Industrial Applications of Polymer Composites

Polymer composite concrete (PCC) nowadays plays a major role in the construction industry. PCC is a valuable element in the development of sustainable construction materials. The polymers and classical concrete blends offer newer properties and applications. A polymeric action in the field of admixtures provides insight into the development of highly performing modified mineral concrete and mortars. The influence of various polymers on the properties of concrete is variable due to the polymeric chain reactions. The optimization of properties such as crack resistance, permeability, and durability with the addition of polymer is required. The present work reviews the types, performances, and applications of PCC to improve various properties of concrete in both fresh and hardened states as they have shown a strong potential from technical, economical, and design points of view. 

This chapter aims to obtain a better understanding of the role of polymer nanocomposites in different packaging applications such as food packaging, electronic packaging, and industrial packaging. Dispersion of nanoparticles (NPs) in the packaging materials improves the properties like mechanical strength and modulus, water resistance, gas permeability, etc. In addition, bioactive agents in the packaging materials impart interesting smart phenomena like antimicrobial, and antifouling properties. Generally, petroleum fuel-based thermoplastic polymers are conventionally used in primary and secondary packaging. Some of the widely used polymeric packaging materials consist of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS). However, as the consequence of the harmful impacts of fossil fuel-based packaging materials on humans, animals, and the environment has become understandable, more and more emphasis has been shifted to biopolymers (cellulose, protein, marine prokaryotes, etc.) and their nanocomposites. Bio-based or bio-originated polymers or biopolymers are eco-friendly, non-hazardous to living beings as well as to the environment, biodegradable, abundant, and a better alternative to depletable fossil fuel-based materials. Biopolymer-based nanocomposites advocate all desirable aspects of a packaging material to be sustainable, reliable, and environmentally friendly. In addition, the nature-inspired active and intelligent/smart packaging materials are economical and their contribution to reviving the circular economy is prominent. 

A composite is a multiphase material made of layers of stacked phase i.e., a matrix, an interface and a reinforced phase. The matrix phase is the main constituent of a composite. The interface binds the matrix and the reinforced phase, whereas, the latter provides strength to the material. Based on the matrix and the reinforced phase, it may be classified into various types such as fibers, particles, polymers, ceramics and metals. Polymer composite is a sub-type of composite having a polymer matrix and different reinforced materials. Due to its biocompatible nature, it is widely used in the field of biomedical applications. Many manufacturing methods are used in composites, but some of the commonly used manufacturing techniques include hand lay-up, reinforced reaction injection molding (RRIM), centrifugal casting, etc. High strength, and ductility with lightweight, cytocompatibility, and non-toxicity are some of the properties due to which composite materials are widely used in various industries such as automobile, aerospace, sports equipment, and tissue engineering. In tissue engineering (TE), a biomaterial called a scaffold, is developed that evolves into a functional tissue. Enhanced cell proliferation, cell adhesion and cell viability are observed with the composite-developed scaffold. Scaffold is fabricated using two types of composites; natural and synthetic composites. The applications of polymer composites at the bioengineering level are of great interest nowadays. This chapter intends to study various physicochemical properties of polymer composites including their bioengineering/tissue engineering applications elaborately. The study investigating the physicochemical properties and bioengineering/tissue engineering applications of polymer composites may bestow valuable insight into the potential of polymer composites in modern science. 

The chapter discusses the role and application of polymers (polymers and composites) in energy storage devices. Lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors are the two main energy storage intermittents. The chapter underscores the utilization of polymers in various roles in these devices and their effect on performance, in addition to related future aspects and expectations.

Energy production is a demanded process in today’s world. Some processes might generate pollutants and other undesirable particulates and toxic chemicals. One such eco-friendly and efficient method for generating electricity and energy can be through fuel cells with the utilization of microbes (bacteria). Such a method can be termed Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs). It is a bio-electrochemical system. It uses bacteria and their biochemical processes for generating an electric current, along with oxygen which is a high-energy oxidant. MFCs imitate the bacterial interactions that are found in the nature. Being a cell, it requires electrodes, substrates, and electrolytic solutions. To improve the efficiency of the MFC, we need to separate the anode and cathode into two compartments and the respective reactions taking place. Membranes play a crucial role in achieving it. A membrane not only divides the anode from the cathode but also prevents the entry of oxygen into the anode chamber. The most important function of a membrane is to allow the selective transfer of ions across the two electrode chambers. Membranes can be diaphragms or separators. Porous membranes are commercially used ones usually made of different effective polymer materials. Other important membranes can be semi-permeable and ion-exchange membranes. This chapter mainly reviews the various membranes and the materials used in their structures that have the potential to increase the MFC performance. It also focuses on the different transport processes across the membranes, along with a brief of advances in this technology and future scope. 

Polymers play a major role in sensor research nowadays. Specifically, when the electrical modality of sensing is concentrated then conducting polymers is found to be highly useful. They have been explored for the development of sensors to cope with advanced modern-day requirements. There is a huge demand for sensors in detecting and assessing environmental dynamics, harmful working conditions, food poisoning, and water contaminations, and diagnostic purposes. The recent pandemic, the COVID-19 outburst all over the world, ascertained the urgency of research in the direction of designing and developing biosensors enabling distinction among the diseases and enabling medical professionals to take faster clinical decisions. The conventional approaches in environment pollutant detection techniques have no universally accepted code of conduct. Moreover, there are various experimental drawbacks of poor calibration, tedious sample preparation, blank determination, and lengthy time-consuming procedure. The composites involving conducting polymers and CNTs bring in unique multifunctional features. The motive of the present work is to review various latest developments in conducting polymer composite-based sensors. 

The last couple of decades have witnessed exceptional advancements in automotives; and the use of polymer composites (PCs) in making different automotive parts has emerged as an integral part of the advancement. Fiber-reinforced PCs offer weight benefits to automotives, thus enhancing fuel economy. Moreover, these composites can be engineered for versatile applications, e.g., interior and exterior body parts. Ease of manufacturing is another advantage of PCs, although several major technical considerations still need to address before engineering these composites for wide-scale acceptance in various automotive applications, especially for exterior body parts. However, PCs are a new class of materials, and developing state-of-the-art manufacturing technology may enhance the comfort and security of modern vehicles. This chapter outlines the utility and recent advances in PCs for various automotive applications. In addition, quality assurance and the advantages of PCs are also given. The potential of PCs for future perspectives is also discussed.