BOOKS & MEDIA

Chemical vapour
deposition Tribology of natural fiber polymer
A. C. Jones and M. L. Hitchman (eds.)
RSC Publishing - 2009 - 582 pp
ISBN: 978-0-85404-465-8
composites
$285 | £199.95 | 222 This book examines the availability and processing of natural fiber
This up-to-date, technically detailed composites and their structural, thermal, mechanical and tribological
book provides a comprehensive overview
on the key aspects of chemical vapour properties.
deposition processes. This book will Karl Englund | Wood Materials and Engineering Lab, Washington State University | [email protected]
prove particularly useful to those who
have recently entered the field, and it
will also make a valuable contribution With the current global focus on environmental common polymer matrices. The use of sisal, jute,
to chemistry and materials science concerns and the desire to create a more sustainable cotton, bamboo, and wood polymer composites
lecture courses at undergraduate and environment, the use of natural fibers is being are all discussed, starting with their basic structure,
postgraduate level. considered for increasingly more applications. Aside composite properties, and an overview their wear
from the environmental perks, cellulose-based and friction attributes. Correlations between
materials can also impart improved mechanical and mechanical and tribological properties were also
Introduction to physical properties, while decreasing discussed. Influences of fiber
magnetic materials raw material costs. The authors alignment, fiber bundling concerns,
B. D. Cullity and C. D. Graham (eds.) of the book Tribology of Natural and incompatible fiber-matrix
Wiley / IEEE Press - 2009 - 544 pp Fiber Composites bring to light the relations that are quite common
ISBN: 978-0-471-47741-9 importance of understanding the with synthetic polymers and
$93 | £64.95 | 72 friction and wear of these increasingly natural fibers were correlated
The material is presented at a practical popular composites. with friction and wear of the
level, allowing readers to develop a solid composites. Throughout all the
The book provides an unbiased view
understanding of magnetic properties, different natural fiber composites, a
of the tribological behaviors of natural
quantities, and behavior, This timely
fiber polymer composites, exposing general trend was observed where
new edition will be useful to students as
the detrimental attributes and higher mechanical properties and
well as engineers and scientists involved
highlighting the positive impacts of enhanced fiber-matrix adhesion
with magnetic phenomena, materials,
and measurements. It crosses traditional natural fiber composite on friction and resulted in improved tribological
disciplinary boundaries, covering topics wear. For those with limited tribology attributes.
in solid-state physics, materials science, background, a brief review of friction In many friction applications, the
electrical engineering, and computer and wear provides the tools to address composite surface temperatures
science. common tribological issues, while the can exceed the thermal degradation
information on natural fiber polymer
composites can fill some of the needs of advanced
Navin Chand and Mohammed Fahim (eds.)
Cellular response to readers.
Tribology of natural fiber polymer composites
biomaterials
The book is separated into seven chapters that discuss Woodhead Publishing Limited | 2008 | 220 pp | ISBN-13: 978-
L. D. Silvio (ed.) natural fibers, concepts of tribology and an overview of 1-84569-393-0 | $240 | £125 | 155
Woodhead Publishing - 2009 - 623 pp the friction and wear of several natural fiber polymer
ISBN: 978-1-84569-358-9
composites. The first chapter provides a brief overview level of most natural fibers. The authors emphasized
$325 | £170 | 210
of the many types of natural fibers that are commonly the importance of identifying thermal decomposition
The response of cells to a wide range utilized in polymer composites. The authors also temperatures for the various natural fibers and list
of biomaterials targeted at specific include basic methods of fiber extraction techniques potential treatments utilized to enhance their thermal
medical applications is covered. Part one
for some of the discussed natural fibers. Due to resistance, making them more attractive in high wear
examines cell responses to a variety of
the incompatibility of most natural fibers and their and friction applications.
polymers and ceramics with chapters
polymer matrix, fiber pretreatments are also detailed.
on such topics as degradable polymers Overall, I believe that the authors lose focus to
and biocompatibility. Part two covers The second chapter entails a brief overview of the field some degree by placing too much emphasis on
cell responses and regenerative medicine of tribology. The concepts and mechanics of tribology natural fibers and the basic mechanical properties
Part three examines the effect of surfaces are discussed, concentrating on friction and wear, while of their polymer-based composites and not
and proteins on cell response. an outline of the many test procedures are detailed. enough information on their friction and wear
This chapter is an abbreviated summary of the basics attributes. However, this reflects the deficiencies
of tribology and is useful for the novice; however within the field of natural fiber tribology research.
for more detailed information on the mechanics and At this present time, limited information is available
theory, I would recommend the reader go elsewhere. that addresses natural fiber polymer composites
Expert
Graduate The remaining chapters are then separated and their fundamental and theoretical tribology
Undergraduate based upon the type of natural fiber utilized in behavior.

MARCH 2008 | VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 3 45