Elastomer-based Composite Materials: Mechanical, Dynamic and Microwave Properties, and Engineering Applications

Elastomer-Based Composite Materials: Mechanical, Dynamic, and Microwave Properties and Engineering Applications is focused on elastomer-based composite materials comprising different types of reinforcing fillers.

The book provides an informative examination of the possibilities for broadening the engineering applications of elastomer composites through using various types of hybrid fillers, ferrites, and ceramics, and also examines their synthesis and characterization. It discusses new hybrid fillers that have been synthesized by different techniques, e.g. impregnation of different substrates (carbon black, conductive carbon black, activated carbons, etc.) with silica or magnetite. These new fillers have been thoroughly characterized by standard techniques and by up-to-date methods, such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-EDX), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The effect of those fillers upon the curing properties, mechanical and dynamic parameters, electrical conductivity, and dielectric and microwave characteristics of elastomer-based composites is discussed in detail in this volume. The book also covers the influence of various types of ceramics (SiC, B4C, and TiB2) and barium and strontium hexaferrites upon the aforementioned properties of rubber composites in conjunction with a view toward solutions for environmental problems caused by waste tires. The book shows that pyrolysis-cum-water vapor is a suitable and environmentally friendly method for the conversion of the waste green tires into useful carbon-silica hybrid fillers. The properties of elastomer-based composites comprising different types of nanostructures (fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets), modified activated carbons, and calcined kaolin are also discussed. Special attention is paid to composites with lower levels of zinc oxide.

The volume provides an abundance of knowledge on the detailed characterization of these fillers and on the curing, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and dielectric and microwave properties of the elastomeric composites. The book surveys the most recent research activities of the authors, which will make it a vital reference source for scientists in both the academic and industrial sectors, as well as for individuals who are interested in rubber materials. It will be very useful for students, especially PhD students, scientists, lecturers, and engineers working or doing research in the field of polymer materials science, elastomer-based composites and nanocomposites and their engineering applications in the production of microwave absorbers and electromagnetic waves shielding materials, materials for electronics devices and telecommunications.

Nikolay Dishovsky, PhD, DSc, is a Full Professor who has been Head of the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria since 2003. He obtained his PhD in 1983, working on the synthesis and application of elastomer based microgels. In 1991 he became an Associate Professor in macromolecular chemistry. In 1997 N. Dishovsky earned his Doctor of Science degree defending a thesis on rubber composites containing specific functional fillers. Before his appointment as a Full Professor in Rubber Technology in 2000, he held DAAD and NATO Science Committee fellowships in Germany and Spain. He is particularly interested in rubber magnetic modification, rubber-based composite materials, absorbing electro-magnetic waves, and functional fillers. He has more than 200 publications in IF and SJR indexed journals and holds 41 patents. In 2001 his name was inscribed in the Golden Book of the Bulgarian inventors. In 2015 he was chosen as Inventor of the Year in Bulgaria, category "Chemistry and Biotechnology". He has authored two books (Iv. Ivanov, N. Dishovsky, Patent Analyses, Sofia, IP Bulgaria, 2004; N. Dishovsky, G. Tsenkov, Rubber Handbook, Sofia, EC Print, 2006) and six textbooks (N. Dishovsky, Il. Radulov, Transport Phenomena in Rubbers, Sofia, EC Print, 2007; N. Dishovsky, I. Radulov, R. Dimitrov, Reinforcing of Elastomers, Sofia, EC Print, 2005; N. Dishovsky, Ingredients for Rubber Compounds, Sofia, UCTM, 2004; N. Dishovsky, Ageing and Stabilisation of Elastomers, Sofia, Informa, 1998; St. Andreev, R. Peshleevsky, N. Dishovsky, Materials and Coatings Absorbing Ultra High Frequency Electromagnetic Waves, Sofia, VMT, 1991; Iv. Mladenov, N. Dishovsky, Photooxidation and Stabilization of Polyolephines, Sofia, Technika, 1987) for students from the BSc, MSc, and PhD programs in polymeric engineering and polymer materials. He has supervised 20 PhD students and more than 70 BSc and MSc students. He has been project leader of more than 60 national and international projects, with the results from many of those projects having application in real-life practice.

Mihail Mihaylov, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Polymer Engineering at the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Sofia, Bulgaria, since 2011. He obtained his PhD in 2010, working on the possibilities for recycling waste tires and rubber goods. He is particularly interested in rubber modification; modification of fillers, recycling of waste tires, rubber-based composite materials, absorbing electro-magnetic waves, and functional fillers. He has more than 25 publications in IF and SJR indexed journals and one patent.