Contents	6
	Contributors	8
	1 Energy Harvesting: Breakthrough Technologies Through Polymer Composites	13
	Abstract	13
	1 Introduction	14
	1.1 Energy Harvesting for Alternatives to Fossil Fuel	14
	1.2 Energy Harvesting for Powering Sensors and Electronics	15
	2 Photovoltaic Technologies	18
	2.1 Role of Nanostructured Materials and Conducting Polymers in Various PV Technologies	18
	2.1.1 Organic Polymer Solar Cells	18
	Device Physics and Active Layers Involved in Energy Conversion	18
	Device Physics and Active Layers Involved in Energy Conversion	18
	BJH OPV Cells: Focus on (Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT)) and MDMO-PPV (Poly[2-methoxy-5-(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylene]-alt-(vinylene)) Polymer Composites in OPVs	18
	2.2 The Bigger Picture: Maximizing Cell and Module Efficiency Through Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Structures	24
	2.2.1 Charge Separation at the Organic–Inorganic Interface	25
	2.2.2 Nanostructured Architecture of Hybrid Cells	26
	2.2.3 Key Components and Optimization for Enhanced Device Performance	27
	3 Thermoelectric Power Generation	28
	3.1 The Physics of a Working Thermoelectric Energy Harvester	28
	3.2 Historical Implementation of Inorganic Materials: Evolution, Challenges Faced, and Limitations	31
	3.3 Applications of Various Conductive Polymers for Organic Active Layers	31
	3.3.1 Ease of Manufacturability	31
	3.3.2 Tunability: Effect of Doping Level on the Thermoelectric Properties of Conductive Polymers	32
	Copolymers and Polymer Blends: Further Methods to Tune Properties	33
	Ability to Utilize Additives and Their Respective Advantages	33
	4 Mechanical Vibration-Based Energy Harvesting	34
	4.1 Electromagnetic Energy Harvesters	35
	4.1.1 Operating Principle and Challenges in Miniaturization of Device	35
	4.1.2 Fabrication Using Polymer Nanocomposites	36
	Fabrication Methodologies	36
	Geometry of Harvesters	37
	Working Principles Behind Energy Capture	37
	4.1.3 Challenges and Work Underway	37
	4.2 Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters	38
	4.2.1 Operating Principal Utilizing Two Categories of Piezogenerators	38
	Single-Phase Piezoceramics	38
	Piezocomposites	39
	Piezopolymers	39
	Voided Charge Polymers	40
	4.2.2 Comparison and Advantage of Piezoelectric Polymers Over Inorganic Piezoelectric Materials	41
	4.2.3 Conclusions, Challenges, and Future Outlook	42
	References	43
	2 Energy Harvesting from Crystalline and Conductive Polymer Composites	55
	Abstract	55
	1 Introduction	56
	2 Electroactive Polymers (EAPs)	57
	3 Energy Harvesting from Ferroelectric Polymers	59
	3.1 Electromechanical Properties of PVDF	60
	3.2 Energy Harvesting Using PVDF	64
	3.2.1 Kinetic Energy Harvesters Using PVDF	64
	3.2.2 Kinematic Energy Harvesters Using PVDF	69
	3.2.3 Micro- and Nanogenerators Based on PVDF Composites	70
	3.3 Energy Harvesting Using Cellulose Nanocrystals	71
	4 Energy Harvesting from Electrostrictive Polymers	73
	4.1 Effect of Intrinsic Mechanisms	74
	4.2 Tackling Quadratic Dependence of Strain on Electric Field	75
	4.3 Energy Harvesting Using Polyurethane Transducers	76
	5 Comparison of Electromechanical Coupling in Various Dielectric EAPs	80
	6 Energy Harvesting from Conductive Polymer Composites	81
	6.1 Thermoelectric Energy Harvesters with Carbon Nanotube Electrodes	82
	7 Summary	84
	References	85
	3 Ceramic-Based Polymer Nanocomposites as Piezoelectric Materials	88
	Abstract	88
	1 Introduction	89
	2 Synthesis of Ceramic Particles and Their Polymer Composites	90
	3 Piezoelectric Energy from Ceramic Nanocomposites	93
	3.1 Ceramic Composites of Semicrystalline and Crystalline Polymers	93
	3.2 Ceramic Composites of Amorphous Polymers	99
	3.3 Miscellaneous	100
	4 Conclusion	101
	Acknowledgment	101
	References	102
	4 Poly(3-Hexylthiophene) (P3HT), Poly(Gamma-Benzyl-l-Glutamate) (PBLG) and Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA) as Energy Harvesting Materials	105
	Abstract	105
	1 Regioregular Poly(3-Hexylthiophene-2,5-Diyl) (P3HT)	106
	1.1 P3HT-Based Thin-Film Devices	107
	1.2 P3HT in Solar Cells	108
	1.2.1 Effect of Molecular Weight and Ratio	110
	1.2.2 Effect of Solvent	111
	1.2.3 Effect of Annealing	112
	1.2.4 Effect of Active Layer Modification	113
	1.2.5 Effect of Quantum Dots (QDs)	114
	2 Poly(Gamma-Benzyl-l-Glutamate) (PBLG)	115
	2.1 Poly(Glutamate)s or Poly(?-Amino Acid)s	115
	2.2 Energy Harvesting Applications of PBLG	116
	2.3 Fabrication of PBLG with Piezoelectric Properties	117
	2.4 Characterization of PBLG Films	118
	3 Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA)	119
	3.1 Synthesis of PMMA	119
	3.2 Applications of PMMA in Energy Devices	119
	3.2.1 Acoustic Energy Harvesting	119
	3.2.2 Nanogenerator	120
	3.2.3 Other Energy Harvesting Applications of PMMA	121
	4 Conclusion	122
	Acknowledgments	122
	References	122
	5 Self-healing Polymer Composites Based on Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes	129
	Abstract	129
	1 Fundamentals and Basic Concept of Self-healing	130
	1.1 Background	130
	1.2 Assessing the Self-healing Behavior	131
	1.3 Different Mechanisms of Self-healing	132
	1.3.1 Capsule Mechanism	132
	1.3.2 Vascular Mechanism	133
	1.3.3 Intrinsic Mechanism	133
	2 Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene: A Brief Idea	134
	3 Graphene-Based Self-healing Polymer Composites	136
	3.1 Intrinsic Defect Healing using Graphene	136
	3.2 Polyurethane–Graphene Self-healing Systems	137
	3.3 Epoxy–Graphene Healable Composites	140
	3.4 Graphene-Based Healable Composites with Other Polymers	142
	3.5 Graphene-Based Healable Hydrogel Composites	142
	4 Carbon Nanotube-Based Self-healing Polymer Nanocomposites	144
	4.1 CNTs in Extrinsic Self-healing Polymers	147
	4.1.1 CNTs as Nanoreservoirs	147
	4.1.2 CNTs as Reinforcing Filler in Capsule-Based Healable Polymers	148
	4.1.3 CNTs as Efficient Healing Agents	148
	4.2 CNTs in Intrinsic Self-healing Polymer Composites	149
	4.2.1 Multifunctional Healable Conductive Polymer Composites	149
	4.2.2 Shear Stiffening Self-healing Polymer Composites	151
	4.2.3 Damage-Free Transparent Electronics	152
	4.2.4 Supramolecular Healable Hydrogels	153
	4.2.5 Healable Superhydrophobic Surfaces	154
	4.2.6 Self-healing Syntactic Foam	154
	5 Conclusion and Future Scope	156
	References	157
	6 Self-healed Materials from Thermoplastic Polymer Composites	163
	Abstract	163
	1 Introduction	164
	2 Role of Polymer Architecture on Self-healing of Polymers/Polymer Composites	166
	3 Healing Mechanisms	167
	3.1 Autonomic and Non-autonomic Way	167
	3.2 Intrinsic/Extrinsic Approach	168
	4 Self-healing—Concepts, Controlling Factors, and Performance	171
	5 Self-healing Approach in Selected Thermoplastic Polymer Composites	173
	5.1 Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)–Glycidyl Methacrylate Composites (Through ATRP) Based	173
	5.2 Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)–Glycidyl Methacrylate Composites (Through RAFT) Based	177
	5.3 Polystyrene–Glycidyl Methacrylate Composites Based	180
	5.4 Chitosan–Cerium Nitrate Composite Based	182
	5.5 Polyurethane–Graphene Composite Based	184
	6 Challenges and Future Trends	187
	7 Conclusion	188
	References	189
	7 Molecular Design Approaches to Self-healing Materials from Polymer and its Nanocomposites	191
	Abstract	191
	1 Introduction	192
	2 Classifications	192
	2.1 Autonomic and Non-autonomic Self-healing Systems	192
	2.2 Extrinsic and Intrinsic Self-healing Systems	193
	2.3 Dynamic Polymer and Polymer Composite-Based Self-healing Systems	194
	3 Designing Strategies for Self-healing Based on Interaction	195
	3.1 Self-healing via Non-covalent Interactions	195
	3.1.1 Hydrogen Bonding Interactions	195
	3.1.2 Host–Guest Chemistry	196
	3.2 Self-healing via Covalent Interactions	198
	3.2.1 Thermosetting Polymers	198
	3.2.2 Thermoplastic Polymers	199
	3.2.3 Metallopolymer	202
	3.3 Self-healing via Dynamic Covalent Chemistry	203
	3.3.1 Diels–Alder Reaction	204
	3.3.2 Thiol–Disulfide Chemistry	205
	3.3.3 Acylhydrazone Chemistry	207
	3.3.4 Photodimerization	209
	4 Polymer Nanocomposites	210
	4.1 Polymer Nanocomposites from Nanoparticles	211
	4.2 Polymer Nanocomposites from Carbon Nanotubes	212
	4.3 Polymer Nanocomposites from Graphene	213
	4.4 Polymer Nanocomposites from Nanoclays	215
	5 Applications	216
	5.1 Protective Coating	216
	5.2 Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs)	218
	5.3 Adhesion Application	219
	5.4 Self-healing Hydrogel	221
	6 Discussion and Future Perspectives	223
	References	225
	8 Self-healed Materials from Elastomeric Composites: Concepts, Strategies and Developments	229
	Abstract	229
	1 Physics of Polymers and Elastomers	230
	2 Genesis and Mechanisms of Self-healing	232
	2.1 Passive (Built-in Damage Prevention)	235
	2.2 Active (Autonomous or Self-repair)	235
	3 Designing Strategies for Healing Capacity	236
	3.1 Release of Healing Agents	236
	3.1.1 Microcapsule Embedment	237
	3.1.2 Capsule–Catalyst System	237
	Multicapsule System	238
	Hollow Fibre Embedment	238
	3.1.3 Reversible Cross-links	242
	3.2 Supramolecular Polymers	243
	4 Applications	245
	4.1 Civil Construction	246
	4.2 Swelling Elastomer in Oil and Gas Industry	246
	4.3 Car Painting	247
	4.4 Aerospace	247
	4.5 Military	248
	4.6 Medical Dental/Artificial Body Replacements	249
	5 Conclusion: Towards a New Generation of Self-healing Systems	249
	References	250
	9 Nanocomposites for Extrinsic Self-healing Polymer Materials	253
	Abstract	253
	1 Introduction	255
	2 Extrinsic Self-healing Materials	255
	2.1 Background	255
	2.2 Capsule-Based Self-healing Composites	258
	2.2.1 Healing Agent	258
	2.2.2 Fabrication Techniques	259
	2.3 Vessel-Based Self-healing Composites	262
	2.3.1 Healing Agent	262
	2.3.2 Fabrication Techniques	262
	Hollow Fibres	263
	Sacrificial Fibres/Scaffolds	264
	3 The Role of Nanocomposites in Extrinsic Self-healing Materials	269
	3.1 Nanocomposites as Healing Agent Carriers	269
	3.1.1 Nanotubes	270
	3.1.2 Nanocapsules	271
	In Situ Polymerisation	271
	Miniemulsion Polymerisation	271
	Interfacial Polymerisation	274
	3.2 Nanocomposites as Additives to Improve the Properties of Healing Agents	274
	3.3 Nanocomposites as Additives to Activate or Improve Chemical Reactions in Curing Processes	276
	3.4 Nanocomposites Used in the Fabrication of Capsules or Vessels	278
	3.4.1 Fabrication of Capsules	278
	3.4.2 Fabrication of Vessels	279
	4 Challenges and Future Works	282
	5 Conclusion	284
	References	285
	10 A Brief Overview of Shape Memory Effect in Thermoplastic Polymers	290
	Abstract	290
	1 Introduction	291
	2 Shape Memory Effect in Polymers	292
	3 Shape Memory Mechanism in SMPs	293
	4 Physically CrossLinked Thermoplastics (or Physically CrossLinked Glassy Copolymers)	295
	5 Physically CrossLinked Semicrystalline Block Copolymers as Shape Memory Polymers	297
	6 Synthesis of Thermoplastic Shape Memory Polymers	298
	6.1 Profile Extrusion	298
	6.2 Fiber Spinning	299
	6.3 Film Casting	299
	7 Recent Advancements in Thermoplastic SMPs and Composites	300
	7.1 Thermoplastic SMPs	300
	7.2 Thermoplastic Shape Memory Composites and Blends	301
	8 Applications of Thermoplastic SMPs	303
	8.1 Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPUs)	303
	8.2 Poly(?-Caprolactone) (PCL)	304
	8.3 Nylon 12	305
	9 Conclusion	305
	References	305
	11 Shape Memory Materials from Epoxy Matrix Composites	311
	Abstract	311
	1 Introduction	312
	1.1 What Are SMP Materials?	312
	2 SMC from Epoxy Matrix	314
	2.1 Shape Memory Composite with a Bulk SMP Interlayer	314
	2.1.1 Examples of SMPC	315
	2.1.2 Monitoring of the Shape Recovery	319
	2.1.3 Multilayered SMPC	320
	2.1.4 Shape Recovery by Irradiation	321
	2.2 Shape Memory Composite Sandwiches with a SMP Core	322
	3 Perspective for the Field	326
	4 Conclusion	326
	Acknowledgements	327
	References	327
	12 Shape Memory Behavior of Conducting Polymer Nanocomposites	329
	Abstract	329
	1 Introduction	330
	2 Basics of Shape Memory	331
	3 Synthesis Methods	334
	3.1 Conducting Polymers	334
	3.2 Nanoparticles and Polymer Nanocomposites	335
	4 Shape Memory Effects in Conducting Polymer Composites	337
	4.1 Conducting Polymers and Its Composites	337
	4.2 Conducting Fillers in Shape Memory	338
	4.3 Electroactive Shape Memory	342
	5 Conclusion	347
	Acknowledgment	347
	References	347
	13 Functional Nanomaterials for Transparent Electrodes	352
	Abstract	352
	1 Introduction	354
	2 Functional Materials	355
	3 Metal Wire-Based Transparent Conductive Films	356
	3.1 Synthesis of Copper Nanowires (CuNWs)	356
	3.2 Fabrication of Cu NW Thin Films	356
	3.3 Applications of CuNWs	358
	3.4 Synthesis of Ag NWs	359
	3.5 Preparation of Ag NWs Thin Films	360
	3.6 Optoelectrical Properties of AgNWs	360
	4 Carbon Nanotube-Based Transparent Conductive Films	363
	4.1 Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube	363
	4.2 Basic Principle and Preparation of SWCNT Dispersion	364
	4.3 Fabrication and Characterization of SWCNT TCFs	365
	5 Graphene-Based Transparent Conductive Films	367
	5.1 Industrial Production of Graphene Synthesis by Roll-to-Roll CVD Method	368
	5.1.1 Roll-to-Roll Large-Area Graphene Growth	368
	5.1.2 Roll-to-Roll Lamination and Delamination for Graphene Transfer	368
	5.2 Optoelectronic Properties	368
	5.3 Applications of Graphene as Transparent Conductive Electrodes	369
	5.3.1 Touch Screen	369
	5.3.2 Liquid Crystal Displays	371
	5.3.3 Solar Cells	372
	5.3.4 Triboelectric Nanogenerator	373
	6 Conclusion	376
	References	377
	14 Biodegradable Nanocomposites for Energy Harvesting, Self-healing, and Shape Memory	384
	Abstract	384
	1 Introduction	385
	2 Biodegradable Composites for Energy Harvesting	387
	3 Biodegradable Composites for Self-healing	392
	4 Biodegradable Composites for Shape Memory	393
	5 Limitations, Challenges, and Conclusions	399
	Acknowledgments	400
	References	400