Hybrid Composite Materials

This study explores composite materials, intricate assemblies with superior properties achieved through matrix and reinforcement arrangements. These composites, featuring metallic, ceramic, or plastic matrices, exist in both natural and synthetic forms, with polymer-based composites dominating in the contemporary polymer age due to their lightweight and corrosion resistance. Polymer matrix-based composites (PMCs) have efficiently replaced metals and ceramics across diverse applications. Evolving uses encompass construction, aerospace, automobiles, medicine, and nanotechnology-driven advancements in polymer nanocomposites. Recent developments extend to diverse applications, guided by composite preparation and manufacturing technology. Responding to environmental concerns, there is a shift towards green composite materials, incorporating bio-fiber/particle reinforcements and biodegradable polymers for sustainability. Natural fibers, enhancing bio-composites, address challenges through innovative techniques. On-going research focuses on developing polymer composites with superior properties, emphasizing the need to understand types, synthesis, and applications for future material demands.

This chapter delves into the multifaceted world of polymer composites, comprehensively examining their processing techniques, advantages, properties, and diverse applications. The processing section explores various manufacturing methods, including hand lay-up, filament winding, pultrusion, and resin transfer molding. The discussion on advantages elucidates the unique strengths of polymer composites, such as their lightweight nature, high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and tailorable properties. In exploring properties, the chapter covers mechanical, thermal, electrical, and other key characteristics that define the performance of polymer composites. Finally, the applications section showcases the versatility of polymer composites across industries, from aerospace and automotive to construction and sports. This chapter provides an extensive guide for researchers, engineers, and hobbyists who are interested in gaining a more profound comprehension of polymer composites and their crucial significance in contemporary materials science and engineering.

Polymer composites stand as instrumental tools in addressing contemporary environmental challenges, offering innovative and sustainable solutions. Polymer composites, renowned for their exceptional mechanical properties, low weight, and adaptability, are essential for a number of environmental applications, such as soil remediation, waste management, air pollution control, and water treatment. Their tailored properties make them invaluable in formulating effective and durable resolutions to complex environmental issues. In water treatment, these composites improve the supply of clean, drinkable water. For soil remediation, they absorb contaminants and catalyze remediation processes, supporting sustainable farming practices. In air pollution control, advanced particulate filters within polymer composites efficiently trap harmful particulate matter. Moreover, in waste management, polymer composites offer recyclable and biodegradable solutions, reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. The pursuit of sustainability is apparent as research expands the limits of composite materials, with recycled and bio-based polymers becoming more and more popular. Additionally, nanotechnology has further revolutionized the field through nanocomposites, incorporating nanoparticles for increased conductivity, strength, and thermal stability. The importance of polymer composites in comprehensive environmental remediation is examined in this chapter, with a focus on how their adaptability and customised qualities might help create a more environmentally friendly future.

In the present scenario of energy scarcity around the world and current geopolitical tensions have pushed the scientific community for green and renewable energy sources. Hunt for sustainability has tossed Bio-electrochemical systems for the bioenergy. These systems have wide applications ranging from wastewater treatment to bio-energy production. The present chapter explores the advancements in field of polymeric composites, their roles for various bioenergy applications. These polymeric materials are explored in the Bio-electrochemical systems as electrode materials for attachment of the biofilm over them, electron transportation for different end products at cathode. Also, these polymeric composites play a crucial role as proton exchange membranes and also anti-fouling agent for these membranes. This chapter also discusses Polymeric composites-based BES for wastewater treatment, waste management, contaminants removal, waste to energy etc.

The global advancement of technology and modernization poses a universal challenge, impacting various facets of human life. Nations worldwide are in a competitive pursuit of developing state-of-the-art electronic devices and gadgets, symbolizing national superiority and economic progress. However, the excessive usage of these devices gives rise to an alarming problem of Electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is proven to be harmful to human health and the performance of electronic devices parallelly. Several shielding materials have been explored over the past few decades and among them, polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) stand out as an optimal choice due to their essential properties like being flexible, lightweight, and chemically stable. Here, we provide insights into the EMI shielding mechanism and the PNC fillers widely used for efficient shielding. Contrary to the conventionally used shields, the nanofillers in the engineered PNCs can modify the properties of the polymer matrix owing to their nano dimensions. This book chapter navigates through the journey of PNCs in the era of EMI shielding, offering an ideal shift from conventionally used materials to these advanced and versatile nanoengineered materials.

Over the last two decades, there has been a substantial surge in the demand for medical products rooted in biomaterials and tissue engineering. This surge has propelled significant growth in biomedical research. Polymer-based composites, constituting a particularly intriguing category of biomaterials, have become extensively employed in various biomedical applications. This popularity is attributable to their exceptional physical and mechanical characteristics. Bio-polymers, in particular, are gaining widespread use owing to their inherent features, including low density, reduced thermal conductivity, resistance to corrosion, and the ease with which complex shapes can be manufactured. To provide an overview of the development of polymer-based composites in terms of their structure, characteristics, and methods of manufacture. Bioactive polymer-based composites are covered in this topic, including those that have the ability to produce bones, antibacterial, magnetic, electrically conductive, and release oxygen. It also explores non-bioactive polymer-based composites with porogens and reinforcing fillers. Furthermore, various types of reinforcements, such as natural fibers, cellulose, animal fibers, bio-polymers, seed shells, bioceramics, and bio-chemicals, are examined for their role in enhancing mechanical properties like tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, creep behavior and Young’s modulus of these composites. The narrative extends to the discussion of scaffold structures created through particle leaching, 3D additive manufacturing and electrospinning. Each section highlights significant and recent advancements in the utilization of polymer-based composites in biomedical applications.

Composite materials are highly sought-after in various industries for their extraordinary properties. These materials are created by combining two or more different substances, resulting in a novel material with improved characteristics. However, composites materials and laminates display intricate structure patterns, which can be considered as unstructured data. Currently, deep learning is experiencing rapid advancements in the field of composite materials, providing advancements in prediction enhancement, material characterization, structural health monitoring, process optimization, and more. It facilitates the analysis of such complex data patterns and effectively automates the identification of features. This chapter begins with a high-level overview of deep learning methods. It then explores recent developments in the use of deep learning and machine learning for composite materials in depth. To conclude this chapter review, we discuss revolutionary approaches to designing and optimizing composites for the next generation of materials with unprecedented properties, as well as the limitations, challenges, and potential growth areas for deep learning methods in the context of composite materials.

The fast industrialization and urbanization generate huge number of pollutants. Organic dyes (so called organic pollutants) play an important role in polluting water and contaminating the aquatic system. These dyes are mutagenic, carcinogenic and exhibit toxicity for aquatic eco-system and human health. Recently, advanced oxidation method has been adopted for the remediation of organic pollutant through oxidation by reactive oxidative species (ROS) in-situ generated by photocatalytic materials. To shed light towards photocatalysts, this chapter comprises the recent advancement on the synthesis of metal oxide/polymer nanocomposite materials and their utilization for the remediation of wastewater. Furthermore, detailed properties of metal oxides viz., titanium oxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO₂), iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) and nickel oxide (NiO) and composites based on polymer materials have been discussed. Finally, it covers outlook of current challenges and achievements for the preparation of composite materials and their future aspects.

Polymer based composites have gained a vast interest in different fields like medical sectors, food packaging and many engineering applications due to their improved and enhanced properties like mechanical, electrochemical, antimicrobial, anticorrosive properties etc. this chapter focuses on the application of composites in engineering field like in aerospace, automotive, superhydrophobic coatings and many other fields like food packaging, biomedical applications and self-healing properties. Different techniques for synthesizing these biopolymer composites have also been discussed and reviewed in the chapter.

The increasing demand for self-healing materials across industries has propelled polymer composites to the forefront of material science. Notably, the integration of self-healing capabilities represents a groundbreaking stride in addressing the persistent challenge of damage mitigation and, consequently, the extension of composite structures’ lifespan. This chapter provides a comprehensive exploration of self-healing processes in polymer composites, delving into mechanisms, materials, and recent developments. Beginning with a brief description of fundamental principles, this chapter unravels various self-healing mechanisms, including microcapsule-based systems, vascular networks, and intrinsic healing reactions. This foundational understanding serves as a crucial guide for tailoring self-healing materials to diverse applications in aerospace, automotive, construction, and beyond. The integration of self-healing features into composite structures signifies a transformative shift, offering tangible advantages in terms of maintenance, dependability, and environmental sustainability. The chapter aims not only to elucidate the current state-of-the-art in self-healing polymer composites but also to stimulate further research and innovation. By examining specific self-healing strategies, it guides future endeavours, unlocking the full potential of these materials in the dynamic landscape of materials science. Self-healing polymer composites emerge not merely as materials but as transformative solutions, offering unprecedented possibilities for resilient and sustainable structures.

This chapter is a primer pertaining to the topic of optimization as it applies to laminated composite structures. Composite materials come in various shapes and forms, with the more familiar types known as polymer matrix composites (PMCs). However, there is another type of composite material that is formed by bonding layers of two or more materials with adhesives—laminated composites (often referred to as laminates). Due to the wide variety of applications of such materials, numerous studies have been conducted to optimize the structures made from these materials to improve their behavior (say, mechanical) such as stiffness and strength. The field of mathematical optimization has gained prominence in engineering in the modern era, with applications ranging from aerospace vehicles to civil structures. With the advent of faster computing hardware combined with sophisticated algorithms, it has become possible to optimize the design of any structure to achieve a certain objective (typically minimizing weight), given a number of constraints. A variety of algorithms have been used by researchers to study the optimization of laminated composites, and this chapter will discuss the most commonly used techniques.

Researchers and scientists are continuously starving for the discovery of novel, eco-friendly, and cost effective nanomaterials. Halloysite nanotube (HNT) is a recent nanomaterial that exhibits molecular structure and spatial layers, similar to those of carbon nanotube. The presence of various active functional groups on HNT structure has made it highly attractive for a number of applications, especially as a reinforcing agent. Hence, there has been substantial research and development on HNT-based polymer nanocomposites in the last few decades. Good dispersion of HNTs and their interaction with the polymeric matrix are the key requirements for high performance nanocomposites. This chapter gives an overview of the various HNT modifications towards enhancing its nanocomposites. Various covalent and non-covalent functionalization routes employed for the surface treatment of HNTs are discussed. Furthermore, different processing methods of HNT-based polymer nanocomposites, such as extrusion, solvent casting, solution polymerization, and layer-by-layer deposition are also covered.

Lignocellulosic fibers are being used as reinforcement of polymeric matrices to fabricate composites over the past decades because of their eco-friendly nature as well as low cost, easy availability, low density, high specific strength and high stiffness. There are many natural fibers like hemp, ramie, banana, sisal, and coir on which a large amount of research has been done. Natural fibers which are abundantly available in specific areas, especially rural areas can also prove to be vital in fulfilling the rising demands of natural fibers along with providing employment to the rural population. One of such underutilized natural fiber is extracted from the stems of Grewia Optiva tree which is abundantly available in Uttarakhand and found only in some parts of sub-Himalayan terrains. This fiber has a great potential to be used as reinforcement to fabricate polymer composites. This book chapter presents the utility of Grewia Optiva as a reinforcement in polymer composites and discusses the fiber extraction methods, lignocellulosic composition, fiber-surface modification methods, thermal, mechanical properties and tribological properties.

Nano materials exhibit unique properties that can revolutionize pollution remediation, water purification, and waste management. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio and reactivity enable efficient pollutant capture and degradation. Additionally, nanomaterials contribute to energy-efficient processes and innovative solutions for environmental challenges. This overview underscores the pivotal role of nanomaterials in enhancing sustainability efforts, emphasizing their potential to address pressing environmental issues and pave the way for an eco-friendlier future. This chapter investigates the critical function of nanomaterials in promoting environmental sustainability. The first section gives a general review of nanotechnology basics, covering the underlying ideas and characteristics of nanomaterials, in recognition of the growing significance of protecting our planet. The chapter then explores several ways that nanotechnology may be used to address environmental issues. The applications section addresses a wide range of topics, including air quality improvement using nanotechnology-based air purification and water treatment, filtration, and desalination. It encompasses waste management, renewable energy, and soil remediation, demonstrating the adaptability of nanomaterials in a range of environmental settings. Ecotoxicology and safety issues related to the usage of nanomaterials are given particular focus. In the concluding section, the chapter discusses the future of Nano environmental applications. It addresses the difficulties and possibilities that lie ahead while highlighting new trends and looking for creative ways to solve urgent environmental issues which will find great value in the thorough investigation of nanomaterials in environmental sustainability.

Aluminium alloys are commonly age-hardened to improve their characteristics, and hence their suitability for usage in a wide range of engineering applications. The objective of this chapter is to elucidate the capabilities of age-hardened aluminium alloys, offering perspectives on their methods and their utilisation in addressing engineering obstacles. The relevance of age hardening as a method for enhancing the characteristics of aluminium alloys is also discussed in detail.

Nitrogen, a critical nutrient, regulates the biological system output, yet its usage in fertilizers has resulted in increased food production worldwide. Nitrogen emissions destabilize the nitrogen cycle, influencing human wellness, biodiversity, ecological systems, and climate change. Reactive nitrogen from industrial activities contributes to pollution, biodiversity loss, climate change, and lower agricultural output. Agronomists, animal scientists, and fertilizer engineers may solve this issue by improving nitrogen usage efficiency, precision farming, and wastewater recovery technology. Citizens should also limit reactive nitrogen-intensive items and dispose of garbage appropriately. Agriculture may reduce emissions, but future programs should prioritize climate change mitigation. This study investigates the impacts of increasing Nr inputs on forest ecosystems, as well as the problems and potential solutions for controlling the complex concerns surrounding Nr. It focuses on the subtle balance of Nr between destructive and constructive results, highlighting the challenges in regulating its environmental influence. Following that, we study the predefined state of nitrogen in heathlands, focusing on its function in carbon sequestration. We then look into the effect of organic replacements on decreasing the C/N ratio and their potential to boost vegetable output. Our global view then expands to investigate nitrogen emissions from orchards and their larger environmental repercussions. The paper gives a complete review of how human activities contribute to environmental deterioration via Nr emissions. Lastly, Mitigation options and policy implications for reducing Nr emissions and supporting sustainable practices that balance carbon sequestration and responsible nitrogen management are encompassed.