Reinforcement of Polymer Nano-Composites: Theory, Experiments and Applications

Description

Reinforced rubber allows the production of passenger car tires with improved rolling resistance and wet grip. This book provides in-depth coverage of the physics behind elastomer reinforcement, with a particular focus on the modification of polymer properties using active fillers such as carbon black and silica. The authors build a firm theoretical base through a detailed discussion of the physics of polymer chains and matrices before moving on to describe reinforcing fillers and their applications in the improvement of the mechanical properties of high-performance rubber materials. Reinforcement is explored on all relevant length scales, from molecular to macroscopic, using a variety of methods ranging from statistical physics and computer simulations to experimental techniques. Presenting numerous technological applications of reinforcement in rubber such as tire tread compounds, this book is ideal for academic researchers and professionals working in polymer science.

T. A. Vilgis is Professor of Theoretical Physics at the University of Mainz and a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research. He is a member of several scientific societies including the German Physical Society, EPS, and APS. He has written three popular science books and two scientific cookbooks. G. Heinrich is Professor of Polymer Materials at Technische Universitat Dresden and is also Director of the Institute of Polymer Materials within the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research. He has written or contributed to over 250 scientific papers and book chapters on polymer science. M. Kluppel is a Lecturer in Polymer Materials at Leibniz University, Hannover and Head of the Department of Material Concepts and Modelling at the German Institute of Rubber Technology (DIK). He has published more than 150 scientific papers and is a member of the German Physical Society, the German Rubber Society and the Rubber Division of ACS.