Polymer nanocomposites have revolutionised material performance, most notably in the plastics, automotive and aerospace industries. However, in order to be commercially viable, many of these materials must withstand high temperatures. In this book, leaders in the field outline the mechanisms behind the generation of suitable polymer systems, pulling together recent research to provide a unified and up-to-date assessment of recent technological advancements. The text is divided into two clear sections, introducing the reader to the two most important requirements for this material type: thermal stability and flame retardancy. Special attention is paid to practical examples, walking the reader through the numerous commercial applications of thermally stable and flame retardant nanocomposites. With a strong focus on placing theory within commercial context, this unique volume will appeal to practitioners as well as researchers.

Polymer Green Flame Retardants covers key issues regarding the response of polymers during fire, the mechanisms of their flame retardation, the regulations imposed on their use, and the health hazards arising from their combustion. Presenting the latest research developments, the book focuses in particular on nanocomposites, believed to be the most promising approach for producing physically superior materials with low flammability and ecological impact. The fire properties of nanocomposites of various matrixes and fillers are discussed, the toxicological characteristics of these materials are analyzed, addressing also their environmental sustainability. Edited by distinguished scientists, including an array of international industry and academia experts, this book will appeal to chemical, mechanical, environmental, material and process engineers, upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines, and generally to researchers developing commercially attractive and environmentally friendly fire-proof products. - Provides recent findings on the manufacture of environmentally sustainable flame retardant polymeric materials - Covers legislation and regulations concerning flame retarded polymeric material use - Includes tables containing the fire properties of the most common polymeric materials

Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites takes a comprehensive look at polymer nanocomposites for flame retardancy applications and includes nanocomposite fundamentals (theory, design, synthesis, characterization) as well as polymer flammability fundamentals with emphasis on how nanocomposites affect flammability. The book has practical examples from literature, patents, and existing commercial products. Readers can design new work based upon the material in the book or use it as a handy reference for interpreting existing work and results.

Many key aspects of life are based on naturally occurring polymers, such as polysaccharides, proteins and DNA. Unsurprisingly, their molecular functionalities, macromolecular structures and material properties are providing inspiration for designing new polymeric materials with specific functions, for example, responsive, adaptive and self-healing materials. Bio-inspired Polymers covers all aspects of the subject, ranging from the synthesis of novel polymers, to structure-property relationships, materials with advanced properties and applications of bio-inspired polymers in such diverse fields as drug delivery, tissue engineering, optical materials and lightweight structural materials. Written and edited by leading experts on the topic, the book provides a comprehensive review and essential graduate level text on bio-inspired polymers for biochemists, materials scientists and chemists working in both industry and academia.

Novel Fire Retardant Polymers and Composite Materials reviews the latest scientific developments and technological advances in the design and manufacture of fire retardant polymers and composite materials. Fire retardant polymeric materials are used in a broad range of applications in fields such as aviation, automotive, computer, construction, electronics, and telecommunications. It is essential to have a better understanding of the scientific technology used in the design and manufacture of fire-resistant materials and their end products. This book includes the latest developments in fire retardant technologies for different polymeric material systems, such as PU, PP, PE, PLA, epoxy, rubber, textile, phenol resin, and PA, etc. - Provides cutting-edge research in flame retardant materials, relevant to both scientific and industrial applications - Presents the latest and most up-to-date fire retardant technologies - Discusses the most popular fire retardant polymer systems - Includes the latest developments in fire retardant technologies for different polymeric material systems, such as PU, PP, PE, PLA, epoxy, rubber, textile, phenol resin, and PA

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.

Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites takes a comprehensive look at polymer nanocomposites for flame retardancy applications and includes nanocomposite fundamentals (theory, design, synthesis, characterization) as well as polymer flammability fundamentals with emphasis on how nanocomposites affect flammability. The book has practical examples from literature, patents, and existing commercial products. Readers can design new work based upon the material in the book or use it as a handy reference for interpreting existing work and results.