Multifunctionality of Polymer Composites: Challenges and Applications

Multifunctionality of Polymer Composites: Challenges and Applications, Second Edition, brings together contributions from experts in the field of multifunctionality, presenting state-of-the-art discussion on the possible routes to achieve multifunctionality in reinforced polymers and composite structures, as well as their application in various industries. This new edition has been revised and expanded to include the latest advances, new materials, and applications that have emerged in recent years, and includes new chapters on self-healing composites, thermoelectric generators, vitrimers, morphing composites, and sliding materials. The text will enable engineers and materials scientists to achieve multifunctionality in their own products using different types of polymer matrices and various nano- and micro-sized fillers and reinforcements, including carbon nanotubes and graphene. In addition, technologies for the integration of active materials such as shape memory alloys are discussed. The latest developments in a wide range of applications, including automotive/aerospace, electronics, construction, medical engineering, and future trends are discussed, making this book an essential reference for any researcher or engineer seeking to stay ahead in this high-potential area.

• Discusses information on composites and their inherent engineering advantages over traditional materials
• Provides practical guidance and insights on multifunctionality of polymer composites, enabling engineers and materials scientists to achieve multi-functionality in their own products
• Features updated content in all chapters, as well as a number of new chapters on self-healing composites, thermoelectric generators, vitrimers, morphing composites and sliding materials

Prof. Breuer is Scientific Managing Director at the Leibniz Institute for Composite Materials (IVW), Germany. After studying mechanical engineering and completing his doctorate on thermoplastic processing technology of composite materials in 1997 at Kaiserslautern, he has worked for 13 years in various positions at Airbus in structural technology on the development of advanced wings, high-lift structures and fuselage structures made of composite materials. In 2010 he joined the IVW where he has been leading the Institute of Composite Materials. Prof. Breuer is head of the specialist division "Materials and Manufacturing Technology" in the German Aerospace Society, and his research interests include composite aircraft structures, function-integrated high-performance composites, and forming of organo sheets.

Dr Wetzel is a Scientific Director Materials Science at the Leibniz-Institut für Verbundwerkstoffe (IVW), Germany. He has studied mechanical engineering with major focus on materials, damage theory and energy systems at the University of Karlsruhe. After conducting his Diploma Thesis at the California Institute of Technology, USA, he graduated in 1999. he also conducted research in China and received his doctorate degree from the University of Kaiserslautern in 2006. Dr Wetzel currently manages the "Tailored Thermosets & Biomaterials" group at the IVW, and his research interests include multifunctional thermosets, nanocomposites, tribology, fracture mechanics, and structure-property relationships.

Dr Gurka is a material scientist with profound experience in multifunctional materials, holding several patents. He studied physics at the University of Heidelberg and received his PhD in 1998. After working for several years in industry on the development of multifunctional materials, systems and associated production processes, he joined the Leibniz Institute for Composite Materials (IVW), Germany, in 2010 and heads the " Smart Composites & Nondestructive Testing " group. Dr Gurka is deputy head of the materials science department. His research interests include multifunctional composite materials, material-integrated actuators and sensors, and non-destructive materials testing.