Contents

Cover

Title page

Copyright page

Preface

Chapter 1: Polymer Nanocomposites and Coatings: The Game Changers

1.1 Introduction
1.2 Polymer Nanocomposites
1.3 Conclusions
Acknowledgments
References

Chapter 2: DGEBA Epoxy/CaCO₃ Nanocomposites for Improved Chemical Resistance and Mechanical Properties for Coating Applications

2.1 Introductıon
2.2 Experimental
2.3 Characterization of Epoxy/CaCO₃ Nanocomposite
2.4 Results and Discussion
2.5 Conclusıon
References

Chapter 3: An Industrial Approach to FRLS (Fire Retardant Low Smoke) Compliance in Epoxy Resin-Based Polymeric Products

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Experimental
3.3 Characterizatıon, Results and Discussion
3.4 Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References

Chapter 4: Polymer-Based Organic Solar Cell: An Overview

4.1 Introduction
4.2 Polymer Solar Cells: An Insight
4.3 Layer Stack Constructıon of Polymer Solar Cells
4.4 Simple Working of a Polymer Solar Cell
4.5 Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA)
4.6 Current Condition of Polymer Solar Cells
4.7 Materials Used for Developing PSC
4.8 Degradation and Stability of a PSC
4.9 Dyes
4.10 Performed Experiments
4.11 Summary
References

Chapter 5: A Simple Route to Synthesize Nanostructures of Bismuth Oxyiodide and Bismuth Oxychloride (BiOI/BiOCl) Composite for Solar Energy Harvesting

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Photocatalytic Activity Measurements
5.3 Results and Discussion
5.4 Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References

Chapter 6: Investigation of DC Conductivity, Conduction Mechanism and CH₄ Gas Sensor of Chemically Synthesized Polyaniline Nanofiber Deposited on DL-PLA Substrate

6.1 Introduction
6.2 Experimental Details
6.3 Results and Discussion
6.4 Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References

Chapter 7: Electrical Properties of Conducting Polymer-MWCNT Binary and Hybrid Nanocomposites

7.1 Introduction
7.2 AC/DC Properties of Polyethersulfone (PES)-MWCNT, PES-Graphite-MWCNT Nanocomposites
7.3 Discussion of Results
7.4 Conclusion and Future Perspectives
Acknowledgment
References

Chapter 8: Polyaniline-Based Sensors for Monitoring and Detection of Ammonia and Carbon Monoxide Gases

8.1 Introduction
8.2 Conducting Polymers
8.3 Ammonia Detection
8.4 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detection
8.5 Conclusion
References

Chapter 9: Synthesis and Characterization of Luminescent La₂Zr₂O₇/Sm³⁺ Polymer Nanocomposites

9.1 Introduction
9.2 Experimental
9.3 Results and Discussion
9.4 Conclusion
Aknowledgment
References

Chapter 10: Study of Gas Transport Phenomenon in Layered Polymer Nanocomposite Membranes

10.1 Introduction
10.2 Experimental
10.3 Results and Discussion
10.4 Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References

Chapter 11: Synthesis and Ion Transport Studies of K⁺ Ion Conducting Nanocomposite Polymer Electrolytes

11.1 Introduction
11.2 Experimental
11.3 Results and Discussion
11.4 Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References

Chapter 12: Recent Studies in Polyurethane-Based Drug Delivery Systems

12.1 Introduction
12.2 Experimental
12.3 Conclusion
References

Chapter 13: Synthesis and Characterization of Polymeric Hydrogels for Drug Release Formulation and Its Comparative Study

13.1 Introduction
13.2 Materials and Method
13.3 Result and Discussion
13.4 Conclusion
Acknowledgment
References

Chapter 14: Enhancement in Gas Diffusion Barrier Property of Polyethylene by Plasma Deposited SiO_x Films for Food Packaging Applications

14.1 Introduction
14.2 Transport of Gas Molecules Through Packaging Polymers
14.3 Experimental
14.4 Results
14.5 Conclusion
References

Chapter 15: Synthesis and Characterization of Nanostructured Olivine LiFePO₄ Electrode Material for Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Battery

15.1 Introduction
15.2 Experimental
15.3 Characterization
15.4 Results and Discussion
15.5 Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References

Index

End User License Agreement

List of Illustrations

Chapter 1

Figure 1.1 (Top) Different shapes and types of typical nanoparticles (nanoscale fillers) used to reinforce polymeric matrices. (Bottom) Particle shapes and surface area/volume (A/V) versus aspect ratio (a) variation for nanoscale structures which can reinforce polymer matrices [1].
Figure 1.2 Types of composites.
Figure 1.3 Processing of thermoplastic nanocomposites.
Figure 1.4 Processing of thermosetting nanocomposites.
Figure 1.5 (a) View of ultrasonic bath used for sonication with time control. (b) Schematic representation of the deagglomeration of particles by sonication with the help of cavitation.
Figure 1.6 (a) Oblique and (b) front view of high shear homogenizer and (c) its stator-rotor.
Figure 1.7 (a,b) Stator-rotor system. (c,d) Action of high shear on sample and the vortex motion generated (white liquid streak marked with arrows) during sample processing.
Figure 1.8 Schematic drawing of stator and rotor showing ID and OD. Dimensions shown in mm are not to scale.
Figure 1.9 Resultant morphology due to the combination of polymer 2D nanofillers like clay/graphene. The interface between polymeric chains and platelets of 2D nanofiller controls whether the morphology is intercalated, exfoliated or a mix of both.
Figure 1.10 AFM investigated morphology of (a) polyurethane and polyurethane modified by two types of clay: (b) Cloisite 30B and (c) Cloisite 20A. (d) Closer look at clay modified hard segmental morphology.
Figure 1.11 X-ray diffraction beam projected on (a) nanocomposite coating sample and (b) a schematic for Bragg’s law.
Figure 1.12 Schematic for detection of energy absorptions in FTIR-ATR.
Figure 1.13 Various surface and mechanical testing for coatings on coated mild steel substrates.
Figure 1.14 Applications of nanocomposite coatings (a) Anti-reflective, anti-fogging surface, (b) superhydrophobic surface inside a sauce bottle, and (c) left shoe with self-cleaning coating [42].

Chapter 2

Figure 2.1 FTIR spectrum of uncured neat epoxy matrix.
Figure 2.2 FTIR spectrum of uncured EP¹C-1 sample.
Figure 2.3 FTIR spectrum of cured EP¹C-0 sample.
Figure 2.4 FTIR spectrum of cured EP¹C-1 sample.
Figure 2.5 FTIR spectrum of EP²C-1 cured sample.
Figure 2.6 FTIR spectrum of uncured EP²C-1 sample.
Figure 2.7 Impact resistance of nanocomposite films.
Figure 2.8 Scratch hardness and ımpact resistance of resin EEW 180.
Figure 2.9 Scratch hardness of nanocomposite films vs. content of nano-CaCO₃.
Figure 2.10 Scratch hardness and impact resistance of EEW 220 resin.
Figure 2.11 Chemical resistance of nanocomposite films of EEW 180 resin.
Figure 2.12 Chemical resistance of nanocomposite films of EEW 220 resin.
Figure 2.13 SEM image of EP¹C-0 sample.
Figure 2.14 SEM image of EP¹C-1 sample.
Figure 2.15 SEM image of EP¹C-3 sample.
Figure 2.16 SEM image of EP¹C-5 sample.
Figure 2.17 SEM image of EP¹C-10 sample.
Figure 2.18 SEM image of EP²C-0 sample.
Figure 2.19 SEM image of EP²C-1 sample.

Chapter 3

Figure 3.1 Limiting oxygen index (LOI) test apparatus and representative samples.
Figure 3.2 (a) Schematic drawing of a specially fabricated fire behavior environmental chamber with radiant panel as per IEC 60076-11. (b,c) Physical appearance of specially fabricated fire behavior environmental chamber with radiant panel as per IEC 60076-11.
Figure 3.3 Actual product prototypes of dry-type transformers (DTTs): i) FRLS compliant (left) additive-modified epoxy resin-hardener polymer composite as an electrical insulation material and ii) non-FRLS (right) virgin epoxy resin-hardener polymer material without any additive(s), before testing as per IEC 60076–11 standard.
Figure 3.4 Photos depicting the burning characteristics of the product prototype of a DTT having epoxy resin-hardener polymer composite material (image on the left, FRLS compliant) as an electrical insulation material during testing as per IEC 60076–11 standard and virgin epoxy resin-hardener non-FRLS (image on the right).
Figure 3.5 Photos of the product prototype of DTT having epoxy resin-hardener polymer as an electrical insulation material after testing per IEC 60076-11 standard with i) FRLS-compliant additive-modified epoxy resin-hardener composite prototype (image on the left) and ii) non-FRLS virgin epoxy resin-hardener material prototype (image on the right).

Chapter 4

Figure 4.1 Figure illustrating the reason for instability in a polymer [2].
Figure 4.2 Illustration of a natural dye bonding with a TiO₂ layer: (a) bidentate bridging, (b) chelating and (c) ester linkages [41].
Figure 4.3 Experiment setup I.
Figure 4.4 Experiment setup 2.

Chapter 5

Figure 5.1 Redox processes at the semiconductor surface by photogenerated electrons and holes.
Figure 5.2 Energy diagram (positions of conduction and valence bands) for typical semiconductors.
Figure 5.3 Crystal structure of bismuth oxyhalides.
Figure 5.4 SEM image of BiOCl nanocrystals (a,b), BiOI nanocrystals (c,d), and (BiOCl/BiOI) composite nanocrystals (e,f) synthesized by using a mixture of ethanol and distilled water (50:50) as solvent.
Figure 5.5 FTIR spectra of BiOCl, BiOI and BiOCl/BiOI composite in 450 to 4500 cm^-1 wavenumber range.
Figure 5.6 (a) X-ray diffraction of BiOCl, (b) BiOI, and (c) BiOCl/BiOI composite sample synthesized in a mixture of ethanol and distilled water (50:50) for 2θ value between 10–80°.
Figure 5.7 Absorption spectra of BiOCl, BiOI and composite (BiOCl/BiOI).
Figure 5.8 Typical absorption spectra of the dye solution after different durations of exposure to visible light from the Sun in the presence of BiOCl/BiOI composite and UV light exposure in the presence of BiOCl photocatalyst.
Figure 5.9 Degradation kinetics for BiOCl in UV and visible range and for BiOI and BiOCl/BiOI composite under visible light exposure.

Chapter 6

Figure 6.1 SEM images of (a) DL-PLA film, H₂SO₄ [(b) low and (c) higher magnification], H₃PO₄ (d), HNO₃ (e), and HCl (f) doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites.
Figure 6.2 UV-Vis spectra of neat DL-PLA (A), HNO₃ (B), H₂SO₄ (C), HCl (D), and H₃PO₄ (E) doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites.
Figure 6.3 Optical (direct) band gap of HCl (A), H₂SO₄ (B), HNO₃ (C), H₃PO₄ (D) doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites.
Figure 6.4 DC conductivity of HCl (A), H₂SO₄ (B), HNO₃ (C) and H₃PO₄ (D) doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites measured at room temperature.
Figure 6.5 DC conductivity vs. temperature (77–300 K) of HCl (A), H₂SO₄ (B) and H₃PO₄ (C) doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composite.
Figure 6.6 (a) 3D VRH plot and (b) Arrhenius plot of HCl (A), H₂SO₄ (B) and H₃PO₄ (C) doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites.
Figure 6.7 Plots of [lnp(H)/ρ(0)] vs. for HCl (A), H₂SO₄ (B), H₃PO₄ (C) doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites at 0.4 T (77–300 K).
Figure 6.8 Magnetoresistance (MR) of H₃PO₄ (A) and H₂SO₄ (B) doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites at room temperature.
Figure 6.9 The resistance transients of H₃PO₄ doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composite film measured at various CH₄ gas concentrations (ppm) in ambient conditions.

Chapter 7

Figure 7.1 Classification of conducting polymers.
Figure 7.2 Growth in papers published in journals on the topic of polymer-CNT composites.
Figure 7.3 Through-plane conductivity of PES-MWCNT composites.
Figure 7.4 Frequency-dependent effective dielectric constant of PES-MWCNT composites.
Figure 7.5 Through-plane conductivity of PES-7 wt% graphite–x wt% MWCNT hybrid composites.
Figure 7.6 Frequency-dependent conductance of solution blended PES-7 wt% graphite–x wt% MWCNT (x = 0,1,3).
Figure 7.7 TEM image of PES-1 wt% MWCNT homogenized sample.
Figure 7.8 TEM images of homogenized PES-1 wt% MWCNT.

Chapter 8

Figure 8.1 Molecular structures of conducting polymers.
Figure 8.2 Three oxidation states of polyaniline.
Figure 8.3 The doping of EB with protons to form the conducting emeraldine salt (PANI/HA) form of polyaniline [18].
Figure 8.4 Annual ammonium deposition (100 mg/m²) [20].
Figure 8.5 Polyaniline strips.
Figure 8.6 Varying voltage with ammonia concentration.

Chapter 9

Figure 9.1 Different excited states.
Figure 9.2 One form of a Jablonski diagram.
Figure 9.3 Representation of luminescence process: (a) activator (A) in a host (H) and (b) sensitizer (S) and activator (A) in a host (H). (Reproduced with permission from Rohit Saraf [6])
Figure 9.4 Flow chart for synthesis of Sm³⁺-doped La₂Zr₂O₇ and La₂Zr₂O₇.
Figure 9.5 (a) Powder XRD of Sm³⁺-doped La₂Zr₂O₇ and La₂Zr₂O₇ calcined at 950 °C for two hour; (b) XRD patterns for Sm³⁺-doped La₂Zr₂O₇, PVA and Sm³⁺-doped La₂Zr₂O₇ with PVA polymer composites.
Figure 9.6 Observed, calculated XRD patterns and the difference between them for (a) La₂Zr₂O₇, (b) La₂Zr₂O₇:Sm³⁺ (10 mol%), (c) La₂Zr₂O₇:Sm³⁺ (12 mol%) and (d) La₂Zr₂O₇:Sm³⁺ (20 mol%).
Figure 9.7 Crystal structure of (a) La₂Zr₂O₇ and (b) La₂Zr₂O₇:Sm³⁺ (20 mol%).
Figure 9.8 SEM images of (a) La_1.98Sm_0.02Zr₂O₇ [(b) and (c) are enlarged views of (a)] at different magnifications and (d) La_1.98Sm_0.02Zr₂O₇-PVA composite 20 wt% compounds.
Figure 9.9 Diffused reflectance spectra of (a) La_2-xSm_xZr₂O₇ and (b) La_2-xSm_xZr₂O₇-PVA composite.
Figure 9.10 TGA curve for (a) La₂Zr₂O₇ and (b) La_2-xSm_xZr₂O₇ (x = 0.32) compounds.
Figure 9.11 (a) PL excitation spectra of La_1.98Sm_0.02Zr₂O₇ and (b) PL emission spectra of La_2-xSm_xZr₂O₇ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.8, 0.16, 0.24, 0.32 and 0.40); (c) y wt% La_2-xSm_xZr₂O₇-PVA composite (x = 0.2) (y = 0, 5, 10 and 20).
Figure 9.12 CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram of La_1.98Sm_0.02Zr₂O₇ and x wt% La_1.98Sm_0.02Zr₂O₇-PVA composite (x = 0, 5, 10 and 20) excited at 407 nm.

Chapter 10

Figure 10.1 Transport of gas through membrane.
Figure 10.2 Schematic diagram of gas permeation cell.
Figure 10.3 Constant volume/variable pressure system setup.
Figure 10.4 Selectivity comparison of pure PC and Pt-Pd coated PC.

Chapter 11

Figure 11.1 Room temperature conductivity plot of SPEs: (PEO:KBr) [15].
Figure 11.2 ‘Log σ – x’ plot for the hot-pressed NCPEs: (1-x) (70PEO:30KBr) + x SiO₂.
Figure 11.3 ‘Log μ – x’ and ‘log n – x’ plots for the hot-pressed NCPEs: (1–x) (70PEO:30KBr) + x SiO₂.
Figure 11.4 XRD patterns: (a) KBr, (b) pure PEO, (c) hot-pressed SPE host: (70PEO:30KBr), (d) pure nano-sized SiO₂ and (e) hot-pressed NCPE OCC: [95 (70PEO:30KBr) + 5 SiO₂].
Figure 11.5 Schematic representation of conducting paths (() in PEs: (a) pure polymer, (b) polymer with ion conducting salt and (c) NCPE: (polymer + ion conducting salt + nano inert material).
Figure 11.6 ‘Current – time’ plot for the hot-pressed NCPE OCC: [95(70PEO:30KBr) + 5 SiO₂].
Figure 11.7 ‘Log σ – 1/T’ plot for the hot-pressed NCPE OCC: [95(70PEO: 30KBr) + 5 SiO₂].
Figure 11.8 Schematic structure of solid-state polymeric cell.
Figure 11.9 Discharge characteristics of a solid-state polymeric cell: [K || 95(70PEO:3QKBr)+ 5 SiO₂ || (C+I₂+NCPE)] at different loads: 100 kΩ (■) and 50 kΩ (•)

Chapter 12

Figure 12.1 Otto Bayer, the “father” of polyurethanes (reprinted from [5]).
Figure 12.2 Chemical reaction of polyurethane formation [7, 8].
Figure 12.3 Synthesis of cross-linked PU elastomer.
Figure 12.4 Chemical structures of (a) Starch, (b) Amylose and (c) Amylopectin.
Figure 12.5 Chemical structure of cellulose.
Scheme 12.1 Synthesis of carbohydrate cross-linked PU (reprinted from [30]).
Figure 12.6 FTIR spectra of (a) Lamotrigine drug sample, (b) Lamotrigine loaded PU elastomer and (c) PU elastomer. (Reproduced from [30]).
Figure 12.7 Effect of various polyols and carbohydrates on (a) % elongation and (b) tensile strength of polyurethanes. (Reproduced from [31]).
Figure 12.8 Applications of PUs in the biomedical field.
Figure 12.9 Mechanism of drug loading in PU matrix. (Reproduced from [35]).
Figure 12.10 Schematic representation of drug release rate as a function of stoichiometry of PUs. (Reproduced from [30])
Figure 12.11 SEM micrographs of PU III-Cel at various magnifications: (a) only PU, (b) PU with encapsulated drug, (c) PU after release of drug. (Reproduced from [30])
Figure 12.12 A schematic diagram showing swelling of stimuli-responsive polymers.
Figure 12.13 Effect of pH of external media on the swelling properties of polymer.
Figure 12.14 Drug release profiles for pH-responsive polyurethanes. (Reproduced from [32])
Scheme 12.2 Mechanism of pH-responsive PUs. (Reproduced from [32])

Chapter 13

Figure 13.1 The reactive procedures of synthesis on 2-hydroxy-3-((2 hydroxypropanoyl) oxy) propyl acrylate monomer.
Figure 13.2 The reactive procedures of synthesis on PCPS-g-2-hydroxy-3-((2-hydroxy propanoyl)oxy) propyl acrylate (HPA) copolymer.
Figure 13.3 ¹³C-NMR spectra of 2-hydroxy-3-((2-hydroxypropanoyl)oxy) propyl acrylate.
Figure 13.4 X-ray diffraction of starch and carboxylpropyl starch.
Figure 13.5 X-ray diffraction of CPS-g-3–2-hydroxy-3-((2-hydroxypropanoyl)oxy)propyl acrylate.
Figure 13.6 Control drug release study of standard tablet, polymeric binding drug and drug-loaded polymeric tablet.

Chapter 14

Figure 14.1 Schematic of the semicrystalline nature of polymers.
Figure 14.2 Schematic description of the transport of gas molecules through a polymer film.
Figure 14.3 Schematic diagram of GTR testing setup using differential pressure method; GTR is calculated using Equation 14.2.
Figure 14.4 Oxygen concentration vs. water contact angle of SiO_x films.
Figure 14.5 FTIR spectra of SiO_x films at various oxygen concentrations.
Figure 14.6 Shifting of Si-O-Si stretching peak with increase in oxygen concentration.
Figure 14.7 Shifting of Si-O-Si bending peak with increase in oxygen concentration.
Figure 14.8 Oxygen concentrations vs. deposition rate.
Figure 14.9 Scanning electron micrograph of virgin PE surface.
Figure 14.10 Defects in virgin PE surface.
Figure 14.11 SiOx coated PE surface.
Figure 14.12 Cracks in SiOx coating due to thermal stress.
Figure 14.13 Oxygen transmission rate of untreated PE, single-layer SiOx deposited PE, double-layer SiOx deposited PE and conventional 5-layer (different polymers) structure.
Figure 14.14 Types of SiOx film growth mechanism from HMDSO monomer [20].

Chapter 15

Figure 15.1 Li-ion cell operation: During charging, lithium ions intercalate into the anode; the reverse occurs during discharge [1].
Figure 15.2 Structure of olivine LiFePO₄ [1].
Figure 15.3 SEM images of LiFePO₄ prepared via (a) sol-gel, (b) hydrothermal and (c) glycothermal methods.
Figure 15.4 EDAX of LiFePO₄ prepared via sol-gel method indicating the composition as Li_0.05Fe_0.35(PO₄)_0.6.
Figure 15.5 Charge-discharge experiments on the cell prepared from LiFePO₄ anode and graphite cathode with PVDF-HFP gel polymer electrolyte. LiFePO₄ was prepared by (a) sol-gel, (b) hydrothermal and (c) glycothermal methods.
Figure 15.6 XRD pattern of LiFePO₄ prepared via sol-gel method.

List of Tables

Chapter 1

Table 1.1 Equipments and its specifications.
Table 1.2 Various polymers, nanofillers and expected property improvements.

Chapter 2

Table 2.1 Artificial seawater prepared as per IS 1404:1970 standard.
Table 2.2 The experimental data sheet for mechanical properties of coating films.

Chapter 3

Table 3.1 Flammability characteristics of nanostructured alumina and other additive modified in epoxy resin-hardener system vs. unfilled (virgin) epoxy resin-hardener body.
Table 3.2 Material classifications as per UL 94 protocol.
Table 3.3 FRLS compliant DTT coils (additive-modified epoxy body).
Table 3.4 Non-FRLS DTT Coils (virgin epoxy body).

Chapter 4

Table 4.1 Various dyes used in dye-sensitized solar cells.
Table 4.2 Materials and their resistances.

Chapter 6

Table 6.1 FTIR peak positions and their assignments of DL-PLA, PANI-ES, HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, and H₃PO₄ doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites.
Table 6.2 UV-Vis peak positions and their assignments and direct band gap of DL-PLA, HCl, HNO₃, H₂SO₄, H₃PO₄ doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites.
Table 6.3 DC conductivity of HCl, H₂SO₄, HNO₃ and H₃PO₄ doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites at room temperature.
Table 6.4 Regression values (3D-, 1D-VRH model and Arrhenius model) of HCl, H₂SO₄, and H₃PO₄ doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites.
Table 6.5 VRH conduction parameters obtained by analyzing the low temperature resistivity (with and without magnetic field) data of HCl, H₂ SO₄, H₃ PO₄ doped DL-PLA/PANI-ES composites.

Chapter 8

Table 8.1 Sensors used for detection of ammonia gas
Table 8.2 Sensors used for detection of carbon monoxide.

Chapter 9

Table 9.1 Types of luminescence and their applications.
Table 9.2 Transition and emission of activators.
Table 9.3 Applications of phosphors.
Table 9.4 La₂Zr₂O₇ with different doped concentrations of samarium; lanthanum atoms are replaced by samarium in the unit cell at the sites [0.5 0.5 0.5].
Table 9.5 PVA with different concentrations of compound are combined to produce PNCs.
Table 9.6 Rietveld refined structural parameters for La₂Zr₂O₇:Sm³⁺.
Table 9.7 The CIE coordinates and CCT values of La_1.9₈Sm_0.0₂Zr₂O₇ and x wt% La_1.9₈Sm_0.0₂Zr₂O₇-PVA composites (x = 0, 5, 10 and 20).

Chapter 10

Table 10.1 Permeability of pure PC compared with leak test.
Table 10.2 Permeability of pure and Pt-Pd coated polymers.
Table 10.3 Selectivity due to permeation.
Table 10.4 Selectivity due to diffusion and solubility.

Chapter 11

Table 11.1 Some important cell parameters of the solid-state polymeric cell at room temperature.

Chapter 12

Table 12.1 Detailed list of common components in PUs.
Table 12.2 List of techniques used for determination of properties of PUs.

Chapter 13

Table 13.1 In-vitro dissolution studies of tablet.

Chapter 15

Table 15.1 Performance comparison of LiFePO₄ battery with other batteries.
Table 15.2 Solid-state synthesis.
Table 15.3 Carbothermal reduction method.
Table 15.4 Microwave heating method.
Table 15.5 Sol-gel method.
Table 15.6 Hydrothermal method.
Table 15.7 Literature reports on LiFePO₄-polymer systems.
Table 15.8 E-DAX compositions of LiFePO₄ prepared by three different methods.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Nayak, Sanjay K., editor. | Mohanty, Smita, 1976- editor. |
  Unnikrishnan, Lakshmi (Engineer), editor.
Title: Trends and applications in advanced polymeric materials / edited by
  Sanjay K. Nayak, Smita Mohanty and Lakshmi Unnikrishnan.
Description: Hoboken, NJ : John Wiley & Sons, 2017. | Includes index. |
  Identifiers: LCCN 2017036474 (print) | LCCN 2017041073 (ebook) | ISBN
  9781119364788 (epub) | ISBN 9781119364160 (pdf) | ISBN 9781119363637
  (cloth)
Subjects: LCSH: Polymers–Industrial applications. | Nanostructured materials.
Classification: LCC TA455.P58 (ebook) | LCC TA455.P58 T68 2017 (print) | DDC

620.1/92–dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017036474

Preface

Today, polymers rule the world with their diverse range of applications, fulfilling requirements ranging from the domestic to industrial and defense sectors. The changing world has seen a revolution created by polymers, the most versatile material ever discovered by human kind, owing to their lightweight, ease of processing and manufacturing, moldability into intricate shapes, and cost-effectiveness. They can easily be filled with a range of reinforcing agents like fibers, particulates, flakes and spheres in micro/nano sizes and compete with conventional materials in terms of performance, properties and durability. Polymers have become a multidisciplinary brand which is equally sought after by chemists, physicists, engineers, scientists, doctors and industrialists. More and more research is being carried out to further explore the material and modify it to meet the increasing demand.

“The more important reason is that the research itself provides an important long-run perspective on the issues that we face on a day-to-day basis.” These words of Ben Bernanke, the former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman, have inspired us to discuss and share research on many advanced but widely used applications of polymers with techno-socio-economic importance.

Presented herein are the trends in polymer research and applications of many novel technologies. The chapters in this book feature major original works of young researchers along with a few reviews on innovative techniques and utilities. Primarily, use of polymers for advanced applications like coatings, solar energy harvesting, conducting polymers, sensors, electrolytes, drug delivery, hydrogels, batteries and high-barrier polymers has provided a framework in which to design the contents of this book. The chapters are well crafted with an abstract, introduction to the specific topic, theoretical and experimental techniques wherever necessary, a discussion of detailed results and a concise conclusion about the findings.

To start with, Chapters 1 and 2 on polymer nanocomposite coatings describe the potential of coatings beyond aesthetics. Specialized coatings are discussed wherein polymer matrices are reinforced with nanofillers for imparting specified properties like scratch/barrier resistance, electrical/thermal conductivity, as well as mechanical strength/durability. In Chapter 3, the book proceeds with a discussion of low smoke materials made for polymer nanocomposites from an industrial point of view. The authors describe the effect of various additives on the flame retardancy and smoke tolerance of the nanocomposites in detail. Polymer nanocomposites for solar energy harvesting, a topic of huge interest, is discussed in Chapters 4 and 5. While Chapter 4 deliberates the usefulness, challenges and current status of organic solar cells in the form of a review, Chapter 5 highlights the photocatalytic activities of highly efficient metal nanocrystals embedded in polymer matrix. The electrical sensitivity of various conducting polymer nanocomposite formulations, which are mainly used in sensors, is described in Chapters 6 through 8; and the luminescent characteristics are described in Chapter 9. A discussion on the gas transport phenomena in polymeric membranes filled with nanoparticles is incorporated as Chapter 10, which explains the underlying aspects and factors affecting the mobility of gas molecules through the membranes. Furthermore, the mechanism of ion transport across the membranes and the effect of nanomaterials in developing a continuous conducting path are elucidated in Chapter 11. The development of biocompatible hydrogels for drug delivery application is dealt with in Chapters 12 and 13. Factors like drug entrapment, release rate, compatibility with biological systems, etc., are clearly explained. Chapter 14 presents the advanced use of siloxane modified multilayered polyethylene for oxygen barrier packaging application. The improvement in oxygen diffusion for enhanced shelf life of packaged food items is discussed in detail. Finally, Chapter 15 highlights the advantages and opportunities in the field of rechargeable batteries, with specific emphasis on lithium-based batteries with polymer electrolyte membranes.

This book thus proposes to unveil the research prospects of polymers for indigenous development. The research discussed herein is resourceful in terms of its contents because the selected chapters cover the most recent developments and societal demands. We hope our venture will expressly encourage young people to streamline their research, industrialists to invest in advanced developments, and academicians and scientists to take their research further.

We are thankful to all the authors who have contributed and shared their expertise. Credit also goes to all members who have directly or indirectly helped us in the process of compiling this book. Special thanks go to Wiley-Scrivener for providing us with the opportunity to publish our book. Last, but not the least, we bow before the Almighty, without whose blessings we would not have been able to frame this book.

Sanjay K Nayak
Smita Mohanty
Lakshmi Unnikrishnan
Bhubaneswar, India, August 2017