Polymer Composites (EBT 437/3)

This volume is a concise reference book for someone who has just started working in the composites field, as well as for technologists already active in the area. The chapters in this handbook have been written by experts in their fields and so the information on a particular subject area can be regarded as state of the art. Each chapter is fully referenced, illustrated and includes case studies and applications of polymer composite fabrications.

This book introduces the techniques used for the analysis of polymers. It covers the main aspects of polymer science and technology; identification, polymerization, molecular weight, structure, surface properties, degradation and mechanical properties. * Clear explanations of each analytical technique * Describes the application of techniques to the study of polymers * Encourages learning through numerous self-assessment questions and answers * Structured for flexible learning

This authoritative and comprehensive multi-author volume provides a useful summary of updated knowledge on polymer composites in general, practically integrating experimental studies, theoretical analyses and computational modeling at different scales, i.e. from nano- to macro- scale. Detailed consideration is given to four major areas: structure and properties of polymer nanocomposites; characterization and modeling; processing and application of macro-composites; and mechanical performance of macro-composites.

The interest in polymer composites research is due to their enlarged application. Filling with hard particles gives to polymers a number of desirable properties: increases hardness, decreases heat expansion coefficient, improves resistance to creep and fracture toughness. Difficulties in structure-properties relationships researching for polymer composites are due to their structure complexity. Till now, composites studies were conducted within the frameworks of continuum mechanics and thermodynamic conceptions. However, these conceptions applications does not allow satisfactory descriptions nor predictions of such materials properties. As a matter of fact, an experimental data set dictates one or another physical model of structure choice for composites macroscopic properties description.

CONTENTS Include: History of composites; Particulate fillers and fibre reinforcements; Composites in Asia; Advances in wood-based composites in China; Overview of the use of composites worldwide; The interface in polymer composites; Novel multifunctional epoxy resins; Flame retardant polyester resins.