Plastics Reinforcement and Industrial Applications

Many of the mechanical, electrical, thermal, and other properties of plastics can be considerably improved by the incorporation in the formulation of reinforcing agents such as glass fiber, carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes and many more. This makes it possible, for example, to produce plastics suitable for the use in the construction of aircraft bodies and high temperature applications in aircraft, electronics, and automobiles. This book provides a thorough review of developments in this field and offers readers coverage of future developments.

When combined with reinforcing agents, plastics can be used for a number of high-temperature applications. Plastics Reinforcement and Industrial Applications provides a detailed discussion on plastics, polymers, and reinforcing agents (including organic and natural biomaterials). Focused specifically on improving the mechanical, thermal, and electrical stability of plastics by combining them with reinforcing agents, this book explains the background of reinforced plastics and describes how they work.

The book examines reinforcing agents that include glass fibers, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, graphite, talc, and minerals, and commonly used plastics such as polyamides, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, and epoxy resins. It also introduces newer plastics such as polyimides, polysulfones, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyether ether ketones. It highlights recent developments in the field that include the use of nanocomposites for manufacturing sports equipment, and other applications of nanoparticles in polymer reinforcement. In addition, use of this material can aid in the production of plastics utilized in the construction of aircraft and light weight automobiles. The author covers a wide range of applications that may be applied in general engineering, automotive, aerospace, building materials, electronics and microelectronics, power sources, medical, and bioengineering. He also includes material on natural fibers used for reinforcement and green chemistry applications.

Suitable for use in the metals and plastics industries, Plastics Reinforcement and Industrial Applications is an ideal resource for polymer and material scientists, and chemical and mechanical engineers.