Handbook of Thermosetting Foams, Aerogels, and Hydrogels: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications presents the latest on the preparation, characterization, properties and applications of thermoset foams, aerogels and hydrogels. The book begins by introducing each of these concepts and their characteristics, current applications, potential for further development, and environmental impacts. This is followed by three sections, each focusing on foams, aerogels and hydrogels developed from a specific thermosetting polymer category, covering polyurethane, epoxy resins and formaldehyde. In each section, detailed coverage includes preparation, structure, characterization, properties, processing and applications based on material, along with key challenges in design, processing, implementation and solutions. This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students with an interest in thermoset lightweight materials across the disciplines of polymer science, chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science and engineering. The book will also be of interest to R&D professionals, engineers and scientists working with foams, hydrogels and aerogels for a range of applications and industries. Provides methodical coverage of polyurethane, epoxy and formaldehyde-based foams, aerogels and hydrogels Explores a range of high value applications across automotive and aerospace, defense, biomedicine, and other areas Considers challenges in design, processing and implementation, along with environmental aspects such as biodegradability and recyclability

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.

Handbook of Thermoset Plastics, Fourth Edition provides complete coverage of the chemical processes, manufacturing techniques and design properties of each polymer, along with its applications. This new edition has been expanded to include the latest developments in the field, with new chapters on radiation curing, biological adhesives, vitrimers, and 3D printing. This detailed handbook considers the practical implications of using thermoset plastics and the relationships between processing, properties and applications, as well as analyzing the strengths and weakness of different methods and applications. The aim of the book is to help the reader to make the right decision and take the correct action on the basis of informed analysis – avoiding the pitfalls the authors’ experience has uncovered. In industry, the book supports engineers, scientists, manufacturers and R&D professionals working with plastics. The information included will also be of interest to researchers and advanced students in plastics engineering, polymer chemistry, adhesives and coatings. Offers a systematic approach, guiding the reader through chemistry, processing methods, properties and applications of thermosetting polymers Includes thorough updates that discuss current practice and the new developments on biopolymers, nanotechnology, 3D printing, radiation curing and biological adhesives Uses case studies to demonstrate how particular properties make different polymers suitable for different applications Covers end-use and safety considerations

This Handbook reviews the chemistry, manufacturing methods, properties and applications of the synthetic polymer foams used in most applications. In addition, a chapter is included on the fundamental principles, which apply to all polymer foams. There is also a chapter on the blowing agents used to expand polymers and a chapter is on microcellular foams - a relatively new development where applications are still being explored.

The Handbook of Composites From Renewable Materials comprises a set of 8 individual volumes that brings an interdisciplinary perspective to accomplish a more detailed understanding of the interplay between the synthesis, structure, characterization, processing, applications and performance of these advanced materials. The handbook covers a multitude of natural polymers/ reinforcement/ fillers and biodegradable materials. Together, the 8 volumes total at least 5000 pages and offers a unique publication. This 7th volume Handbook is solely focused on Nanocomposites: Science and Fundamentals. Some of the important topics include but not limited to: preparation, characterization and applications of nano materials from renewable resources; hydrogels and its nanocomposites from renewable resources: preparation of chitin-based nanocomposite materials through gelation with ionic liquid; starch based bionanocomposites; biorenewable nanofiber and nanocrystal; investigation of wear characteristics of dental composite reinforced with rice husk derived nanosilica filler particles; performance of regenerated cellulose/vermiculite nanocomposites fabricated via ionic liquid; preparation, structure, properties and interactions of the PVA/cellulose composites; green composites with cellulose nano-reinforcements; biomass composites from bamboo-based micro/nano fibers; synthesis and medicinal properties of polycarbonates and resins from renewable sources; nanostructured polymer composites with modified carbon nanotubes; organic-inorganic nanocomposites derived from polysaccharides; natural polymer based nanocomposites; cellulose whisker based green polymer composites; poly (lactic acid) nanocomposites reinforced with different additives; nanocrystalline cellulose; halloysite based bionanocomposites; nanostructurated composites based on biodegradable polymers and silver nanoparticles; starch-based biomaterials and nanocomposites; green nanocomposites based on PLA and natural organic fillers; chitin and chitosan based nanocomposites.

This unique resource delivers complete, easy-to-understand coverage of the management of complex technical projects through systems engineering. Written for a wide spectrum of readers, from novices to experienced practitioners, the book holds the solution to delivering projects on time and within budget, avoiding the failures and inefficiencies of past efforts.

An up-to-date and comprehensive overview summarizing recent achievements, the state of the art, and trends in research into nanocellulose and cellulose nanocomposites. Following an introduction, this ready references discusses the characterization as well surface modification of cellulose nanocomposites before going into details of the manufacturing and the self-assembly of such compounds. After a description of various alternatives, including thermoplastic, thermosetting, rubber, and fully green cellulose nanocomposites, the book continues with their mechanic and thermal properties, as well as crystallization and rheology behavior. A summary of spectroscopic and water sorption properties precedes a look at environmental health and safety of these nanocomposites. With its coverage of a wide variety of materials, important characterization tools and resulting applications, this is an essential reference for beginners as well as experienced researchers.