Reinforced Syntactic Foams: Effect of Nano and Micro-Scale Reinforcement examines the fabrication processes, mechanism of reinforcement, and structure-property correlations of reinforced syntactic foams. The authors present the state of the art in this field, compare the properties of various types of syntactic foam systems comprising different matrix, hollow particle, and reinforcement materials. The book further identifies theories useful in predicting the properties of reinforced syntactic foams and conducting parametric studies to understand the possibility for tailoring their properties.

Introduces readers to the far-reaching uses of polymer matrix syntactic foams for developing structures which require lightweight, but high mechanical, properties A cohesive introduction to polymer matrix syntactic foams, this book helps readers understand how the innovative use of porosity can help in developing lightweight materials with high mechanical properties. The author provides a detailed comparison of syntactic foams with other lightweight materials, which are presented in terms of mechanical properties and failure mechanisms. Comparison charts are also included for mechanical properties such as strength and modulus with respect to density. The book also lays the foundation for understanding the matrix materials and microspheres that are typically utilized in the making of these lightweight materials. How the properties and characteristics of syntactic foams can be further improved via the use of reinforcement materials such as nanoparticles, nanofibers, conventional fibers and toughening rubbers, are also considered. By focusing on structural characteristics, the author ensures that readers without an advanced technical background can engage with the subject Includes comparison charts, comparing syntactic foams with other lightweight materials, to visually show trends between them in a clear manner Features a large collection of micrographs of raw materials and different types of syntactic foams Types and applications covered include self healing syntactic foams and metal matrix syntactic foams for weight saving applications such as in aerospace design Coverage of production and processing enables readers to integrate processes into established production chains Growing topics in the area such as nano aspects are also considered Essential reading for Practicing engineers in boat, ship, and aircraft industries working on composite materials, Mechanical engineers, Product designers, Aerospace, Automotive and Naval Industry personnel.

Complete guide for materials, engineering, modeling and processing of novel syntactic material Lightweight metal-type foams for aeronautical, recreational and electronic applications Focused on a new type of material, the book investigates the elements, synthesis and practical applications of metal matrix syntactic foams, which share properties of foams and metal matrix composites. The text reviews how syntactic foams are synthesized from different types of hollow particles and metal matrixes. Part one explains processing techniques such as solidification and powder metallurgy and discusses foams made from a variety of matrix metals. Part two compares different syntactic foams based on density and strain rate. Original experimental data and modeling information are provided that show how metal matrix syntactic foams can be used for lighter weight components in vehicles, as well as for sensors and biomaterials.

Syntactic foams are particulate polymer matrix composite materials consisting of hollow microspheres dispersed in a matrix. The matrix used in syntactic foams can be polymer, metal, or ceramic. Polymer matrices, particularly the thermosetting polymers, have been the most widely accepted matrices in syntactic foams. From the processing and application point of view, thermosetting syntactic foams have many advantages compared to thermoplastic ones. This chapter deals with syntactic foams based on various thermosetting resins and the chemistry of the resin systems. The resin systems are mainly phenolic, epoxy, cyanate ester, siloxane, polybenzoxazine, bismaleimide, and their blends. Apart from a brief chemistry of the parent resin systems, their syntactic foams have been described in detail. The aspects discussed are their processing, physical, thermal, and mechanical properties, applications, and degradation. Their properties can be engineered by a choice of matrix, microcell structure and its concentration, reinforcement, toughners, etc. While the thermal and thermo-physical characteristics are dictated by resin, mechanical and fracture characteristics are decided by both components. While epoxy, cyanate ester, and other such compounds provide structural syntactic foams, phenolics and their new generation versions provide thermo-structural materials. Syntactic foam ablators have made possible interplanetary space missions. Novel engineering concepts like lightweight self-healing give scope for extended applications of these systems. The recent advances in these areas are also discussed. These special materials with high specific strength are slated to replace conventional structural and thermo-structural materials in related engineering applications ranging from domestic to aerospace and defense.

This book presents a unique approach to developing lightweight feedstock material for 3D printing of structural components for weight-sensitive structural applications across aerospace, automobile, and marine regimes. In addition to making wide feedstock materials choices available for AM industry, the content also presents a novel approach of 3D printing of lightweight core sandwich composites, all at once. It discusses the process of fused filament fabrication (FFF) as one of the most widely used additive manufacturing (AM) techniques to fabricate lightweight complex functional parts with zero tooling cost, lower energy, and reduced material consumption. The chapters presented in this book deal with a special class of lightweight feedstock material development, synthesis of the developed filaments, optimization of 3D printing parameters on a commercially available FFF-based printer, mechanical and dynamic property investigations of prints, and finally demonstration of 3D-printed industrial-scale lightweight components. This book guides students, researchers, and industrial professionals in lightweight materials design and development.

Marine Composites: Design and Performance presents up-to-date information and recent research findings on the application and use of advanced fibre-reinforced composites in the marine environment. Following the success of their previously published title: Marine Applications of Advanced Fibre-reinforced Composites which was published in 2015; this exemplary new book provides comprehensive information on materials selection, characterization, and performance. There are also dedicated sections on sandwich structures, manufacture, advanced concepts, naval architecture and design considerations, and various applications. The book will be an essential reference resource for designers, materials engineers, manufactures, marine scientists, mechanical engineers, civil engineers, coastal engineers, boat manufacturers, offshore platform and marine renewable design engineers. - Presents a unique, high-level reference on composite materials and their application and use in marine structures - Provides comprehensive coverage on all aspects of marine composites, including the latest advances in damage modelling and assessment of performance - Contains contributions from leading experts in the field, from both industry and academia - Covers a broad range of naval, offshore and marine structures

Composite materials are used as substitutions of metals/traditional materials in aerospace, automotive, civil, mechanical and other industries. The present book collects the current knowledge and recent developments in the characterization and application of composite materials. To this purpose the volume describes the outstanding properties of this class of advanced material which recommend it for various industrial applications.