigates the durability of these materials, studying how they perform in seawater, elevated temperature environments, and under sulphuric acid attacks - Covers the shrinkage resistance, permeability and corrosion performance of these materials

The collection focuses on the advancements of characterization of minerals, metals, and materials and the applications of characterization results on the processing of these materials. Advanced characterization methods, techniques, and new instruments are emphasized. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: · Extraction and processing of various types of minerals, process-structure-property relationship of metal alloys, glasses, ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors, and carbon using as functional and structural materials. · Novel methods and techniques for characterizing materials across a spectrum of systems and processes. · Characterization of mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, dielectric, magnetic, physical, and other properties of materials. · Characterization of structural, morphological, and topographical natures of materials at micro- and nano- scales. · Characterization of extraction and processing including process development and analysis. · Advances in instrument developments for microstructure analysis and performance evaluation of materials, such as computer tomography (CT), X-ray and neutron diffraction, electron microscopy (SEM, FIB, TEM), and spectroscopy (EDS, WDS, EBSD) techniques. · 2D and 3D modelling for materials characterization.

This book presents selected high-quality research papers submitted to ICNF 2017, the 3rd International Conference on Natural Fibers, which was held in Braga, Portugal, on 21–23 June 2017. It discusses the latest research and developments in the field and covers a wide range of topics related to various aspects of natural-fiber composites, such as production and processing of raw materials, surface modification and functionalization, advanced fibrous structures for composites, nano fibers, experimental characterization, modeling and analysis, design and product development, applications, market potential, and environmental impacts. The book presents the latest research work addressing different approaches and techniques to improve processing, performance, functionalities and cost-effectiveness of natural-fibers composites, in order to increase their applications in different industrial sectors such as automobiles, transportation, construction, and sport. & nbsp;