The present book focuses on the preparation, properties, characterisation and applications of polymer nanocomposites. The various manufacturing techniques, analysis of morphology, filler dispersion, and interfacial interactions have been described are detail. In the case of polymer nanocomposites, filler dispersion, intercalation/exfoliation, orientation and filler-matrix interaction are the main parameters that determine the physical, thermal, transport, mechanical and rheological properties of the nanocomposites. In this book the ultimate properties of the nanocomposites have been correlated with the key parameters of filler dispersion and filler-matrix interaction. The use of various sophisticated instrument techniques for the characterisation of these nanocomposites are also reviewed.

"Polymer nanocomposites have attracted a great deal of attention during the past few decades. Benefiting from the nanoscale geometry, immense surface-to-volume ratio, and exceptional chemical and physical properties, nanoparticles are theoretically expected to enhance the performance of polymer systems. In practice, the preparation of polymer nanocomposites brings its own challenges. To achieve the best reinforcing effect, nanoparticles should be uniformly dispersed within the polymer matrix, and effectively interact with the polymer chains. The strong attractive forces that exist at molecular levels between the nanoparticles through their extensive interfacial area make it very challenging to overcome these issues. Furthermore, the presence of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix significantly alters the processing condition of the polymer system. Therefore, the main objective of this thesis is to investigate the dispersion and interfacial interactions in polymer nanocomposites. To avoid the uncertainties associated with the visual and qualitative analysis of dispersion, which is commonly used by the researchers, a robust algorithm was developed to automatically quantify the state of dispersion in optical and electron micrographs. Several experiments were carried out to perceive the influence of surface modification of nanoparticles on the performance of polymer nanocomposites. Two different material systems were examined: organoclay-modified polylactide (PLA), and carbon nanotube (CNT)-modified epoxy. It was shown that the proper surface modification of nanoparticles could facilitate the dispersion, and consequently, enhance the mechanical and physical performance of the host polymer. To understand the effect of processing conditions on the dispersion quality of nanocomposites, a systematic study on the dispersion stability of CNT-modified epoxy resin was performed. It was found out that at elevated temperatures, CNTs show little affinity for the resin; thereby, any factors that promote the possibility of contacts between the nanotubes may result in their reagglomeration. Consequently, during processing, the dispersion stability is highly influenced with the flow-induced mobility of nanotubes resulting from external shear forces or a change in the viscosity. The insights gained throughout this investigation can be used to optimize the processing conditions and manufacturing methods for maintaining a stable dispersion during processing, and consequently obtaining nanocomposites with enhanced performance. " --

Discover a one-stop resource for in-depth knowledge on epoxy composites from leading voices in the field Used in a wide variety of materials engineering applications, epoxy composites are highly relevant to the work of engineers and scientists in many fields. Recent developments have allowed for significant advancements in their preparation, processing and characterization that are highly relevant to the aerospace and automobile industry, among others. In Epoxy Composites: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications, a distinguished team of authors and editors deliver a comprehensive and straightforward summary of the most recent developments in the area of epoxy composites. The book emphasizes their preparation, characterization and applications, providing a complete understanding of the correlation of rheology, cure reaction, morphology, and thermo-mechanical properties with filler dispersion. Readers will learn about a variety of topics on the cutting-edge of epoxy composite fabrication and characterization, including smart epoxy composites, theoretical modeling, recycling and environmental issues, safety issues, and future prospects for these highly practical materials. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to epoxy composites, their synthesis and manufacturing, and micro- and nano-scale structure formation in epoxy and clay nanocomposites An exploration of long fiber reinforced epoxy composites and eco-friendly epoxy-based composites Practical discussions of the processing of epoxy composites based on carbon nanomaterials and the thermal stability and flame retardancy of epoxy composites An analysis of the spectroscopy and X-ray scattering studies of epoxy composites Perfect for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and mechanical engineers, Epoxy Composites: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications will also earn a place in the libraries of engineering scientists working in industry and process engineers seeking a comprehensive and exhaustive resource on epoxy composites.

This book covers all aspects of the different classes of nanomaterials – from synthesis to application. It investigates in detail the use and feasibility of developing nanocomposites with these nanomaterials as reinforcements. The book encompasses synthesis and properties of cellulose nanofibers, bacterial nanocellulose, carbon nanotubes / nanofibers, graphene, nanodiamonds, nanoclays, inorganic nanomaterials and their nanocomposites for high-end applications such as electronic devices, energy storage, structural and packaging. The book also provides insight into various modification techniques for improving the functionality of nanomaterials apart from their compatibility with the base matrix.

This book examines the current state of the art, new challenges, opportunities, and applications in the area of polymer nanocomposites. Special attention has been paid to the processing-morphology-structure-property relationship of the system. Various unresolved issues and new challenges in the field of polymer nanocompostes are discussed. The infl

Nanocomposites are currently defined "as a multiphase solid material where one of the phases has one, two or three dimensions of less than 100 nanometers or structures having nano-scale repeat distances between the different phases that make up the material". The use of nanocomposites with polymer, metal or ceramic matrices has increased in various areas of engineering and technology due to their special properties, with applications in bioengineering, battery cathodes, automotives, sensors and computers, as well other advanced industries. The present volume aims to provide recent information on nanocomposites (materials manufacturing and engineering) in six chapters. The chapter 1 of the book provides information on synthesis and characterization of ceramic hollow nanocomposites and nanotraps. Chapter 2 is dedicated to recent advances on preparation, properties and applications polyurathene nanocomposites. Chapter 3 described preparation, characterization and properties of organoclays, carbon nanofibers and carbon nanotubes based polymer nanocomposites. Chapter 4 contains information on mechanical and wear properties of multi-scale phase reinforced composites. Chapter 5 described modeling mechanical properties of nanocomposites Finally, chapter 6 is dedicated to polyanaline derivates and carbon nanotubes and their characterization. This book is the essential reference for academics, materials and physics researchers, materials, mechanical and manufacturing engineers, and professionals in nanocomposite-related industries.