The first systematic reference on the topic with an emphasis on the characteristics and dimension of the reinforcing filler. The authors are leading researchers in the field from academia, government, industry, as well as private research institutions across the globe, and adopt here a practical approach, covering such aspects as the preparation, characterization, properties and theory of polymer composites having a wide variety of reinforcing fillers with differing length scale, dimension and shape. This set comprising three volumes begins by discussing the state of the art, new challenges, and opportunities of macro and micro composites. Structure-property relationships in various composite systems are explained with the help of theoretical models, while processing techniques for various macro- to nanocomposite systems and the influence of processing parameters on the properties of the composite are reviewed in detail. The second volume on nanoparticles investigates their synthesis, surface modification and characterization, as well as the manufacturing technology of nanocomposites and their interface modification and characterization. This is rounded off by a look at health hazards, recycling and life cycle analysis, and applications. The third and final volume focuses on biocomposites, discussing the synthesis, structure and properties of natural and synthetic biopolymers, as well as the preparation, microstructure and properties of biofibers, together with their surface modification, characterization, and manufacturing. The last section deals with fully biodegradable green composites and their application and future scope in terms of environmental effects, biodegradation and life cycle analysis. weiterlesen