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

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.

Green Composites for Automotive Applications presents cutting-edge, comprehensive reviews on the industrial applications of green composites. The book provides an elaborative assessment of both academic and industrial research on eco-design, durability issues, environmental performance, and future trends. Particular emphasis is placed on the processing and characterization of green composites, specific types of materials, such as thermoset and thermoplastic, nanocomposites, sandwich, and polymer biofoams. Additional sections cover lifecycle and risk analysis. As such, this book is an essential reference resource for R&D specialists working in materials science, automotive, chemical, and environmental engineering, as well as R&D managers in industry. Contains contributions from leading experts in the field Covers experimental, analytical and numerical analysis Deals with most important automotive aspects Provides a special section dedicated to lifecycle assessment

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

Additive Manufacturing for Bio-Composites and Synthetic Composites focuses on processes, engineering, and product design applications of bio-composites and synthetic composites in additive manufacturing (AM). It discusses the preparation and material characterization and selection, as well as future opportunities and challenges. Reviews the latest research on the development of composites for AM and the preparation of composite feedstocks. Offers an analytical and statistical approach for the selection of composites for AM, including characterization of material properties. Emphasizes the use of environmentally friendly composites. Analyzes the lifecycle including costs. Considers potential new fibers, their selection, and future applications. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the application of advanced composite materials in AM and is aimed at researchers, engineers, and advanced students in materials and manufacturing engineering and related disciplines.

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