Biocomposite and Synthetic Composites for Automotive Applications provides a detailed review of advanced macro and nanocomposite materials and structures, and discusses their use in the transport industry, specifically for automotive applications. This book covers materials selection, properties and performance, design solutions, and manufacturing techniques. A broad range of different material classes are reviewed with emphasis on advanced materials and new research pathways where composites can be derived from agricultural waste in the future, as well as the development and performance of hybrid composites. The book is an essential reference resource for those researching materials development and industrial design engineers who need a detailed understanding of materials usage in transport structures. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis of composite products in automotive applications is also discussed, and the effect of different fiber orientation on crash performance. Synthetic/natural fiber composites for aircraft engine fire-designated zones are linked to automotive applications. Additional chapters include the application and use of magnesium composites compared to biocomposites in the automotive industry; autonomous inspection and repair of aircraft composite structures via vortex robot technology and its application in automotive applications; composites in a three-wheeler (tuk tuk); and thermal properties of composites in automotive applications. - Covers advanced macro and nanocomposites used in automotive structures - Emphasizes materials selection, properties and performance, design solutions, and manufacturing techniques - Features case studies of successful applications of biocomposites in automotive structures

Biocomposites: Design and Mechanical Performance describes recent research on cost-effective ways to improve the mechanical toughness and durability of biocomposites, while also reducing their weight. Beginning with an introduction to commercially competitive natural fiber-based composites, chapters then move on to explore the mechanical properties of a wide range of biocomposite materials, including polylactic, polyethylene, polycarbonate, oil palm, natural fiber epoxy, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyvinyl acetate, polyurethane, starch, flax, poly (propylene carbonate)-based biocomposites, and biocomposites from biodegradable polymer blends, natural fibers, and green plastics, giving the reader a deep understanding of the potential of these materials. - Describes recent research to improve the mechanical properties and performance of a wide range of biocomposite materials - Explores the mechanical properties of a wide range of biocomposite materials, including polylactic, polyethylene, polycarbonate, oil palm, natural fiber epoxy, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyvinyl acetate, and polyurethane - Evaluates the potential of biocomposites as substitutes for petroleum-based plastics in industries such as packaging, electronic, automotive, aerospace and construction - Includes contributions from leading experts in this field

Environmentally friendly sustainable biocomposites are obtained by using reinforcing agents including natural fibers, particulates, nanomaterials, and polymer matrices, where one of these components is bio-based. Advances in Biocomposites and their Applications presents a detailed review of the latest progress in this important research field. The book begins with a brief introduction to the various types of reinforcing agents that are used for fabricating biocomposites. Processing and fabrication methods are then discussed in detail as well as their important mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological properties. The book then goes on to discuss various mechanisms that can be used to improve these properties as well as various fields of application, including those in automotive, aerospace, marine, building materials, biomaterials, electrical, and electronic engineering sectors. The economic impact, safety, toxicity, and future directions for these materials are also discussed in detail. The book will be a valuable reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, materials scientists, and engineers, and all those working in the fields of polymer science, composite materials, and biocomposites. - Presents the latest progress in biocomposites, their fabrication, properties, and applications - Includes naturally obtained and bio-derived, renewable resource-based polymers, and reinforcing agents - Discusses several major natural fiber-based composite materials - Covers aerospace, automobile, packaging, and other lightweight applications

Synthetic and Natural Nanofillers in Polymer Composites: Properties and Applications provides a detailed review of nanofiller-based composite materials and structures and discusses their current and potential applications in industrial sectors. The book covers the mechanisms of using nanofillers as reinforcement, materials selection, properties and performance, structures, design solutions, and manufacturing techniques. A broad range of different material classes are also discussed, with an emphasis on advanced materials. Other topics covered include the development and performance analysis of hybrid composites, their lifecycle analysis, the effects of different fiber loadings, and mechanical, thermal and electrical performance. This book will be a valuable reference resource for materials scientists, engineers and academic and industrial researchers working in the field of polymer composites, specifically nanocomposites and applications based on synthetic and nanofiller-reinforced composites. - Covers both natural and synthetic filler-based composites and nanocomposites - Provides the latest on materials selection, design solutions, manufacturing techniques, structural analysis and performance - Includes case studies from leading industrial and academic experts who present cutting-edge research - Presents various applications, including chemical sensors, aerospace, automotive, batteries and green packaging

Epoxy-Based Biocomposites highlights the influence of fibre type, nanofillers, and ageing conditions on the performance of epoxy-based biocomposites subjected to various loading conditions. This book serves as a useful reference for researchers, graduate students, and engineers in the field of polymer composites. In addition to investigating the behaviour of hybrid biocomposites and biocomposites reinforced with various nanofillers, this book discusses the response of epoxy-based biocomposites exposed to moisture absorption, accelerated weathering, and hygrothermal ageing. This book also considers the static and dynamic properties, such as creep, fatigue, and free vibration properties.

The automotive sector has taken a keen interest in lightweighting as new required performance standards for fuel economy come into place. This strategy includes parts consolidation, design optimization, and material substitution, with sustainable polymers playing a major role in reducing a vehicle's weight. Sustainable polymers are largely biodegradable, biocompatible, and sourced from renewable plant and agricultural stocks. A facile way to enhance their properties, so they can indeed replace the ones made from fossil fuels, is by reinforcing them with fibers to make composites. Natural fibers are gaining more acceptance in the industry due to their renewable nature, low cost, low density, low energy consumption, high specific strength and stiffness, CO2 sequestration potential, biodegradability, and less wear imposed on machinery. Biocomposites then become a very feasible way to help address the fuel consumption challenge ahead of us. This book, entitled Biocomposites in Automotive Applications, is segmented into three sections and includes eleven hand-picked technical papers covering: * Processing and characterization of biocomposites * Automotive applications of biocomposites * A perspective on automotive sustainability It is a must read for those interested in the growing importance of composites used in automotive applications and their impact on sustainable mobility.

Biocomposites for Industrial Applications: Construction, Biomedical, Transportation and Food Packaging reviews the properties and performance of these materials, with a focus on their intended applications. Sections cover their properties and performance, including processing conditions, structure and property relations. For biomedical applications, researchers need a broad understanding of conceptual design, physico-chemical properties, and cytotoxicity (orthopedic implants). As the usage of biocomposites has increased significantly over recent years, mainly due to the advantages these materials have when compared to synthetic composites, such as (i) renewability (ii) eco-friendly components, (iii) biodegradable aspects, and (iv) non-toxicity, this book provides a great update on the technology. These advantages will help to attract wider use in more lightweight-based applications such as (i) construction and building (ii) biomedical (iii) transportation (automotive, marine, and aerospace), and (iv) in food packaging. - Covers recent applications in construction, transportation, food packaging and biomedical sectors - Focuses on materials requirements, factors governing the properties of these materials and durability - Discusses factors effecting processing conditions and recent advancements in design and fabrication - Provides a detailed outline of experimental research in each chapter