Polymer-based Composites for Application in Harsh Environments

The first book on this topic provides a comprehensive and well-structured overview of the fundamentals, synthesis and emerging applications of magnetoelectric polymer materials. Following an introduction to the basic aspects of polymer based magnetoelectric materials and recent developments, subsequent chapters discuss the various types as well as their synthesis and characterization. There then follows a review of the latest applications, such as memories, sensors and actuators. The book concludes with a look at future technological advances. An essential reference for entrants to the field as well as for experienced researchers.

Advanced polymer matrix composites (PMC) have many advantages such as light weight and high specific strength that make them useful for many aerospace applications. Enormous uncertainty exists, however, in predicting long-term changes in properties of PMCs under extreme environmental conditions, which has limited their use. To help address this issue, the Department of Defense requested a study from the NRC to identify the barriers and limitations to the use of PMCs in extreme environments. The study was to focus on issues surrounding methodologies for predicting long-term performance. This report provides a review of the challenges facing application of PMCs in extreme environments, the current understanding of PMC properties and behavior, an analysis of the importance of data in developing effective models, and recommendations for improving long-term predictive methodologies.

Advanced, high-performance composite materials are really material systems. The constituent materials interact in such a way that their collective response is more than the linear sum of the response of the constituents. This simple reality provides the technical community with a remarkable opportunity to create composite material systems which are uniquely suited to perform specific engineering tasks. At the same time, this systems aspect of composite materials is a very great challenge to the research community. In introduces complexity, nonlinearity, and scaling problems (to name a few) which require the development of new representations of material behavior, from the standpoint of mechanics, chemistry, and physics.

Hydrothermal Behavior of Fiber- and Nanomaterial-Reinforced Polymer Composites provides critical information regarding the in-service environmental damage and degradation studies of nano/fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites focusing on hydrothermal degradation. Covering hydrothermal properties of a wide range of polymer composites, the book is aimed at graduate students, researchers, and professionals in material engineering, composite materials, nanomaterials, and related fields.

Carbon Nanomaterials for Agri-food and Environmental Applications discusses the characterization, processing and applications of carbon-based nanostructured materials in the agricultural and environmental sectors. Sections discuss the synthesis and characterization of carbon nanotubes, the technological developments in environmental applications of carbon-based nanomaterials, and agri-food applications. The book also covers the toxic effects of engineered carbon nanoparticles on the environment, and in plants and animals. Finally, quality control and risk management are addressed to assess health and environmental risks. This is an applicable book for graduate students, researchers and those in industrial sectors of science and technology who want to learn more about carbon nanomaterials. Compares a range of carbon-based nanomaterials, showing how they are used for a range of agricultural and environmental applications Discusses the challenges and toxicity of different types of carbon-based nanomaterials for environmental and agricultural applications Explores when different classes of nanomaterial should be used in different environments

One of the main, ongoing challenges for any engineering enterprise is that systems are built of materials subject to environmental degradation. Whether working with an airframe, integrated circuit, bridge, prosthetic device, or implantable drug-delivery system, understanding the chemical stability of materials remains a key element in determining their useful life. Environmental Degradation of Advanced and Traditional Engineering Materials is a monumental work for the field, providing comprehensive coverage of the environmental impacts on the full breadth of materials used for engineering infrastructure, buildings, machines, and components. The book discusses fundamental degradation processes and presents examples of degradation under various environmental conditions. Each chapter presents the basic properties of the class of material, followed by detailed characteristics of degradation, guidelines on how to protect against corrosion, and a description of testing procedures. A complete, self-contained industrial reference guide, this valuable resource is designed for students and professionals interested in the development of deterioration-resistant technological systems constructed with metallurgical, polymeric, ceramic, and natural materials.

Advanced polymer matrix composites (PMC) have many advantages such as light weight and high specific strength that make them useful for many aerospace applications. Enormous uncertainty exists, however, in predicting long-term changes in properties of PMCs under extreme environmental conditions, which has limited their use. To help address this issue, the Department of Defense requested a study from the NRC to identify the barriers and limitations to the use of PMCs in extreme environments. The study was to focus on issues surrounding methodologies for predicting long-term performance. This report provides a review of the challenges facing application of PMCs in extreme environments, the current understanding of PMC properties and behavior, an analysis of the importance of data in developing effective models, and recommendations for improving long-term predictive methodologies.

Discusses polymer nanocomposites composed of a family of polymeric materials whose properties are capable of being tailored to meet specific applications.

One way of improving performance attributes of building structures is to use a new class of materials—polymer composites. They have unique properties that combine high strength with features of non-metallic materials. Polymer concretes (PC) appear to offer many possibilities for producing new materials with desired physical and mechanical characteristics, such as improved mechanical strength, low permeability, and greater chemical resistance. Advanced Polymer Concretes and Compounds presents the results of theoretical and experimental research on efficient building material composites based on advanced polymer binders. This book examines the composition and properties of two new polymer concretes that have potential to solve various construction issues: rubber concrete based on a polybutadiene binder and silicate polymer concrete with an organo-silicate matrix. It examines the physical, mechanical, and technological properties of these PCs as well as their behavior in harsh environments and durability and reliability issues. The authors describe a new environmentally friendly polymer for monolithic industrial floor coverings and coatings—nonisocyanate polyurethanes. They also discuss advanced crack-resistant coatings based on water dispersion of chlorosulfonated polyethylene, which can be used on concrete, metal, and plastic for various industrial uses such as aircraft, automobiles, paint, and in shipbuilding and civil engineering. The book covers a new type of epoxy composition with nano-heterogenic structure with potential for better mechanical properties and chemical resistance, acid-resistant building materials based on a nanostructured binder, and an advanced environmentally friendly and weather-resistant fire-protective coating for indoor and outdoor application to flammable substrates. With a focus on novel concretes and protective compounds for a variety of environments, this book reflects the newest developments in the rapidly growing field of building materials engineering.

Presents information on the synthesis, processing, and characterization of polymers and polymer composites for high performance materials needing to withstand high temperatures. Discusses the synthesis and properties of new thermally stable polymers. Includes new approaches for modeling material processing and decomposition. Provides a broad perspective by examining the science and engineering aspects of polymeric materials for high-temperature applications.

Experimental Mechanics of Composite, Hybrid, and Multifunctional Materials: Proceedings of the 2013 Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, the sixth volume of eight from the Conference, brings together contributions to this important area of research and engineering. The collection presents early findings and case studies on a wide range of areas, including: Characterization of Energy Storage Materials Microvascular & Natural Composites Nanocomposites for Multifunctional Performance Composite/Hybrid Characterization Using Digital Image Correlation Failure Behavior of Polymer Matrix Composites Non-Destructive Testing of Composites Composite Test Methods Joints/Bonded Composites

In recent years, the fabrication technologies for the production of advanced polymer composites have been revolutionised by sophisticated manufacturing techniques. These methods have enabled polymer composite materials to produce good quality laminates with minimal voids and accurate fibre alignment. This book familiarises and provides a background to the understanding and use of advanced polymer composites in the civil infrastructure; numerous examples have been provided to illustrate the use and versatility of the material. Furthermore, the book discusses the current fabrication techniques, design methods and formulae for the design of structural composite systems. In addition it discusses the fundamentals of geosynthetics used in geotechnical engineering. The book introduces the fibres and matrices that are used to manufacture composites, their mechanical and in-service properties and their long term loading characteristics; all these properties are specifically associated with the construction industry. The chapters then discuss the design aspects for 'all composite' units, as well as systems used for the renewal of civil infrastructure. Finally, the book demonstrated the unique possibilities of combining composites with conventional materials to form units in which the various materials making up the unit are loaded in the mode that specifically suits their mechanical characteristics.

Collection of selected, peer reviewed papers from the 3rd International Conference Advances in Engineering and Management (ADEM 2014), September 11-12, 2014, Drobeta Turnu-Severin, Romania. The 55 papers are grouped as follows: Chapter 1: Advanced Materials and Processing Technologies; Chapter 2: Engineering Decisions and Investigations for Mechanical Engineering; Chapter 3: Environmental Engineering and Safety at Work; Chapter 4: Navigation and Maritime and Inland Transport Systems; Chapter 5: Management and Industrial Engineering

Provides coverage on the full range of topics associated with polyimides, including structure, polymer fundamentals, and product areas. The text addresses both basic and applied aspects of the subject. It details the synthesis of polyimides, polyamideimides, and flourinated polyimides, explains the molecular design of photosensitive polyimides, and more.