Download or read book Analysis of Morphology Development During the Mixing Processof Rubber Clay Nanocomposites and Correlation to Their Mechanical Physical Properties written by Zulfiqar Ali and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: nanocomposites; rubber; clay; electrical conductance; online measurement.

Download or read book Analysis of Morphology Development During the Mixing Process of Rubber clay Nanocomposites and Correlation to Their Mechanical physical Properties written by Zulfiqar Ali and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Rubber Clay Nanocomposites written by Maurizio Galimberti and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-08-24 with total page 517 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The one-stop resource for rubber-clay nanocomposite information The first comprehensive, single-volume book to compile all the most important data on rubber-clay nanocomposites in one place, Rubber-Clay Nanocomposites: Science, Technology, and Applications reviews rubber-clay nanocomposites in an easy-to-reference format designed for R&D professionals. Including contributions from experts from North America, Europe, and Asia, the book explores the properties of compounds with rubber-clay nanocomposites, including their rheology, curing kinetics, mechanical properties, and many others. Rubber-clay nanocomposites are of growing interest to the scientific and technological community, and have been shown to improve rubber compound reinforcement and impermeability. These natural mineral fillers are of potential interest for large-scale applications and are already making an impact in several major fields. Packed with valuable information about the synthesis, processing, and mechanics of these reinforced rubbers, the book covers assorted rubber-clay nanocomposites applications, such as in automotive tires and as polymer fillers. Promoting common knowledge and interpretation of the most important aspects of rubber-clay nanocomposites, and clarifying the main results achieved in the field of rubbers and crosslinked rubbers—something not covered in other books in the field—Rubber-Clay Nanocomposites helps scientists understand morphology, vulcanization, permeability, processing methods, and characterization factors quickly and easily.

Download or read book Rubber Nanocomposites written by Sabu Thomas and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2010-04-09 with total page 729 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rubber Nanocomposites: Preparation, Properties and Applications focuses on the preparation, characterization and properties of natural and synthetic rubber nanocomposites. The book carefully debates the preparation of unmodified and modified nanofillers, various manufacturing techniques of rubber nanocomposites, structure, morphology and properties of nanocomposites. The text reviews the processing; characterization and properties of 0-, 1D and 2D nanofiller reinforced rubber nanocomposites. It examines the polymer/filler interaction, i.e., the compatibility between matrix and filler using unmodified and modified nanofillers. The book also examines the applications of rubber nanocomposites in various engineering fields, which include tyre engineering. The book also examines the current state of the art, challenges and applications in the field of rubber nanocomposites. The handpicked selection of topics and expert contributions make this survey of rubber nanocomposites an outstanding resource for anyone involved in the field of polymer materials design. A handy "one stop" reference resource for important research accomplishments in the area of rubber nanocomposites. Covers the various aspects of preparation, characterization, morphology, properties and applications of rubber nanocomposites. Summarizes many of the recent technical research accomplishments in the area of nanocomposites, in a comprehensive manner It covers an up to date record on the major findings and observations in the field

Download or read book Advanced Rubber Composites written by Gert Heinrich and published by Springer. This book was released on 2011-03-27 with total page 325 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Morphology–Property Relationship in Rubber-Based Nanocomposites: Some Recent Developments, by A. K. Bhowmick, M. Bhattacharya, S. Mitra, K. Dinesh Kumar, P. K. Maji, A. Choudhury, J. J. George and G. C. Basak; * Rubber–Clay Nanocomposites: Some Recent Results, by Amit Das, De-Yi Wang, Klaus Werner Stöckelhuber, René Jurk, Juliane Fritzsche, Manfred Klüppel and Gert Heinrich; * Surface Modification of Fillers and Curatives by Plasma Polymerization for Enhanced Performance of Single Rubbers and Dissimilar Rubber/Rubber Blends, by J. W. M. Noordermeer, R. N. Datta, W. K. Dierkes, R. Guo, T. Mathew, A. G. Talma, M. Tiwari and W. van Ooij; * Recent Developments on Thermoplastic Elastomers by Dynamic Vulcanization, by R. Rajesh Babu and Kinsuk Naskar; * PTFE-Based Rubber Composites for Tribological Applications, by M. S. Khan and G. Heinrich

Download or read book Progress in Rubber Nanocomposites written by Sabu Thomas and published by Woodhead Publishing. This book was released on 2016-10-27 with total page 598 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Progress in Rubber Nanocomposites provides an up-to-date review on the latest advances and developments in the field of rubber nanocomposites. It is intended to serve as a one-stop reference resource to showcase important research accomplishments in the area of rubber nanocomposites, with particular emphasis on the use of nanofillers. Chapters discuss major progress in the field and provide scope for further developments that will have an impact in the industrial research area. Global leaders and researchers from industry, academia, government, and private research institutions contribute valuable information. A one-stop reference relating to the processing and characterization of rubber nanocomposites Presents the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties that are discussed in detail Contains key highlights in the form of dedicated chapters on interphase characterization, applications, and computer simulation

Download or read book Clay Polymer Nanocomposites written by Khouloud Jlassi and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2017-07-26 with total page 548 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Clay–Polymer Nanocomposites is a complete summary of the existing knowledge on this topic, from the basic concepts of synthesis and design to their applications in timely topics such as high-performance composites, environment, and energy issues. This book covers many aspects of synthesis such as in- situ polymerization within the interlamellar spacing of the clays or by reaction of pristine or pre-modified clays with reactive polymers and prepolymers. Indeed, nanocomposites can be prepared at industrial scale by melt mixing. Regardless the synthesis method, much is said in this book about the importance of theclay pre-modification step, which is demonstrated to be effective, on many occasions, in obtaining exfoliated nanocomposites. Clay–Polymer Nanocomposites reports the background to numerous characterization methods including solid state NMR, neutron scattering, diffraction and vibrational techniques as well as surface analytical methods, namely XPS, inverse gas chromatography and nitrogen adsorption to probe surface composition, wetting and textural/structural properties. Although not described in dedicated chapters, numerous X-ray diffraction patterns of clay–polymer nanocomposites and reference materials are displayed to account for the effects of intercalation and exfoliations of layered aluminosilicates. Finally, multiscale molecular simulation protocols are presenting for predicting morphologies and properties of nanostructured polymer systems with industrial relevance. As far as applications are concerned, Clay–Polymer Nanocomposites examines structural composites such as clay–epoxy and clay–biopolymers, the use of clay–polymer nanocomposites as reactive nanocomposite fillers, catalytic clay-(conductive) polymers and similar nanocomposites for the uptake of hazardous compounds or for controlled drug release, antibacterial applications, energy storage, and more. The most comprehensive coverage of the state of the art in clay–polymer nanocomposites, from synthesis and design to opportunities and applications Covers the various methods of characterization of clay–polymer nanocomposites - including spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and X-ray diffraction Includes a discussion of a range of application areas, including biomedicine, energy storage, biofouling resistance, and more

Download or read book Fundamentals of Polymer Clay Nanocomposites written by Gary W. Beall and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2011-07-07 with total page 195 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written for graduate students, researchers, and practitioners, this book provides a complete introduction to the science, engineering, and commercial applications of polymer-clay nanocomposites. Starting with a discussion of general concepts, the authors define specific terms used in the field, providing newcomers with a strong foundation to the area. The physical and mechanical properties of polymer-clay nanocomposites are then described, with chapters on thermodynamics and kinetics, engineering properties, barrier properties, and flame retardancy. Mechanisms underpinning observed effects, such as UV resistance, solvent resistance, and hardness, are also explained. In-depth discussions of clay and clay surface treatment, fabrication, and characterization of nanocomposites are provided, and particular emphasis is placed on the proper use and interpretation of analytical techniques, helping readers to avoid artifacts in their own work. With commercial applications discussed throughout, and experimental results connected with theory, this is an ideal reference for those working in polymer science.

Download or read book Polymer Nanoclay Composites written by Stephan Laske and published by William Andrew. This book was released on 2015-01-09 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is a major lack of fundamental knowledge and understanding on the interaction between a filler and the polymer matrix. When it comes to nanoscale fillers, such as layered silicates, carbon nanotubes, graphene or cellulose nanofibers it is even more important to know accurate structure-property relationships as well as identifying the parameters influencing material behavior. The reason for the lack of knowledge on how to process nanocomposites and why there are so few applications is that several scientific fields are affected and a joint effort of those scientific communities involved is necessary – starting from the filler manufacturing or pre-processing over polymer chemistry to the polymer processing. In Polymer Nanoclay Composites, all involved scientific areas are viewed together for the first time, providing an all-embracing coverage of all stages of polymer clay nanocomposites processing from lab-scale to industrial scale – stages from the raw material over manufacturing of polymer clay nanocomposites to characterization and the final products. Readers will gain insight in the physical/chemical pre-processing of layered silicates and their incorporation into a polymer matrix using sophisticated technologies (such as advanced compounding) as well as in real-time quality control of the nanocomposite production and future prospects. The book also describes nanotoxicological and nanosafety aspects. Covers the whole processing route with all aspects of the nanocomposites industry with particular focus on the processing of polymer clay nanocomposites Includes quality control and nanosafety Multidisciplinary approach from an industrial perspective

Download or read book Permeation Behavior and Physical Properties of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites written by and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 7 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nanocomposites made by adding nanoparticle reinforcement to polymers have been demonstrated to have significantly enhanced properties at relatively low levels of added reinforcement. The observed properties have in some cases been attributed to the shape of the reinforcing particle. Nanoparticle additives with a variety of particle morphologies and compositions have become commercially available in recent years. A study was carried out to examine the effects of varying nanoparticle morphology and composition on the mechanical and barrier properties of polymer nanocomposites made with natural rubber (NR). NR compounds were prepared containing different nanoparticles including montmorillonite layered silicate (MLS) clay, exfoliated graphite nanoparticles (EGN), carbon nanotubes (CNT) and conventional carbon black (CB). The cure behavior and mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were investigated. Barrier property testing included permeation of selected organic compounds utilizing a recently developed fully flooded surface method. The relationships between these properties and nanoparticle composition and morphology are presented.

Download or read book Polymer layered Silicate Nanocomposites written by Masami Okamoto and published by iSmithers Rapra Publishing. This book was released on 2003 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The review sets out to highlight the major developments in this field over the last decade. The different techniques used to prepare PLS nanocomposites are covered. The physicochemical characterisation of PLS nanocomposites and the improved materials properties that those materials can display are discussed. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database provides useful references for further reading.

Download or read book Bioepoxy Clay Nanocomposites written by Haipan Salam and published by Springer. This book was released on 2022-11-21 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book highlights current advanced developments in bioepoxy and bioepoxy/clay nanocomposites and an optimisation of material formulation and processing parameters on fabrication of bioepoxy/clay nanocomposites in order to achieve the highest mechanical properties in relation to their morphological structures, thermal properties, as well as biodegradability and water absorption, which is based on the use of Taguchi design of experiments with the consideration of technical and economical point of view. It also elaborates holistic theoretical modelling of tensile properties of such bionanocomposites with respect to the effect of contents of nanoclay fillers and epoxydised soybean oil (ESO).

Download or read book Rheological Properties of a Model Soft Solid Nanocomposite written by Vijesh Tanna and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The fabrication and physical properties of polymer/clay nanocomposites has received a great deal of interest in both academic and industrial settings. Clay is a natural 2D mineral comprised of stacks of platelets with high aspect ratios held together through electrostatic interactions. Typically, polymer/clay composite are found to have the best physical properties when these clay sheets are randomly dispersed, exfoliated, throughout the polymer matrix. However, achieving this state is non-trivial due to the strong electrostatic forces holding the clay sheets together. Previous work has shown by mixing an end-functionalized, hydroxyl or carboxyl terminated, polybutadiene with clay, exfoliation can be achieved with mild annealing, which our group has termed the "self-exfoliation" process. The exfoliation of clay leads to the polybutadiene/clay composite forming a soft solid physical gel, presenting a model soft solid to study a material near its gel point. The work presented here relies on using the self-exfoliation process as a model material platform for 4 projects: (1) yielding of the soft solid physical gel, (2) understanding the effect of clay platelet size on the composite's linear viscoelastic properties, (3) modification of the polymer to tune its interactions with the clay filler and (4) crosslinking of the polymer matrix to create a clay filled thermoset. In the first project, the yielding behavior of the polybutadiene/clay physical gel was studied. Shear yielding was performed by exposing samples to large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) above their yield stress/strain. These large stresses/strains decrease the composite's modulus and increase its characteristic relaxation times causing an irreversible softening and reduced the material's internal connectivity. Samples were exposed to SAOS-Deformation-SAOS (SDS) sequences in which deformations were applied by increasing the deformation strain amplitudes and duration, followed by linear viscoelastic characterization through small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS). The flow-induced structural changes first began to occur at the same stress/strain values as the onset of non-linearity in traditional SAOS to LAOS (StL) stress amplitude sweeps. Yielding was found to be a strain activated process since the onset of non-linearity is independent of both frequency and temperature with respect to strain, not stress, amplitude. Finally, SDS measurements were performed at increasing deformation times and showed that these flow-induced structural changes require time to occur and soften the material through a reverse gelation type process. In the second project, we investigated the role of platelet size on the viscoelasticity of the same nanocomposite. Here two liquid polybutadienes served as matrix fluids, a non-functionalized polybutadiene (PB), which is a non-interacting liquid, and a carboxyl terminated polybutadiene (CTPB), which caused the clay to exfoliate. Un-exfoliated clay particles were suspended in PB and the liquid mixture was treated with high-intensity chaotic flow in a planetary mixer to reduce the clay platelet size. After performing the size-reduction, clay particles were then exfoliated through the addition of CTPB. The exfoliated clay in the 50/50 PB/CTPB polymer blend, still formed a physical gel but with a lower modulus when platelet size was reduced. Samples were then yielded which caused the already soft physical gel to soften even further by again irreversibly reducing its internal connectivity. The samples comprised of large platelets softened but remained solid while nanocomposites made up of smaller platelets underwent a solid to liquid transition due to yielding. The third project explored performing post-polymer modification on polybutadiene to vary the location and number of functional groups on the matrix. Prior work on the self-exfoliation process had been limited to commercially available end-functionalized polybutadiene. Thiol-ene click chemistry was used to vary the hydroxyl groups content in the polymer matrix. The addition of hydroxyl groups increased the polymer's glass transition temperature and as a direct consequence, increased the modulus and other linear viscoelastic functions. Composites were formed by adding clay to the synthesized polymers. Interestingly it was found that exfoliation and physical gelation still occurred when having only a single hydroxyl group per chain (on average). While the composites fabricated with the highly grafted polybutadiene exhibited a lower modulus and remained in a swollen intercalated state due to a lack of mobility. The findings presented here describe the self-exfoliation process as two separate steps: intercalation, driven by the presence of functional groups, and exfoliation, driven by having enough overall mobility in the system. In the final project, a polybutadiene/clay thermoset was developed using the self-exfoliation process. Sample fabrication was designed using a one-step mixing process to allow clay exfoliation to occur first via mild thermal annealing followed by UV activated chemical crosslinking of the polybutadiene's double bonds. By achieving a high crosslinking density, the composite's storage modulus was shown to increase by several orders of magnitude after crosslinking. The effects of clay were found to be significant only at high frequencies, in which the response was dominated by the elasticity of the exfoliated sheets. By comparing the rheological and swelling properties of the filled and unfilled thermosets, we also proved that clay prevents a small number of crosslinks from forming.

Download or read book Tensile and Fracture Behaviour of Isotropic and Die drawn Polypropylene clay Nanocomposites written by Abdulhadi S. Al-Shehri and published by . This book was released on 2011 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As a preliminary starting point for the present study, physical and mechanical properties of polypropylene nanocomposites (PPNCs) for samples received from Queen's University Belfast have been evaluated. Subsequently, polymer/clay nanocomposite material has been produced at Bradford. Mixing and processing routes have been explored, and mechanical properties for the different compounded samples have been studied. Clay intercalation structure has received particular attention to support the ultimate objective of optimising tensile and fracture behaviour of isotropic and die-drawn PPNCs. Solid-state molecular orientation has been introduced to PPNCs by the die-drawing process. Tensile stress-strain measurements with video-extensometry and tensile fracture of double edge-notched tensile specimens have been used to evaluate the Young's modulus at three different strain rates and the total work of fracture toughness at three different notch lengths. The polymer composite was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, polarizing optical microscopy, wide angle x-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. 3% and 5% clay systems at various compatibilizer (PPMA) loadings were prepared by three different mixing routes for the isotropic sheets, produced by compression moulding, and tensile bars, produced by injection moulding process. Die-drawn oriented tensile bars were drawn to draw ratio of 2, 3 and 4. The results from the Queen's University Belfast samples showed a decrement in tensile strength at yield. This might be explained by poor bonding, which refers to poor dispersion. Voids that can be supported by intercalated PP/clay phases might be responsible for improvement of elongation at break. The use of PPMA and an intensive mixing regime with a two-step master batch process overcame the compatibility issue and achieved around 40% and 50% increase in modulus for 3% and 5% clay systems respectively. This improvement of the two systems was reduced after drawing to around 15% and 25% compared with drawn PP. The work of fracture is increased either by adding nanoclay or by drawing to low draw ratio, or both. At moderate and high draw ratios, PPNCs may undergo either an increase in the size of microvoids at low clay loading or coalescence of microvoids at high clay loading, eventually leading to an earlier failure than with neat PP. The adoption of PPMA loading using an appropriate mixing route and clay loading can create a balance between the PPMA stiffness effect and the degree of bonding between clay particles and isotropic or oriented polymer molecules. Spherulites size, d-spacing of silicate layers, and nanoparticles distribution of intercalated microtactoids with possible semi-exfoliated particles have been suggested to optimize the final PPNCs property.

Download or read book Mixing and Compounding of Polymers written by Ica Manas-Zloczower and published by Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH Co KG. This book was released on 2012-11-12 with total page 1184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Finally available again in its second edition, this classic covers everything from the basic principles to the various practical applications of state-of-the-art mixing and compounding. Part I: Mechanisms and Theory Basic Concepts - Mixing of Miscible Fluids - Mixing of Immiscible Fluids - Dispersive Mixing of Solid Additives - Distributive Mixing - Distribution Functions and Measures of Mixing Part II: Mixing Equipment - Modeling, Simulation, Visualization Batch Equipment Simulation - Batch Equipment Visualization - Continuous Equipment Simulation - Dispersive Mixing Devices in Single Screw - Twin Rotor Mixers - Co-Kneader - Visualization - Scale-up of Mixing Equipment - Scale-down of Mixing Equipment Part III Material Consideration, Properties and Characterization Solid additives (inorganic) - Solid additives (organic) - Compatibilizers (mechanisms, theory) - Material Consideration for Mixing at Nanoscale - Effect of Mixing on Properties of Compounds - Effect of Mixing on Rubber Properties Part IV Mixing Practices Internal Mixers - Single Screw Extruders - Twin Screw Extruders - Intermeshing Twin Screw Extruders - Reciprocating Screws - Reactive Compounding - Farrel Continuous Mixer

Download or read book Preparation and Properties Characterization of Polyamide clay Bio nanocomposites written by Afonso Daniel Macheca and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 364 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A novel method for polyamide/clay bio-nanocomposites fabrication was developed in an attempt to facilitate ?extensive delamination? of clay stacks in polyamide matrices. The method, the so-called ?surfactant-free organo-modification approach? did not employ any surfactants for the matrix-clay compatibilisation. The idea was to exploit the use of dimer fatty acid polyamides with protonated amine end groups as clay surface modifiers of the clay previously dispersed in a liquid medium. The clays of choice in the study were the standard smectite clays commonly used to prepare polymer-clay nanocomposites and vermiculite. They were ultimately chosen on the basis of their ability to exfoliate into nano-thick sheets. Dimer fatty acid polyamide/clay bio-nanocomposites containing either montmorillonite or vermiculite were successfully prepared using the ?surfactant-free organo-modification approach?. Bio-nanocomposites containing as much as 28 wt.% montmorillonite and 30 wt.% vermiculite were obtained. In both cases, the composites featured a mixed morphology containing some exfoliated clay sheets together with nano-sized clay tactoids. At these filler loadings, the melt viscosity, tensile strength and Young?s modulus increased. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the glass transition temperature of the polymer increased by as much as 5 ?C when 27.5 wt.% montmorillonite was added and 10 ?C when 30 wt.% vermiculite was added. This indicates that the high interfacial surface area, presented by the clay platelets dispersed in the matrix, significantly impaired the polymer chain mobility. A further goal of the research was to extend the application of organo-modified vermiculite to the semi-crystalline polyamide-11. In this particular case, organomodified- and unmodified vermiculite and commercial sepiolite (Pangel S9) were considered. The clays were melt-compounded into the polyamide-11 to form products that contained either no filler, i.e. neat polyamide-11 or 10 wt.% clay. The aspects that were addressed included the effect of vermiculite organomodification, the effect of the shape of the clays, the aspect ratio of the particles, and the degree of dispersion that was achieved on properties of the generated polyamide-11/bio-nanocomposites. The emphasis was given to the mechanical and flame retardant properties. Polyamide-11/clay bio-nanocomposites were successfully prepared. Tensile properties results showed improvements in tensile strength and Young?s modulus increased with the presence of the nano-fillers. Young?s modulus of the bio-nanocomposites was almost the double of that of the neat polymer. Thermo-mechanical results also showed improvements in storage modulus with the addition of all particles, especially in the temperature range corresponding to the rubbery plateau (above the glass transition temperature). Cone calorimeter test results showed that the peak heat release rate and smoke production rate values of the polyamide-11/clays significantly decreased compared with those of neat polymer. This indicates that the addition of clays not only decreased the flammability of polyamide but also effectively reduced smoke production. The key findings of the thesis are: ? The ?surfactant-free organo-modification approach? offers an alternative to conventional clay modification routes based on cationic surfactants. It provides additives suitable for the improvement of the properties of amorphous polyamide matrices. ? The solution casting route allows the preparation of amorphous polyamide/clay nanocomposites with a very high clay content, i.e. approaching 30 wt.%. ? There are at least three stiffening mechanisms operating in amorphous polyamide/clay bio-nanocomposites. The reinforcing effect of the high stiffness inorganic flakes is the primary contributor. Together with the chain confinement effect, that expresses itself in an apparent increase in the glass transition temperature, this provided an adequate rationalisation of the stiffness variation below the glass transition temperature. However, an additional stiffening effect is indicated at temperatures above the glass transition temperature. The mechanism may involve dynamic network formation based on fluctuating hydrogen bonding interactions between the matrix polymer chains and the filler particles. ? From an engineering viewpoint, the good mechanical and fire retardant properties obtained with the vermiculite samples are very encouraging considering the inexpensive nature of this filler. ? The organo-modification of vermiculite and sepiolite is not necessary for the preparation of polyamide-11/clay bio-nanocomposites with excellent mechanical and thermal properties.

Download or read book Epoxy Composites written by Jyotishkumar Parameswaranpillai and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-06-01 with total page 450 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover a one-stop resource for in-depth knowledge on epoxy composites from leading voices in the field Used in a wide variety of materials engineering applications, epoxy composites are highly relevant to the work of engineers and scientists in many fields. Recent developments have allowed for significant advancements in their preparation, processing and characterization that are highly relevant to the aerospace and automobile industry, among others. In Epoxy Composites: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications, a distinguished team of authors and editors deliver a comprehensive and straightforward summary of the most recent developments in the area of epoxy composites. The book emphasizes their preparation, characterization and applications, providing a complete understanding of the correlation of rheology, cure reaction, morphology, and thermo-mechanical properties with filler dispersion. Readers will learn about a variety of topics on the cutting-edge of epoxy composite fabrication and characterization, including smart epoxy composites, theoretical modeling, recycling and environmental issues, safety issues, and future prospects for these highly practical materials. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to epoxy composites, their synthesis and manufacturing, and micro- and nano-scale structure formation in epoxy and clay nanocomposites An exploration of long fiber reinforced epoxy composites and eco-friendly epoxy-based composites Practical discussions of the processing of epoxy composites based on carbon nanomaterials and the thermal stability and flame retardancy of epoxy composites An analysis of the spectroscopy and X-ray scattering studies of epoxy composites Perfect for materials scientists, polymer chemists, and mechanical engineers, Epoxy Composites: Fabrication, Characterization and Applications will also earn a place in the libraries of engineering scientists working in industry and process engineers seeking a comprehensive and exhaustive resource on epoxy composites.