Since their discovery in 1977, the evolution of conducting polymers has revolutionized modern science and technology. These polymers enjoy a special status in the area of materials science yet they are not as popular among young readers or common people when compared to other materials like metals, paper, plastics, rubber, textiles, ceramics and composites like concrete. Most importantly, much of the available literature in the form of papers, specific review articles and books is targeted either at advanced readers (scientists/technologists/engineers/senior academicians) or for those who are already familiar with the topic (doctoral/postdoctoral scholars). For a beginner or even school/college students, such compilations are bit difficult to access/digest. In fact, they need proper introduction to the topic of conducting polymers including their discovery, preparation, properties, applications and societal impact, using suitable examples and already known principles/knowledge/phenomenon. Further, active participation of readers in terms of “question & answers”, “fill-in-the-blanks”, “numerical” along with suitable answer key is necessary to maintain the interest and to initiate the “thought process”. The readers also need to know about the drawbacks and any hazards of such materials. Therefore, I believe that a comprehensive source on the science/technology of conducting polymers which maintains a link between grass root fundamentals and state-of-the-art R&D is still missing from the open literature.

The need for writing a monograph on polymer blends and composites became apparent during presentation of material on this subject to our advanced polymers class. Although the flood of important research in this area in the past decade has resulted in many symposia, edited collections of papers, reviews, contributions to scientific journals, and patents, apparently no organized presentation in book form has been forthcoming. In a closely connected way, another strong impetus for writing this monograph arose out of our research programs in the Materials Research Center at Lehigh University. As part of this effort, we had naturally compiled hundreds of references and become acquainted with many leaders in the field of blend and composite research. Perhaps the most important concept stressed over and over again is that engineering materials are useful because of their complexity, not in spite of it. Blends and composites are toughened because many modes of resistance to failure are available. Although such multimechanism processes are diffi cult to describe with a unified theory. we have presented available develop ments in juxtaposition with the experimental portions. The arguments somewhat resemble the classical discussion of resonance in organic chemistry, where molecular structures increase in stability as more electronic configura tions become available.

This book shows the recent advances of the applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in particular, the polymer functionalized carbon nanotubes. It also includes a comprehensive description of carbon nanotubes' preparation, properties, and characterization. Therefore, we have attempted to provide detailed information about the polymer-carbon nanotube composites. With regard to the unique structure and properties of carbon nanotubes, a series of important findings have been reported. The unique properties of carbon nanotubes, including thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, after polymer functionalization have been documented in detail. This book comprises 18 chapters. The chapters include different applications of polymer functionalization CNTs, e.g. photovoltaic, biomedical, drug delivery, gene delivery, stem cell therapy, thermal therapy, biological detection and imaging, electroanalytical, energy, supercapacitor, and gas sensor applications.

Composites and nanocomposites are used in cases where long durability and strength of components are required; i.e., where high stress levels, erosion processes and multiphase environments are present, including the parts under collision and impact, the parts under rotating motion and erosion (like excavation drills in oil and gas wells). The first volume of this book aims to provide a guide for fabrication of new nanocomposites mainly based on carbon nanotubes and graphene. The main topics of this volume are: Application of Nano-powders for Formation of Metal Matrix of Composites, Conjugated Polymer Nanocomposites, Biopolymer Nanocomposites, Dental Nanocomposites, Graphene-based Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Energy Storage, Polymer/Filler Composites for Optical Diffuse Reflectors, Synthesis and Applications of LDH-Based Nanocomposites, Rubber—CNT Nanocomposites, Nanocomposite Fibers with Carbon Nanotubes, Fabrications of Graphene Based Nanocomposites for Electrochemical Sensing of Drug Molecules, Recent Advances in Graphene Metal Oxide Based Nanocomposites.

Nanotechnology in the Automotive Industry explores how nanotechnology and nanomaterials are used to enhance the performance of materials and devices for automotive application by fabricating nano-alloys, nanocomposites, nano coatings, nanodevices, nanocatalysts and nanosensors. Consisting of 36 chapters in 6 parts, this new volume in the Micro and Nano Technologies series is for materials scientists, nanotechnologists and automotive engineers working with nanotechnology and nanomaterials for automotive applications. Nanotechnology is seen as one of the core technologies for the future automotive industry to sustain competitiveness. The benefits that nanotechnology brings to the automotive sector include stronger and lighter materials for increased safety and reduced fuel consumption, improved engine performance and fuel consumption for gasoline powered vehicles due to nanocatalysts, fuel additives and lubricants, and more. Discusses various approaches and techniques such as nanoalloys, nanocomposites, nanocoatings, nanodevices, nanocatalysts and nanosensors used in modern vehicles Presents the challenges and future of automotive materials Explores how nanotechnology and nanomaterials are used to enhance the performance of materials and devices for automotive applications

Introduces novel concepts in wastewater treatment with poly-carbonaceous composites Describes modern fabrication methods and characterization techniques Presents information on processing, safety, and disposal Discusses current research, future trends, and applications

This book details the use of conducting polymers and their composites in supercapacitors, batteries, photovoltaics, and fuel cells, nearly covering the entire spectrum of energy area under one title. Conducting Polymers for Advanced Energy Applications covers a range of advanced materials based on conducting polymers, the fundamentals, and the chemistry behind these materials for energy applications. FEATURES Covers materials, chemistry, various synthesis approaches, and the properties of conducting polymers and their composites Discusses commercialization and markets and elaborates on advanced applications Presents an overview and the advantages of using conducting polymers and their composites for advanced energy applications Describes a variety of nanocomposites, including metal oxides, chalcogenides, graphene, and materials beyond graphene Offers the fundamentals of electrochemical behavior This book provides a new direction for scientists, researchers, and students in materials science and polymer chemistry who seek to better understand the chemistry behind conducting polymers and improve their performance for use in advanced energy applications.