In the last several years, polymer composites have been used heavily in the construction sector, such as to repair or design buildings and bridges, strengthen structures and as stand-alone components. About 30% of all polymers produced each year are used in the civil engineering and building industries. In addition to construction, polymer composites are also used in transportation (moulded parts, fuel and gas tanks), aerospace (satellites and aircraft structures), marine, biomedical (dental fixtures, prosthetic devices), electronics and in recreation industries. Such properties associated with polymer composites, in addition to its performance and applications, are continually being researched. Some topics examined in this book include the durability of the base components of FRP (fiber-reinforced polymer), specifically designed for civil engineering industry. The most common environmental agents, mostly responsible for the deterioration of the materials performance are also discussed. Furthermore, the interfacial adhesion between nanotubes and polymers and the different strategies to promote adhesion are explored to help readers understand the potential and challenges faced by scientists and engineers regarding the use of carbon nanotubes as a reinforcement phase in nanocomposites. This book also reviews the state-of-the-art of syntactic foams and shape memory polymers. The underlying principle for self-heating is also analyzed. Other chapters examine the processing of polymers into antimicrobial materials using polymer/clay nanotechnology, the various methods of synthesis for polyaniline-based nanoparticle-hybrid materials, and the steps towards understanding the complex relationships between specific factors in the production of plastic composites.

The Encyclopedia of Polymers and Composites provides all details of Polymeric Materials Science and Technology including historical developments, present status, and future potential. In 15 volumes, the Encyclopedia of Polymers and Composites covers: polymeric materials, engineering polymer blends, particulate and fibrous polymeric composite materials, that are the key materials for technology in the 21st Century. Fundamentals of structure of these materials are presented. Properties and effects of various parameters, like time and temperature on them are explained. Testing and Characterization of these materials as per global standard for various applications is presented. Individual polymers, blends, and composites are described, and several representative examples are also provided. The Encyclopedia also provides directions for future developments. It is organized in alphabetical order.

Undoubtedly the applications of polymers are rapidly evolving. Technology is continually changing and quickly advancing as polymers are needed to solve a variety of day-to-day challenges leading to improvements in quality of life. The Encyclopedia of Polymer Applications presents state-of-the-art research and development on the applications of polymers. This groundbreaking work provides important overviews to help stimulate further advancements in all areas of polymers. This comprehensive multi-volume reference includes articles contributed from a diverse and global team of renowned researchers. It offers a broad-based perspective on a multitude of topics in a variety of applications, as well as detailed research information, figures, tables, illustrations, and references. The encyclopedia provides introductions, classifications, properties, selection, types, technologies, shelf-life, recycling, testing and applications for each of the entries where applicable. It features critical content for both novices and experts including, engineers, scientists (polymer scientists, materials scientists, biomedical engineers, macromolecular chemists), researchers, and students, as well as interested readers in academia, industry, and research institutions.

The Polymeric Materials Encyclopedia presents state-of-the-art research and development on the synthesis, properties, and applications of polymeric materials. This groundbreaking work includes the largest number of contributors in the world for a reference publication in polymer science, and examines many fields not covered in any other reference. With multiple articles on many subjects, the encyclopedia offers you a broad-based perspective on a multitude of topics, as well as detailed research information, figures, tables, illustrations, and references. Updates published as new research unfolds will continue to provide you with the latest advances in polymer science, and will keep the encyclopedia at the forefront of the field well into the future. From novices to experienced researchers in the field, anyone and everyone working in polymer science today needs this complete assessment of the state of the art. The entire 12-volume set will be available in your choice of printed or CD-ROM format.

Concise Encyclopedia of Composite Materials draws its material from the award-winning Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology, and includes updates and revisions not available in the original set. This customized collection of articles provides a handy reference for materials scientists and engineers with an interest in composite materials made from polymers, metals, ceramics, carbon, biocomposites, nanocomposites, wood, cement, fibers, etc. - Brings together articles from the Encyclopedia of Materials: Science & Technology that focus on the essentials of composite materials, including recent updates - Every article has been commissioned and written by an internationally recognized expert and provides a concise overview of a particular aspect of the field - Enables rapid reference; extensive bibliographies, cross-referencing and indexes guide the user to the most relevant reading in the primary literature - Covers areas of active research, such as biomaterials and porous materials

A complete and timely overview of the topic, this volume imparts knowledge of fundamental principles and their applications for academicians, scientists and researchers, while informing engineers, industrialists and entrepreneurs of the current state of the technology and its utilization. Each article is uniformly structured for easy navigation, containing the latest research & development and its basic principles and applications, examples of case studies, laboratory and pilot plant experiments, as well as due reference to the published and patented literature.