Reducing the amount of solid wastes in landfills is one of the main targets in nowadays wastes treatment. To this direction, there is a great need in finding of smart recycling techniques which should, as is possible, to be environmentally friendly. The intention of this book is to present some recent methods for the recycling of several materials, including plastics and wood, as well as to show the importance of composting of polymers. It targets professionals, recycling companies, researchers, academics and graduate students in the fields of waste management and polymer recycling in addition to chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry and physics. This book comprises 5 chapters covering areas such as, recycling of polystyrene, polyesters, PC, WEEE and wood waste, together with compostable polymers and nanocomposites.

THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER COMPOSITES The monograph represents a life-long career in industry and academia and creates an exhaustive and comprehensive narrative that gives a complete understanding of important and state-of-the-art aspects of polymer composites including processing, properties, performance, applications & recyclability. Based on 40 years’ experience in both industry and academia, the author’s goal is to make a comprehensive and up-to-date account that gives a complete understanding of various aspects of polymer composites covering processing, properties, performance, applications & recyclability. Divided into 8 main chapters, the book treats thermoplastics vs. thermosets and the processing of thermoplastics; filled polymer composites; short fiber reinforced composites; long fiber reinforced composites; continuous fiber reinforced composites; nanocomposites; applications; and recycling polymer composites. Readers can have confidence that: Thermoplastic Polymer Composites (TPC) gives a comprehensive understanding of polymer composites’ processing, properties, applications, and their recyclability; Provides a complete understanding of man-made as well as natural fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and explores in depth how short fiber, long fiber, and continuous fiber can transform the entire domain of composites’ processing and properties; Provides a deep understanding of nanocomposites with more than 50 examples covering both commodities as well as engineering thermoplastics. It presents conducting composites and several bio-medical applications of composites that are already passed through laboratories. Audience This unique reference book will be of great value to researchers and postgraduate students in materials science, polymer science, as well industry engineers in plastics manufacturing. Those working in product development laboratories of polymer and allied industries will also find it helpful.

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.

ELECTRONIC WASTE MANAGEMENT Current knowledge on electronic waste management strategies, along with future challenges and solutions, supported by case studies Electronic Waste Management maps out numerous aspects of health and environmental impacts associated with electronic waste, thoroughly detailing what we can expect in terms of the use of electronic products and the management of electronic waste in the future. The book assists readers in grasping the fundamentals of the entire e-waste system by covering various factors related to the health and environmental impacts of electronic waste, as well as a perspective on the subject based on current global recycling strategies. Presented in a straightforward and scientific manner, the book also covers many electronic waste management process technologies. By inviting together, a diverse group of experts, including researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals who generously shared their knowledge and experiences in the field to tackling this global issue, Electronic Waste Management enables readers to foster a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding electronic waste and to explore innovative solutions that can help mitigate its adverse effects on the environment and health of human and animals. Sample topics covered in Electronic Waste Management include: Global electronic waste management strategies and different global waste models, including their social, ecological, and economical aspects Economic impacts of e-waste, including cleanup costs and global loss of valuable resources like metals and plastics Value creation from electronic waste (closing the loop) and future prospects in sustainable development Negative impacts of e-waste, including environmental pollution and human health risks, such as when harmful chemicals leach into water sources Electronic Waste Management serves as a highly valuable resource for anyone involved in the global e-waste arena, including producers, users, recyclers, policymakers, academics, researchers, and health workers, by increasing knowledge and awareness surrounding health and environmental impacts that electronic waste poses.

This book presents the applications of high-energy beam radiation for synthesis and processing of polymeric materials. It addresses fundamental nature of high energy i.e., ionizing radiations and interaction with monomers and polymers leading to a wide variety of products such as tyres, textiles, shape memory polymers, polymers for aviation and space applications, polymeric biomaterials and natural rubber latex. It discusses general principles and techniques of preparation of polymeric materials including polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites. It also includes the topic of radiation-assisted recycling of polymers through breaking of covalent bonds. This book will be useful for students, researchers and professionals in the areas of polymers science and technology, radiation technology, electron beam technology, gamma radiation technology, advanced materials technology, biomaterials technology, nanotechnology, membrane science technology and environmental science.

Compostable Polymer Materials, Second Edition, deals with the environmentally important family of polymers designed to be disposed of in industrial and municipal compost facilities after their useful life. These compostable plastics undergo degradation and leave no visible, distinguishable, or toxic residue. Environmental concerns and legislative measures taken in different regions of the world make composting an increasingly attractive route for the disposal of redundant polymers.This book covers the entire spectrum of preparation, degradation, and evironmental issues related to compostable polymers. It emphasizes recent studies concerning compostability and ecotoxilogical assessment of polymer materials. It descibes the thermal behavior, including flammability properties, of compostable polymers. It also explores possible routes of compostable polymers waste disposal through an ecological lens. Finally, the book examines the economic factors at work, including price evolution over the past decade, the current market, and future perspectives. Compostable Polymer Materials is an essential resource for graduate students and scientists working in chemistry, materials science, ecology, and environmental science. - Provides a comprehensive study of the composting process - Details methods of compostable polymers preparation, including properties, processing and applications - Presents the state-of-the-art knowledge on ecotoxicity testing and biodegradation under real composting conditions of compostable polymers, as well as biodegradation in various environments, such as marine environments and anaerobic conditions - Discusses the evolution of waste management in Europe and the United States, as well as the status of MSW disposal and treatment methods in countries such as China and Brazil - Overviews biodegradation studies under real composting conditions of products made of compostable polymers, e.g. bags, bottles, cutletry - Analyzes evolution of market development, including price of compostable polymers during the last decade

Nanoparticle-Based Polymer Composites discusses recent advancements on the synthesis, processing, characterization and applications of this new class of hybrid materials. Chapters cover recycling and lifecycle assessment, with contributions from leading researchers in industry, academics, the government and private research institutes from across the globe. As nanoparticle-based polymer composites are now replacing traditional polymer composites in a broad range of applications such as fuel cells, electronic and biomedical devices, this book presents the latest advancements in the field.Studies have shown that incorporating metal nanoparticles in polymer matrices can improve their mechanical, thermal, electrical and barrier properties. The unique combination of these properties makes this new class of materials suitable for a broad range of different and advanced applications. - Features recent advancements on the synthesis, processing and characterization of nanoparticle-based polymer composites - Discusses recycling and lifecycle assessment - Highly application-orientated, with contributions from leading international researchers in industry, academia, the government and private research institutes