This report examines the application of plastics in European cars in the middle of the year 2000. It evaluates the changes in use and considers possible developments over the next decade. The use of plastics for specific components is examined, comparison is made between competitive materials and examples of commercial application are included. Estimates are presented for current plastics usage in European cars with forecasts to 2008.

Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook: Processing, Materials, and Applications, Second Edition, covers both the polymer basics that are helpful to bring readers quickly up-to-speed if they are not familiar with a particular area of plastics processing and the recent developments that enable practitioners to discover which options best fit their requirements. New chapters added specifically cover polyamides, polyimides, and polyesters. Hot topics such as 3-D printing and smart plastics are also included, giving plastics engineers the information they need to take these embryonic technologies and deploy them in their own work. With the increasing demands for lightness and fuel economy in the automotive industry (not least due to CAFÉ standards), plastics will soon be used even further in vehicles. A new chapter has been added to cover the technology trends in this area, and the book has been substantially updated to reflect advancements in technology, regulations, and the commercialization of plastics in various areas. Recycling of plastics has been thoroughly revised to reflect ongoing developments in sustainability of plastics. Extrusion processing is constantly progressing, as have the elastomeric materials, fillers, and additives which are available. Throughout the book, the focus is on the engineering aspects of producing and using plastics. The properties of plastics are explained, along with techniques for testing, measuring, enhancing, and analyzing them. Practical introductions to both core topics and new developments make this work equally valuable for newly qualified plastics engineers seeking the practical rules-of-thumb they don't teach you in school and experienced practitioners evaluating new technologies or getting up-to-speed in a new field. Presents an authoritative source of practical advice for engineers, providing guidance from experts that will lead to cost savings and process improvements Ideal introduction for both new engineers and experienced practitioners entering a new field or evaluating a new technology Updated to include the latest technology, including 3D Printing, smart polymers, and thorough coverage of biopolymers and biodegradable plastics

A Choice Oustanding Academic Title The Encyclopedia of Automotive Engineering provides for the first time a large, unified knowledge base laying the foundation for advanced study and in-depth research. Through extensive cross-referencing and search functionality it provides a gateway to detailed but scattered information on best industry practice, engendering a better understanding of interrelated concepts and techniques that cut across specialized areas of engineering. Beyond traditional automotive subjects the Encyclopedia addresses green technologies, the shift from mechanics to electronics, and the means to produce safer, more efficient vehicles within varying economic restraints worldwide. The work comprises nine main parts: (1) Engines: Fundamentals (2) Engines: Design (3) Hybrid and Electric Powertrains (4) Transmission and Driveline (5) Chassis Systems (6) Electrical and Electronic Systems (7) Body Design (8) Materials and Manufacturing (9) Telematics. Offers authoritative coverage of the wide-ranging specialist topics encompassed by automotive engineering An accessible point of reference for entry level engineers and students who require an understanding of the fundamentals of technologies outside of their own expertise or training Provides invaluable guidance to more detailed texts and research findings in the technical literature Developed in conjunction with FISITA, the umbrella organisation for the national automotive societies in 37 countries around the world and representing more than 185,000 automotive engineers 6 Volumes www.automotive-reference.com An essential resource for libraries and information centres in industry, research and training organizations, professional societies, government departments, and all relevant engineering departments in the academic sector.

This book focuses on inorganic nanosheets, including various oxides, chalcogenides, and graphenes, that provide two-dimensional (2D) media to develop materials chemistry in broad fields such as electronics, photonics, environmental science, and biology. The application area of nanosheets and nanosheet-based materials covers the analytical, photochemical, optical, biological, energetic, and environmental research fields. All of these applications come from the low dimensionality of the nanosheets, which anisotropically regulate structures of solids, microspaces, and fluids. Understanding nanosheets from chemical, structural, and application aspects in relation to their "fully nanoscopic" characters will help materials scientists to develop novel advanced materials. This is the first book that accurately and concisely summarizes this field including exfoliation and intercalation chemistries of layered crystals. The book provides perspective on the materials chemistry of inorganic nanosheets. The first section describes fundamental aspects of nanosheets common to diverse applications: how unique structures and properties are obtained from nanosheets based on low dimensionality. The second section presents state-of-the-art descriptions of how the 2D nature of nanosheets is utilized in each application of the materials that are developed.

Toughening Mechanisms in Composite Materials aims to provide a comprehensive and technically detailed coverage of composites and their toughening mechanisms. Unique in its direct and comprehensive approach, the book presents fundamental knowledge on composites’ toughening mechanisms as well as a comprehensive treatment of numerical methods. This volume summarizes the current state-of-the-art and presents the most recent research outcomes in the field. It details the development of each of the techniques, beginning with basic principles, and new concepts are illustrated with examples wherever possible. Covers particle-reinforced composites, fibre-reinforced composites and other toughening mechanisms Analyses toughening mechanisms in a broad range of composite materials Developments in nanotube toughened composites and toughened graphene ceramic composites are examined