William Andrew Spectroscopy of Polymer Nanocomposites (Micro & Nano Technologies)

Spectroscopy of Polymer Nanocomposites covers all aspects of the spectroscopic characterization of polymer nanocomposites. More than 25 spectroscopy characterization techniques – almost all used in materials science – are treated in the book, with discussion of their potentialities and limitations. By comparing the techniques with each other and presenting the techniques together with their specific application areas, the book provides scientists and engineers the information needed for solving specific problems and choosing the right technique for analyzing the material structure. From this, the dispersion structure of fillers, property relations and filler-polymer interactions can be determined, and, ultimately, the right materials can be chosen for the right applications. Besides the techniques and structure-property relations, aspects covered include: phase segregation of filler particles, filler agglomeration and deagglomeration, filler dispersion, filler-polymer interactions, surfaces and interfaces. The book also examines recent developments, as well as unresolved issues and new challenges, in the characterization of surfaces and interfaces in polymer nanocomposites. This handpicked selection of topics, and the combined expertise of contributors from industry, academia, government and private research organizations across the globe, make this survey an outstanding reference source for anyone involved in the field of polymer nanocomposites in academia or industry. Provides comprehensive coverage of spectroscopy techniques for analyzing polymer nanocomposites Enables researchers and engineers to choose the right technique and make better materials decisions in research and a range of industries Presents the fundamentals, information on structure-property relations, and all other aspects relevant for understanding spectroscopic analyses of nanoreinforced polymers and their applications Review A fundamental review of current knowledge about spectroscopy characterization techniques for polymer nanocomposites – a one-stop reference source for engineers and researchers. About the Author Professor Sabu Thomas is Professor of Polymer Science & Technology and Honorary Director of the International and Inter University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, at the School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, India. He is a prolific researcher, with 420 international papers, 6122 total citations, 2 patents, 18 books and a total of over 625 publications to his name, and is listed as one of the most productive researchers in India by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. Prof. Thomas is a recognized authority in the field of polymer-based materials, and established the state-of-the-art lab in polymer science and nanotechnology at Mahatma Gandhi University. He has been a visiting professor at many polymer research laboratories in Europe and Asia. Dr. Didier Rouxel is a Professor at the Institut Jean Lamour, Université de Lorraine, France. Prof. Rouxel has been involved in the spectroscopic analysis of inorganics and is vastly experienced in the analysis of polymer nanocomposite systems by almost all spectroscopic techniques. His major areas of interest include elastic properties of polymeric materials studied by Brillouin spectroscopy, development of polymer nanocomposite materials, development of micro-devices based on electro-active polymers, piezoelectric nanocrystals, microsensor development for surgery, cell excitement in organic medium by piezoelectric polymers etc. He has written 80 publications, 6 book chapters and 138 communications. Dr. Deepalekshmi Ponnamma is working as a post-doctoral researcher at the Center for Advanced Materials, Qatar University. She recently obtained her PhD in Material Science from the Institute of Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Australia, and previously worked at the School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gand