Nanoporous materials are critical to various fields of research, including ion exchange, separation, catalysis, sensor applications, biological molecular isolation, and purification. In addition, they offer new opportunities in such areas as inclusion chemistry, guest-host synthesis, and molecular manipulations and reactions at the nanoscale. In Structure Property Correlations for Nanoporous Materials, pioneering researcher Abhijit Chatterjee guides experimentalists in their design of nanoporous material using computer simulation methodologies. The book begins with a comprehensive overview of nanoporous materials. It describes their function, examines their fundamental properties, including catalytic effects and adsorption, demonstrates their importance, explores their applications based on theoretical and experimental studies, and highlights the challenges they pose as well as their future prospects. Explores simulation methodologies Next, the book moves on to molecular modeling, placing a heavy focus on Monte Carlo simulation. It examines density functional theory (DFT) and local reactivity descriptors. It also discusses the synthesis of nanoporous materials, the structural characterization of materials in terms of chemical composition, spectroscopic analysis, mechanical stability, and porosity; and the design of new nanoporous materials. Dr. Chatterjee explores projected applications and concludes with a discussion of the catalytic activity of nanoporous materials and reaction mechanisms. The text is supplemented with experiments and simulation instructions to clarify the theoretical analysis. Conveying the significance of the combination of traditional experimental work and molecular simulation, the book enables experimentalists to achieve better results with less effort.

Optimization is now essential in the design, planning and operation of chemical and related processes. Although process optimization for multiple objectives was studied in the 1970s and 1980s, it has attracted active research in the last 15 years, spurred by the new and effective techniques for multi-objective optimization (MOO). To capture this renewed interest, this monograph presents recent research in MOO techniques and applications in chemical engineering.Following a brief introduction and review of MOO applications in chemical engineering since 2000, the book presents selected MOO techniques and many chemical engineering applications in detail. In this second edition, several chapters from the first edition have been updated, one chapter is completely revised and three new chapters have been added. One of the new chapters describes three MS Excel programs useful for MOO of application problems. All the chapters will be of interest to researchers in MOO and/or chemical engineering. Several exercises are included at the end of many chapters, for use by both practicing engineers and students.

Although nosocomial, or hospital-acquired, infections have been well cataloged and are fairly well understood, traditional solutions have failed to completely eliminate the problem. Even the most modern hospitals find themselves stymied by the persistence of these pathogens in hospital wards and operating rooms. The degree to which most of these infections are airborne is not known, but a growing body of evidence indicates that airborne transmission plays a role in many hospital-acquired infections. Addressing one of the most important topics in health care, Hospital Airborne Infection Control is the first book to deal with the control of airborne nosocomial infections in detail. It identifies all pathogens known or suspected to be airborne, along with their sources in hospital environments. It also summarizes all epidemiological evidence for airborne transmission. The text addresses respiratory, surgical site, burn wound, immunocompromised, pediatric, nursing home, and non-respiratory infections. In each category, an extensive number of examples show that inhalation is not the only airborne route by which infections may be transmitted. Noting that airborne transmission and surface contamination are virtually inseparable, the author emphasizes that both air and surface disinfection, including hand hygiene, are important factors in controlling the transmission of airborne disease. He also proposes a variety of new solutions and technologies, including ultraviolet, ionization, ozone, plasma, and vegetative air cleaning systems. A compendium of scientific and medical information, this book helps hospitals control nosocomial infections and outbreaks spread by the airborne route as well as by direct contact and contact with fomites or contaminated equipment.

With growing concern for the environment and the rising price of crude oil, there is increasing demand for non-petroleum-based polymers from renewable resources. Recognizing emerging developments in biopolymer systems research, this book brings together a number of key biopolymer and bioplastic topics in one place. The book highlights the importance and impact of eco-friendly green biopolymers and bioplastics, both environmentally and economically. It provides important insight into the diversity of polymers obtained directly from, or derived from, renewable resources. This volume, Applied Biopolymer Technology and Bioplastics: Sustainable Development by Green Engineering Materials, will be valuable for a broad audience of engineers and scientists, especially those designing with biopolymers and biodegradable plastics, or evaluating the options for switching from traditional plastics to biopolymers. The content of this book will prove useful for students, researchers, and professionals working in the field of green technology.

A detailed reference for the practicing engineer, Air Pollution Control Technology Handbook, Second Edition focuses on air pollution control systems and outlines the basic process engineering and cost estimation required for its design. Written by seasoned experts in the field, this book offers a fundamental understanding of the factors resulting in air pollution and covers the techniques and equations used for air pollution control. Anyone with an engineering or science background can effectively select techniques for control, review alternative design methods and equipment proposals from vendors, and initiate cost studies of control equipment using this book. This second edition of a bestseller includes new methods for designing control equipment, enhanced material on air pollution science, updates on major advances in the field, and explains the importance of a strategy for identifying the most cost-effective design. The book also covers: New legislation and updates on air regulation New advances in process integration design techniques The atmospheric and health effects of air pollution Air Pollution Control Technology Handbook, Second Edition helps combat the solution problem with extensive coverage of air pollution control processes. Fully updated with new legislation, air regulations, and extensive reviews of the design of control equipment, this book serves as an ideal reference for industry professionals or anyone with an engineering or science background needing a basic introduction to air pollution control equipment design.

This unique approach to the basic concepts of adsorption is written for students, engineers, scientists, and others who need a clear presentation of adsorption processes. Unlike other texts on this subject, which are written for the specialist and rely heavily on advanced mathematics, this unique book helps you solve everyday problems in applications of adsorption, without complex mathematics or computers. The author, a recognized expert in the field, gives you a quick introduction to the underlying physics of absorption and explains how to apply adsorption to solve analytical and design problems. Rich with practical examples and enhanced by illustrations that support the text, this refreshingly straightforward presentation helps you cut through the complexities of adsorption to find fast answers to pressing real-world questions.

Bio-butanol has gained wide recognition globally as an advanced biofuel, which can be used directly as a substitute for gasoline in internal combustion engines. This book provides readers with an in-depth knowledge of the various aspects and steps involved in butanol production. Further, the current global status, history, various technologies adopted for butanol production from different feedstocks, and the role of microorganisms in the production process are also covered. The book has 12 chapters, with each chapter dedicated to covering various aspects of butanol, from production to applications.

Basic concepts on biodegradable biopolymer science are presented in this book, as well as techniques, analyses, standards, and essential criteria for the characterization of biodegradable materials obtained from biopolymers. The development and innovation of products and processes considering the environment are highlighted in this book. All of the applications described have been discussed from the point of view of sustainability. Additionally, this book highlights that biodegradability is a great burden when trying to replace, modify, and/or design existing products, and processes that are highly polluting. Finally, the present book concludes with reflections on the development of biopolymers in different areas, and some of their consequences depending on their biodegradability.

In industry, miscommunication can cause frustration, create downtime, and even trigger equipment failure. By providing a common ground for more effective discourse, the Dictionary of Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Processing can help eliminate costly miscommunication. An essential resource for oil, gas, and petrochemical industry professionals, engineers, academic staff, and science and engineering students, the dictionary defines over 5,000 technical and commercial terms encompassing exploration, production, processing, refining, pipelining, finance, management, and safety. From basic engineering principles to the latest drilling technology, the text covers the fundamentals and their real-world applications. Alphabetically arranged for quick reference, it contains easy-to-understand descriptions and figures, as well as oil and gas SI units and metric equivalents. Industry newcomers and personnel with no technical background especially benefit from the book's practical language that clearly demonstrates the concepts behind the definitions.

Advances in genomics and combinatorial chemistry during the past two decades inspired innovative technologies and changes in the discovery and pre-clinical development paradigm with the goal of accelerating the process of bringing therapeutic drugs to market. Written by William Kisaalita, one of the foremost experts in this field, 3D Cell-Based Biosensors in Drug Discovery Programs: Microtissue Engineering for High Throughput Screening provides the latest information - from theory to practice - on challenges and opportunities for incorporating 3D cell-based biosensors or assays in drug discovery programs. The book supplies a historical perspective and defines the problem 3D cultures can solve. It also discusses how genomics and combinatorial chemistry have changed the way drug are discovered and presents data from the literature to underscore the less-than-desirable pharmaceutical industry performance under the new paradigm. The author uses results from his lab and those of other investigators to show how 3D micro environments create cell culture models that more closely reflect normal in vivo-like cell morphology and function. He makes a case for validated biomarkers for three-dimensionality in vitro and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of promising tools in the search of these biomarkers. The book concludes with case studies of drugs that were abandoned late in the discovery process, which would have been discarded early if tested with 3D cultures. Dr. Kisaalita presents evidence in support of embracing 3D cell-based systems for widespread use in drug discovery programs. He goes to the root of the issue, establishing the 3D cell-based biosensor physiological relevance by comparing 2D and 3D culture from genomic to functional levels. He then assembles the bioengineering principles behind successful 3D cell-based biosensor systems. Kisaalita also addresses the challenges and opportunities for incorporating 3D cell-based biosensors or cultures in current discovery and pre-clinical development programs. This book makes the case for widespread adoption of 3D cell-based systems, rendering their 2D counterparts, in the words of Dr. Kisaalita "quaint, if not archaic" in the near future.

From the development of polymers that make cars lighter to fuels that make them run cleaner, the chemist's role in the automotive industry has evolved to be one that is more outside the laboratory than in it. Drawing on the author's 20 years of experience in vehicle design and laboratory experience, The Role of the Chemist in Automotive Design elucidates how the skills of chemists are put to use in the automotive industry and their effect on all phases of design. A glance through the table of contents provides an overview of the issues commonly encountered by chemists in the automotive industry. The author discusses fuels cells, lithium ion batteries, carbon nanotubes, and nickel metal hydride technology, all of which require the technical knowledge of a chemist but cross the lines of various disciplines. He also covers future technology including items such as battery technology, fuel cell membranes, and environmentally friendly plastics such as nylons that use castor oil as a primary component. The book examines environmental concerns such as CARB legislation and how the industry plans to deal with the new legislation with strategies such as Ozone Reduction Catalyst. The increasing technological, environmental, and economic issues facing the auto industry underscores the need for a basic reference that covers technologies that can be used to make vehicle more fuel efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost efficient. Exploring the expanding role chemists will play in future automotive design and technology, this book delineates the areas and technologies that require the technical knowledge of a chemist but that cross the lines of many disciplines.

In recent years, sensor research has undergone a quiet revolution that will have a significant impact on a broad range of applications in areas such as health care, the environment, energy, food safety, national security, and manufacturing. Sensors for Chemical and Biological Applications discusses in detail the potential of chemical and biological sensors and examines how they are meeting the challenges of chem-bio terrorism by monitoring through enhanced specificity, fast response times, and the ability to determine multiple hazardous substances. Exploring the nanotechnology approach, and carrying this theme throughout the book, the chapters cover the sensing principles for, chemical, electrical, chromatographic, magnetic, biological, fluidic, optical, and ultrasonic and mass sensing systems. They address issues associated with cost, synthesis, and testing of new low cost materials with high sensitivity, selectivity, robustness, and speed for defined sensor applications. The book extensively discusses the detailed analysis of future impact of chemical and biological sensors in day-to-day life. Successful development of improved chemical sensor and biosensor systems and manufacturing procedures will not only increase the breadth and depth of the sensor industry, but will spill over into the design and manufacture of other types of sensors and devices that use nanofabrication and microfabrication techniques. This reference not only supplies versatile, hands-on tools useful in a broad array of disciplines, but also lays the interdisciplinary groundwork required for the achievement of sentient processing.

What role will biofuels play in the scientific portfolio that might bring energy independence and security, revitalize rural infrastructures, and wean us off of our addiction to oil? The shifting energy landscape of the 21st century, with its increased demand for renewable energy technology, poses a worrying challenge. Discussing the multidisciplinary study of bioenergy and its potential for replacing fossil fuels in the coming decades, Introduction to Biofuels provides a roadmap for understanding the broad sweep of technological, sociological, and energy policy issues that intermingle and intertwine. Copiously illustrated and with numerous examples, this book explores key technologies, including biotechnology, bioprocessing, and genetic reprogramming of microorganisms. The author examines the future of biofuels from a broader perspective, addressing the economic, social, and environmental issues crucial for studying the sustainable development of bioenergy. Each chapter begins with questions and provides the answers later in the chapter as key informational points. Embedded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) sections provide detailed derivations and equations for a subset of topics that can be found easily as buzzwords in popular media and on web sites. Together, the STEM topics form a thread of essential technologies and a guide to how researchers have established quantitative parameters that are crucial to the ever-growing biofuels database. With so much information scattered throughout the literature, it is often difficult to make sense of what is real and what is an optimistic selling of ideas with no scientific credibility. This book does an excellent job of filtering through volumes of data, providing a historical perspective on which to anchor the information, and outlining the strengths and constraints of the different biofuels.

Refiners' efforts to conform to increasingly stringent laws and a preference for fuels derived from renewable sources have mandated changes in fluid cracking catalyst technology. Advances in Fluid Catalytic Cracking: Testing, Characterization, and Environmental Regulations explores recent advances and innovations in this important component of petroleum refining technology and evaluates how the industry has been changed by environmental regulations worldwide. Measurement, testing, and improvement Modern spectroscopic techniques continue to be essential to the understanding of catalyst performance and feedstock properties. The book contains a detailed review of the use of adsorption microcalorimetry to measure acidity, acid site density, and the strength of the strongest acid sites in heterogenous catalysts. It also discusses the use of 1H-NMR to characterize the properties of a FCCU feedstock. In addition, the book dedicates several chapters to pilot plant testing of catalysts and nontraditional feedstocks, maximizing and improving LCO (heating oil) production and quality, and improving FCCU operations. Complying with the EPA The EPA has identified the petroleum refining industry as a targeted enforcement area for the Clean Air Act (CAA) passed in 1970 and the CAA Amendments of 1990. The final chapters of the book examine the evolution of the EPA's attempts to encourage the refining industry to enter into voluntary consent decrees to comply with the CAA and the 1990 amendments. The book describes consent decree negotiations as well as FCC emissions (SOx, NOx, CO, PM) reduction technologies through consent decree implementations. Containing contributions from a panel of worldwide experts, the book demonstrates how the global shift toward environmentalism has engineered significant changes in the petroleum refining industry at a critical level.

The magneto luminous chemical vapor deposition (MLCVD) method is the perfect example of the "front-end green process." It employs an entirely new process that expends the minimum amount of materials in gas phase, yields virtually no effluent, and therefore requires no environmental remediation. Unlike the "back-end green process," which calls for add-on processes to deal with effluent problems, the newer MLCVD approach is a completely different phenomenon that has never been adequately described, until now. Dispelling previous misconceptions and revealing new areas for investigation, Magneto Luminous Chemical Vapor Deposition describes the key process of dielectric breakdown of gas molecules under the influence of a magnetic field. It emphasizes behavioral distinctions between molecular gasses that cause plasma polymerization (such as methane and trimethylsilane) and mono-atomic gases (e.g., helium and argon) when dealing with the dielectric breakdown of the gas phase under low pressure. The author also reveals his minimum perturbation theory of biocompatibility. This is based on the realization that nanofilms prepared using MLCVD have unique, stable interfacial characteristics necessary to achieve a surface that can be tolerated in various biological environments. The author presents alternating views based on NASA's recent discovery that a magnetic field burst from the earth triggers the inception of the aurora borealis. Detailing similarities between this phenomenon and the inception of the magneto luminous gas phase described in this book, the author proposes that proof of the one occurrence could shed light on the other. Expanding on the author's previous works, this book introduces new discoveries, highlights the newfound errors of previous assumptions, and juxtaposes many cutting-edge alternative views and anomalies associated with the field.

With their broad range of properties, polymer blends are widely used in adhesion, colloidal stability, the design of composite and biocompatible materials, and other areas. As the science and technology of polymer blends advances, an increasing number of polymer blend systems and applications continue to be developed. Functional Polymer Blends: Synthesis, Properties, and Performance presents the latest synthesis and characterization methodologies for generating polymer blend systems. This one-stop resource brings together both experimental and theoretical material, much of which has previously only been available in research papers. Featuring contributions by eminent international experts, the book: Reviews polymer blend systems Details miscibility enhancements in polymer blends through multiple hydrogen binding interactions Presents the component dynamics in polymer blend systems Discusses concepts of shape memory polymer blends Considers ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymer toughened polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blends Provides theoretical insights through molecular dynamics simulation studies for binary blend miscibility Reports on the conformation and topology of cyclic linear polymer blends (CLBs) Addresses strain hardening in polymer blends with fibril morphology Explores the modification of polymer blends by irradiation techniques Examines the directed assembly of polymer blends using nanopatterned chemical surfaces Combining background and advanced information on technologies, methods, and applications, this practical reference is a must-have for researchers and industry professionals as well as students in materials science, chemistry, and chemical and surface engineering.

Optimal Control for Chemical Engineers gives a detailed treatment of optimal control theory that enables readers to formulate and solve optimal control problems. With a strong emphasis on problem solving, the book provides all the necessary mathematical analyses and derivations of important results, including multiplier theorems and Pontryagin's principle. The text begins by introducing various examples of optimal control, such as batch distillation and chemotherapy, and the basic concepts of optimal control, including functionals and differentials. It then analyzes the notion of optimality, describes the ubiquitous Lagrange multipliers, and presents the celebrated Pontryagin principle of optimal control. Building on this foundation, the author examines different types of optimal control problems as well as the required conditions for optimality. He also describes important numerical methods and computational algorithms for solving a wide range of optimal control problems, including periodic processes. Through its lucid development of optimal control theory and computational algorithms, this self-contained book shows readers how to solve a variety of optimal control problems.

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are some of the most important and valuable engineering materials developed in the last 25 years. These fascinating materials demonstrate remarkably versatile properties-including capacity for actuation and stimulus responsiveness-that are enabling technologists to develop applications used to explore everything from the outer reaches of space to the inside of the human body. Polyurethane Shape Memory Polymers details the fundamentals of SMP makeup, as well as their shape-recovery features and their seemingly endless potential for use in applications ranging from the macro- to submicron scales. With an abundance of illustrations and vivid pictures to explain how SMPs and their composites work and how they can be used, this book covers: History and most recent developments in SMPs Thermomechanical properties and behavior of the polymers and their composites Modification of SMPs and novel actuation mechanisms Large-scale surface pattern generation Multi-shape memory effect Fabrication techniques Characterization of composites A must-have reference for anyone working in the materials science and engineering fields, this book outlines the properties-such as light weight, low cost, and ability to handle high strain-that make the easily processed SMPs so useful in fields including aerospace, biomedicine, and textiles. It is intended to help readers understand and apply the knowledge and techniques presented to develop new innovations that will further benefit society.

Although batch processing has existed for a long time, designing these processes and unit operations has been considered an onerous task that required computational efforts. Design of these processes is made more complex because of the time dependent nature of the process and the allowable flexibility. More often than not, every unit encounters optimal control problems. Therefore, traditional design books have not covered batch processing in detail. Filling this void, Batch Processing: Modeling and Design describes various unit operations in batch and bio-processing as well as design methods for these units. Topics include: Batch distillation operating modes and configurations Batch absorption operations based on the solubility difference Batch adsorption based on differential affinity of various soluble molecules to solid absorbents Batch chromatography for measuring a wide variety of thermodynamic, kinetic, and physico-chemical properties Batch crystallization where a phase is used to find the supersaturation at which point material crystallizes Batch drying that stresses the phase diagram of water to describe this operation Batch filtration using a porous medium or screen to separate solids from liquids Batch centrifugation where centrifugal force is used for separation Batch processes are widely used in pharmaceutical, food, and specialty chemicals where high value, low volume products are manufactured. Recent developments in bio-based manufacturing also favor batch processes because feed variations can be easily handled in batch processes. Further, the emerging area of nanomaterials manufacturing currently uses batch processes as they are low volume, high energy intensive processes. With examples, case studies, and more than 100 homework problems, this book describes the unit operations in batch and bioprocessing and gives students a thorough grounding in the numerical methods necessary to solve these design problems.

Global awareness of environmental issues has resulted in the emergence of economically and environmentally friendly bio-based materials free from the traditional side effects of synthetics. This book delivers an overview of the advancements made in the development of natural biorenewable resources-based materials, including processing methods and potential applications in green composites. Biorenewable polymers are a special class of natural material found in nature, such as natural fibers, wheat straw, rice husk, and saw dust. In addition to offering renewable feedstocks, natural biorenewable materials are compostable, recyclable, edible, and more energy efficient to process than plastic. Green Composites from Natural Resources covers various kinds of cellulosic biofibers, such as: hemp fibers jute saccaharum cilliare fibers pine needles grewia optiva fibers sisal fibers eulaliopsis binata flax fibers coconut fibers eulaliopsis binata baggase fibers rice husk saw dust wood flour straw With scopes for the utilization of natural resources-based materials as potential replacements for traditional petroleum feedstocks on the rise, more scientists and researchers are exploring new composite materials based on biorenewable resources. This book provides information on more eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers and discusses the present state and growing utility of green materials from natural resources.

The book provides a systematic and profound account of scientific challenges in fuel cell research. The introductory chapters bring readers up to date on the urgency and implications of the global energy challenge, the prospects of electrochemical energy conversion technologies, and the thermodynamic and electrochemical principles underlying the operation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. The book then presents the scientific challenges in fuel cell research as a systematic account of distinct components, length scales, physicochemical processes, and scientific disciplines. The main part of the book focuses on theory and modeling. Theoretical tools and approaches, applied to fuel cell research, are presented in a self-contained manner. Chapters are arranged by different fuel cell materials and components, and sections advance through the hierarchy of scales, starting from molecular-level processes in proton-conducting media or electrocatalytic systems and ending with performance issues at the device level, including electrochemical performance, water management, durability, and analysis of failure mechanisms. Throughout, the book gives numerous examples of formidable scientific challenges as well as of tools to facilitate materials design and development of diagnostic methods. It reveals reserves for performance improvements and uncovers misapprehensions in scientific understanding that have misled or may continue to mislead technological development. An indispensable resource for scientifically minded and practically oriented researchers, this book helps industry leaders to appreciate the contributions of fundamental research, and leaders of fundamental research to appreciate the needs of industry.

Over the past four decades, notable advancements in the theory and application of ion exchange science uncovered a wealth of knowledge that fueled new scientific pursuits and created synergies with myriad scientific endeavors. Today, pioneers continue to break new ground by synthesizing novel materials and merging the interdisciplinary fields of science and engineering. Now in its 20th volume, Ion Exchange and Solvent Extraction: A Series of Advances chronicles the ongoing changes that drive innovation in this important field. Beginning with a review of research studies that show how functionalized ion exchange polymers serve as supports to stabilize metal nanoparticles (MNPs) without forming larger than nano aggregates, the book describes the sorption of different gases from the air by ion exchange resins and fibrous ion exchangers and discusses the selective ion exchange technology capable of removing and recovering perchlorate quantitatively through stable isotope ratio analysis of chlorine and oxygen atoms, allowing for the forensic analysis of perchlorate origin in contaminated water. Later chapters demonstrate how numerical simulations coupled with small-scale bench-top experiments can help tailor particle size distribution and enhance the efficiency of each application, review dual-temperature ion exchange processes in which sorption and desorption are carried out solely by varying temperature, and present the preparation and characterization of a new composite material in which microparticles of clinoptilolite are embedded in a matrix of cross-linked chitosan, opening new opportunities for the natural biopolymer. The book concludes with the preparation, characterization, and field-level experience of an emerging class of "hybrid ion exchangers" that enhance the application opportunities of ion exchange resins. Highlighting the latest and most pivotal discoveries, the 20th volume of a field standard codifies the current state-of-the-art and lays the groundwork for the next generation of growth and expansion in the field of ion exchange.

For more than three decades the Electroanalytical Chemistry Series has delivered the most in-depth and critical research related to issues in electrochemistry. Volume 24 continues this gold-standard with practical reviews of recent applications as well as innovative contributions from internationally respected specialists who highlight the emergence of new technologies and trends in the field.

Polymer Thermodynamics: Blends, Copolymers and Reversible Polymerization describes the thermodynamic basis for miscibility as well as the mathematical models used to predict the compositional window of miscibility and construct temperature versus volume-fraction phase diagrams. The book covers the binary interaction model, the solubility parameter approach, and the entropic difference model. Using equation of state (EOS) theories, thermodynamic models, and information from physical properties, it illustrates the construction of phase envelopes. The book presents nine EOS theories, including some that take into account molecular weight effects. Characteristic values are given in tables. It uses the binary interaction model to predict the compositional window of miscibility for copolymer/homopolymer blends and blends of copolymers and terpolymers with common monomers. It discusses Hansen fractional solubility parameter values, six phase diagram types, the role of polymer architecture in phase behavior, and the mathematical framework for multiple glass transition temperatures found in partially miscible polymer blends. The author also illustrates biomedical and commercial applications of nanocomposites, the properties of various polymer alloys, Fick's laws of diffusion and their implications during transient events, and the use of the dynamic programming method in the sequence alignment of DNA and proteins. The final chapter reviews the thermodynamics of reversible polymerization and copolymerization. Polymer blends offer improved performance/cost ratios and the flexibility to tailor products to suit customers' needs. Exploring physical phenomena, such as phase separation, this book provides readers with methods to design polymer blends and predict the phase behavior of binary polymer blends using desktop computers.

A host of chemical substances have become essential parts of human activities and requirements for societal development. Any kind of misuse and/or negligence in handling these substances can cause health disorders, poisoning, and fatalities among unprotected workers and members of the public exposed to contaminated food, water, and air. Carefully organized for ease of use, Handbook of Chemicals and Safety provides a tool for the management of a range of chemical substances commonly used, handled, stored, transported, and disposed of as wastes. Written in an accessible style with just the right amount of technical rigor, the book covers: General fundamentals and specific hazards and effects of chemical substances The basics of exposures and responses to chemical substances in the work environment Toxic responses in different body systems General perspective on the problem of chemical exposures and the possible health effects The author includes substances such as industrial solvents, pesticides, metals, air pollutants, toxic gases, drugs, and other items. He supplies the chemical abstract system (CAS) number, IUPAC name, molecular formula, synonyms and trade names, use and exposure, toxicity and health effects, and carcinogen factors. He also includes information on exposure limits, methods of proper storage, and waste disposal. An important reference on exposure to different categories of chemical substances, the book stresses the importance of preparedness in any safety program. Taking a broad and interdisciplinary approach to chemicals and workplace safety, it provides guidance on the judicious management of chemical substances.