Conference proceedings of the Fourteenth American Society for Composites held on the September 27-29 1999 at the Holiday Inn-1675 Conference Centre, Fairborn, Ohio.

Green Composites for Automotive Applications presents cutting-edge, comprehensive reviews on the industrial applications of green composites. The book provides an elaborative assessment of both academic and industrial research on eco-design, durability issues, environmental performance, and future trends. Particular emphasis is placed on the processing and characterization of green composites, specific types of materials, such as thermoset and thermoplastic, nanocomposites, sandwich, and polymer biofoams. Additional sections cover lifecycle and risk analysis. As such, this book is an essential reference resource for R&D specialists working in materials science, automotive, chemical, and environmental engineering, as well as R&D managers in industry. - Contains contributions from leading experts in the field - Covers experimental, analytical and numerical analysis - Deals with most important automotive aspects - Provides a special section dedicated to lifecycle assessment

Encyclopedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials, Five Volume Set provides a comprehensive overview, covering research and development on all aspects of renewable, recyclable and sustainable materials. The use of renewable and sustainable materials in building construction, the automotive sector, energy, textiles and others can create markets for agricultural products and additional revenue streams for farmers, as well as significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, manufacturing energy requirements, manufacturing costs and waste. This book provides researchers, students and professionals in materials science and engineering with tactics and information as they face increasingly complex challenges around the development, selection and use of construction and manufacturing materials. Covers a broad range of topics not available elsewhere in one resource Arranged thematically for ease of navigation Discusses key features on processing, use, application and the environmental benefits of renewable and sustainable materials Contains a special focus on sustainability that will lead to the reduction of carbon emissions and enhance protection of the natural environment with regard to sustainable materials

Hybrid Polymer Composite Materials: Properties and Characterisation presents the latest on these composite materials that can best be described as materials that are comprised of synthetic polymers and biological/inorganic/organic derived constituents. The combination of unique properties that emerge as a consequence of the particular arrangement and interactions between the different constituents provides immense opportunities for advanced material technologies. This series of four volumes brings an interdisciplinary effort to accomplish a more detailed understanding of the interplay between synthesis, structure, characterization, processing, applications, and performance of these advanced materials, with this volume focusing on their properties and characterization. - Provides a clear understanding of the present state-of-the-art and the growing utility of hybrid polymer composite materials - Includes contributions from world renowned experts and discusses the combination of different kinds of materials procured from diverse resources - Discusses their synthesis, chemistry, processing, fundamental properties, and applications - Provides insights on the potential of hybrid polymer composite materials for advanced applications

Biocomposites – Bio-based Fibres and Polymers from Renewable Resources: Processing, Performance, Durability and Applications provides a systematic and comprehensive review of recent developments in this important area of research. Chapters discuss novel techniques for processing and the characterization of biocomposites derived from renewable resources, focusing on durability, strength prediction, aging methods and performance evaluation. Future trends, directions and opportunities are also addressed. Readers will find an up-to-date summary of recent research findings that have been conducted on biocomposites, making this an essential reference resource for academic and industrial researchers and anyone working in the development of innovative materials from renewable resources. - Provides wide coverage of processing methods, mechanical performance and industrial applications - Emphasizes durability assessment of natural fiber composites in different environments