Hydrogels are crosslinked, macromolecular polymeric materials arranged in a three-dimensional network, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Hydrogels are commonly used in clinical practice and experimental medicine for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, diagnostics, cellular immobilization, separation of biomolecules or cells, and barrier materials to regulate biological adhesions. This book elucidates the underlying concepts and emerging applications of hydrogels and will provide key case studies and critical analysis of the existing research.

This book presents the chemical properties of lignocellulosic fibers, knowledge of which is essential for innovation and sustainable development of their transformation. Thermochemical transformation of wood and other lignocellulosics is presented to highlight its volatile, liquid and solid products and their novel applications. Forest biorefinery is described to emphasize the new products from lignocellulosic constituents, both structural (cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignins) and those extraneous to cell walls-extractives. New developments in cellulose technology related to nanocellulose are discussed in relation to new applications. Industrial lignins are presented in detail, both in terms of extraction procedures from spent liquors and structural characterization of the isolated lignins. Application of lignocellulosic biopolymers in new composite materials, or in biomaterials for medicinal purposes, and in solid wood preservation, are described. The example of an industrial biorefinery installed in southwestern France more than 40 years ago is presented.

The first book to tackle the application of smart polymers in bioseparation and bioprocessing, Smart Polymers: Applications in Biotechnology and Biomedicine broke new ground in this challenging field. Completely revised, updated, and following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the second edition is poised to take its place as a premier reference in this field. This new edition considers those polymers in which a highly nonlinear response of a smart polymer to small changes in the external medium is of critical importance for the successful functioning of the system. The systems discussed are based on soluble/insoluble transition of smart polymers in aqueous solution, on conformational transitions of the macromolecules physically attached or chemically grafted to a surface and on the shrinking/swelling of covalently cross-linked networks of macromolecules, i.e. smart hydrogels.

The book focuses on the theory describing the behavior of smart polymers in solution, as gels, and when grafted to surfaces. It provides solid, quantitative descriptions and reliable guidelines, reflecting the maturation of the field and the demand for the development of new smart polymer systems. The coverage highlights smart gels and especially fast responding and macroporous gels, as these gels pave the way to different applications of smart polymers in the areas ofbioseparation, drug release, and microfluidics. With contributions from leading researchers as well as extensive end-of-chapter references, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in the field and the potential for future developments.

Injection blow molding is one of the main processes used in the blow molding industry. And although you may find information on this topic in general books on blow molding, the coverage is skimpy and lacking in details. None of them supply the sharply focused, essential information you will find in Samuel Belcher's Practical Guide to Injection Blow Molding. Taking a straightforward approach, the book explores the entire industry from conception, design, costing, tooling, and machinery, to troubleshooting, testing, and daily production.

The author, a highly knowledgeable industry insider, and a member of "The Plastics Hall of Fame," discusses the history of the industry, as well as the ins and outs and dos and don'ts of its daily workings, reinforcing the information in the text with pictures, charts, and figures. He instructs in product and tooling design and material and machine selection, explaining the advantages and the disadvantages and elaborating on efficiencies that can be realized. The book also details basic costing procedures considering resin costs, machine costs, tooling, labor, energy, floor space, overhead, and sales and administration.

Polymers are among the major hallmarks of 20th-century science, and the explosive outgrowth and tremendous importance of polymeric foams is a testament to their amazing versatility and unique properties. With applications from automotive to acoustic and medical, polymeric foams pervade all areas of our lives. If this growth is to continue into the new millennium, especially in light of stringent environmental regulations, a strong understanding of the basic science and the major technologies behind foam production is critical. Written by experienced and accomplished leaders in the field, Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals, technologies, applications, and recent developments. The authors first outline the basic principles and fundamental foaming mechanisms, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, and the basics of blowing agents and foam formation. Foaming technologies and product applications then become the focus, with explanations of structure-property relationships, processing methods, and general types of foams. The book concludes with chapters on recent developments in composite and biodegradable foams that illustrate how to tailor processing to meet application needs. Illuminating the role of polymeric foams in the modern materials landscape, Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology is the perfect guide for developing innovative materials that achieve better performance and regulatory compliance.

Dendrimers are a new class of macromolecule increasingly used in the fields of synthetic organic chemistry, biology, medicine and biotechnology. Dendrimers in Medicine and Biotechnology: New Molecular Tools looks at this exciting and rapidly growing area of science. Using an interdisciplinary approach with particular emphasis on biological applications, the book discusses the relationship between the dendrimer molecular motif and its biological properties. A general introduction to the subject of dendrimers, including definitions of terms and symbols, is provided. Subsequent sections discuss topics including dendrimers in biological systems, dendrimers as drug delivery devices, dendrimers in diagnostics and dendrimer drugs. Throughout the book examples from current research are also provided. This book will appeal to a wide range of scientists, including non specialists who require an introduction to dendrimers, as well as those wishing to know more about the application of dendrimers in the field of biology and medicine.

New fields of science and technology call for new materials with valuable performance characteristics. Long-term resistance to such temperatures can be found only in polymers with chains made up of thermostable fragments. Particularly interesting in this respect are elementorganic polymers with inorganic and organo-inorganic molecular chains. Elementorganic polymers are not only highly thermostable, but also perform well under low temperatures, sunlight, humidity, weather, etc. Thus, these polymers (especially silicones) are widely and effectively used in the electrical, radio, coal, mechanical rubber, aircraft, metallurgical, textile and other industries. They are of great utility not only in industry, but also in households and in medicine, where their merits can hardly be overestimated. The need to publish this book arose with the scientific and technical developments of the last decade, the reconstruction and technical renovation of existing factories, as well as fundamental changes in some syntheses of elementorganic monomers and polymers. Moreover, nowadays it is essential to train highly-skilled chemical engineers with a comprehensive knowledge of current chemistry, of the production technology of elementorganic monomers and polymers, and of their characteristics and applications.

Together, the nano explosion and the genomic revolution are ushering in a new frontier in drug delivery. In recent years we've seen how polymers can play a crucial role in controlling the rate of drug release, enhancing solubility and uptake, and limiting degradation and toxicity. In the very near future, they may well be used to deliver gene therapy. While Polymers in Drug Delivery offers much new insight for the veteran specialist, this work has been compiled with the non-specialist in mind. It includes contributions from many of the world's leading drug delivery specialists, yet avoids jargon and presents background information that initiates the next generation of scientists into the amazing work going on at the frontiers of this rapidly evolving science. Targeting specific issues at the forefront of drug delivery today, this engaging volume- * Outlines the issues that must be considered when selecting a polymer for fabricating a drug delivery agent or other medical devices * Explains the more commonly used methods by which polymers may be characterized prior to use * Profiles polymer matrices that have been used in the formulation of solid oral dosage forms, drug delivery scaffolds, and hydrogels * Examines the issues surrounding the encapsulation of biologics within microspheres * Explores the use of nanoparticulates, especially solid nanoparticles and nanocapsules prepared from largely-water-insoluble cyanoacrylate polymers * Discusses polymeric micelles and investigates the potential of soluble polymer prodrugs and polymer nanomedicines * Details the contribution made by polymers and dendrimers to the gene delivery effort, which may one day lead to effective treatments for largely incurable diseases Noting a dramatic paradigm shift that is bridging the gap between materials science and life science, the editor's have compiled this volume to paint an interdisciplinary portrait of drug delivery that will challenge young scientists to turn their attention and effort towards this critical branch of biomedicine. Containing state-of-the-art information for drug delivery scientists, it is also a great choice for medical and pharmaceutical students and others seeking an in-depth introduction to the field.

This second volume of the "Handbook of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): Kinetics, Bioengineering and Industrial Aspects" focusses on thermodynamic and mathematical considerations of PHA biosynthesis, bioengineering aspects regarding bioreactor design and downstream processing for PHA recovery from microbial biomass. It covers microbial mixed culture processes and includes a strong industry-focused section with chapters on the economics of PHA production, industrial-scale PHA production from sucrose, next generation industrial biotechnology approaches for PHA production based on novel robust production strains, and holistic techno-economic and sustainability considerations on PHA manufacturing. Aimed at professionals and graduate students in Polymer (plastic) industry, wastewater treatment plants, food industry, biodiesel industry, this book Provides an insight into microbial thermodynamics to reveal the central domain governing in PHA formation, both aerobically and anaerobically. Includes systematic overview of mathematical modelling approaches, starting from low-structured and formal kinetic models until modern tools like metabolic models, cybernetic models and so forth Discusses challenges during scale up of PHA production processes and on development of non-sterile processes and contamination-resistant strains Presents a holistic picture of the current state of PHA research by mixed cultures Reviews the industry-related point of view about current and future trends in PHA production and processing

The Handbook of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) focusses on and addresses varying facets of PHA biosynthesis and processing, spread across three volumes. The first volume discusses feedstock aspects, enzymology, metabolism and genetic engineering of PHA biosynthesis. It addresses better understanding the mechanisms of PHA biosynthesis in scientific terms and profiting from this understanding in order to enhance PHA biosynthesis in bio-technological terms and in terms of PHA microstructure. It further discusses making PHA competitive for outperforming established petrol-based plastics on industrial scale and obstacles for market penetration of PHA. This second volume focusses on thermodynamic and mathematical considerations of PHA biosynthesis, bioengineering aspects regarding bioreactor design and downstream processing for PHA recovery from microbial biomass. It covers microbial mixed culture processes and includes a strong industry-focused section with chapters on the economics of PHA production, industrial-scale PHA production from sucrose, next generation industrial biotechnology approaches for PHA production based on novel robust production strains, and holistic techno-economic and sustainability considerations on PHA manufacturing. Third volume is on the production of functionalized PHA bio-polyesters, the post-synthetic modification of PHA, processing and additive manufacturing of PHA, development and properties of PHA-based (bio)composites and blends, the market potential of PHA and follow-up materials, different bulk- and niche applications of PHA, and the fate and use of spent PHA items. Divided into fourteen chapters, it describes functionalized PHA and PHA modification, processing and their application including degradation of spent PHA-based products and fate of these bio-polyesters during compositing and other disposal strategies. Aimed at professionals and graduate students in Polymer (plastic) industry, wastewater treatment plants, food industry, biodiesel industry, this set: Presents comprehensive and holistic consideration of these microbial bioplastics in the volumes. Enables reader to learn about microbiological, enzymatic, genetic, synthetic biology, and metabolic aspects of PHA biosynthesis based on the latest scientific discoveries. Discusses design and operate a PHA production plant. Strong focus on post-synthetic modification, preparation of functional PHA and follow-up products, and PHA processing. Covers all related engineering considerations

This well-organized volume begins with a breakdown of the dynamic properties of composites and a complete look at various testing methods and data derived from each technique. Next is a discussion of wave motion in fiber-reinforced composites, including an investigation of effective modulus theory, an examination of wave motions in composite plates under impact loading, and a series of experimental studies conducted on inspected composite plates. The book then discusses non-destructive testing, including the applications and limitations of currently available non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, and covers a variety of factors that affect the damage tolerance of composites. Important information on impact damage modeling, along with a classification of model types, is also presented.

International law is often manipulated in the debate about humanitarian intervention. The Liberian case provides an opportunity to challenge UN and the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS') new approach. ECOWAS and the UN's justifications for moving away from the current norms are flawed. No enlightened person would disagree with the values of peace, democracy, human rights, and economic development. But should these goals be pursued within the current framework or outside it? Deme is an international lawyer educated at the University of Bordeaux, France. He received his Ph.D at Boston University. Deme teaches at the university of Rhodes Island and is a research fellow for the International Consortium for Law and Development at Boston University. He currently is an independent consultant for various international agencies in Washington DC and New York.

The safe disposal and reuse of industrial and consumer rubber waste continues to pose a serious threat to environmental safety and health, despite the fact that the technology now exits for its effective recycling and reuse. Mountains of used tires confirm the belief that chemically crosslinked rubber is one of the most difficult materials to recycle. That coupled with a long history of failed attempts to create quality products from crumb rubber has resulted in such a resistance to new ideas concerning rubber recycling that very little literature on the subject has even seen the light of day. Rubber Recycling is one of those rare books that has the potential to directly impact our ecological well-being. The editors of this important volume have filled a void in technological responsibility by bringing together a group of international experts who, using substantial research evidence, prove that the utilization of recycled rubber is not just desirable, but is also quite feasible and profitable. This text provides a thorough overview of the fundamentals of rubber and the challenges of recycling. However, the heart of the book lies in its detailed explanation of the various processes currently available to breakdown, recycle, and reuse crosslinked rubber. These include -- -Unconventional polymer recycling -High-pressure, high-temperature sintering -Ultrasonic and non ultrasonic devulcanization -The use of tire particles as replacement aggregates for low-strength concrete material -The utilization of powdered rubber waste in the production of rubber compounds -The future potential for recycling waste rubber by blending it with waste plastics Never forgetting that these technologies aremeaningless without industry participation, the book concludes with a highly practical discussion on how present market demands can be met with recycled rubber.

The improvement of strength and durability in polymers has implications relevant to industrial, medical, and household applications. Enhanced by the improved knowledge of the interactions between complex hierarchical structures and functional requirements, Mechanical Properties of Polymers Based on Nanostructure and Morphology focuses on new polymer materials that possess a combination of improved mechanical and other physical properties. This book specifies techniques used in structural and morphological characterization, discusses crazing and molecular variables of fracture behavior, and clarifies various modes of deformation mechanisms and orientation processes for semicrystalline polymers, block copolymers, and composites. The volume examines microindentation hardness studies and mechanisms of toughness enhancement for particle modified, amorphous and semicrystalline polymers and blends using model analysis. Experts in the field present innovations that illustrate new aspects of manufacturing, structure development, and properties of practical relevance in nanoparticle-filled thermoplastic polymers and the applications of carbon nanotube and nanofiber reinforced polymer systems. Other topics discussed in the book include alternative methods of polymer modification based on micro- and nanolayered polymers and hot compaction of oriented fibers and tapes. This book reflects the continuing research of mechanisms contributing to the structure-function relationship of nanostructured polymers and nanocomposites. Mechanical Properties of Polymers Based on Nanostructure and Morphology presents effective ways to combine improved mechanical and physical properties in polymers and form new, performance-enhanced composite materials.

The use of polymers is restricted by their flammability - they may indeed initiate or propagate fire. Fire Retardancy of Polymers focuses on mineral additives from either micro- or nano-composites for application in fire retardants. With the use of fire retardant additives containing halogen or phosphorus compounds in decline, the need for other systems is evident. The major materials that are used are alumina trihydrate or magnesium hydroxide which account for more than 50% by weight of the world-wide sales of fire retardants. Recent works have shown that such halogen-free compounds may give enhanced fire retardancy to polymeric materials when used in low levels, alone, or in synergistic mixtures. The corresponding fire performance depends on the dispersion of the mineral filler, with micrometer-scale dispersion leading to the best performances. Specialists discuss these new applications of mineral fillers with particular emphasis on action mechanisms, new materials including textiles, toxicology and hazards. With extensive references, this book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date view of these applications. This book will appeal to professionals, materials scientists and engineers looking for novel ways to eliminate fire hazards and improve flame retardancy of materials, with a special interest in sustainable development.

Natural/Bio-fiber composites are emerging as a viable alternative to glass fiber composites, especially for automotive, building, and consumer product industries applications. Natural fibers are becoming one of the fastest growing additives for thermoplastics. Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Their Biocomposites presents comprehensive knowledge in the area of bio-fibers, biopolymers, and biocomposites in one text. Chapters provide a clear understanding of the present state and the growing utility of biocomposites. Contributors are foremost experts on biobased materials and together they provide the only book available that focuses on biobased materials.

Handbook of UV Degradation and Stabilization, Third Edition, discusses different aspects of UV-related phenomena that occur when polymeric materials are exposed to UV radiation. It reviews existing literature, looking at how plants, animals and humans protect themselves against UV radiation. This review permits evaluation of mechanisms of protection against UV used by living things and potential application of these mechanisms in the protection of natural and synthetic polymeric materials. Other chapters look at more specific aspects of UV degradation and stabilization, such as specific polymers and rubbers, analytical methods used in UV stabilization, health and safety, and more. This book is an excellent companion to the Databook of UV stabilizers which has also been published recently. Both books supplement each other without repeating the same information - one contains data another theory, mechanisms of action, practical effects and implications of application.

Analytical Methods for Polymer Characterization presents a collection of methods for polymer analysis. Topics include chromatographic methods (gas chromatography, inverse gas chromatography, and pyrolysis gas chromatography), mass spectrometry, spectroscopic methods (ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance), thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry), microscopy methods (scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy), and x-ray diffraction. The author also discusses mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties.

"Covers recent advances in polymer degradation and stabilization. Focuses on the basics of photo- and bio-degradability. Delineates special and general environmental parameters such as solar irradiation, temperature, and agrochemical exposure. Surveys plastic waste disposal strategies such as recycling, incineration, chemical recovery by pyrolysis, and source reduction."

Biomaterials have had a major impact on the practice of contemporary medicine and patient care. Growing into a major interdisciplinary effort involving chemists, biologists, engineers, and physicians, biomaterials development has enabled the creation of high-quality devices, implants, and drug carriers with greater biocompatibility and biofunctionality. The fast-paced research and increasing interest in finding new and improved biocompatible or biodegradable polymers has provided a wealth of new information, transforming this edition of Polymeric Biomaterials into a two-volume set. This volume, Polymeric Biomaterials: Structure and Function, contains 25 authoritative chapters written by experts from around the world. Contributors cover the following topics: The structure and properties of synthetic polymers including polyesters, polyphosphazenes, and elastomers The structure and properties of natural polymers such as mucoadhesives, chitin, lignin, and carbohydrate derivatives Blends and composites-for example, metal-polymer composites and biodegradable polymeric/ceramic composites Bioresorbable hybrid membranes, drug delivery systems, cell bioassay systems, electrospinning for regenerative medicine, and more Completely revised and expanded, this state-of-the-art reference presents recent developments in polymeric biomaterials: from their chemical, physical, and structural properties to polymer synthesis and processing techniques and current applications in the medical and pharmaceutical fields.

PVC Formulary, Third Edition, contains invaluable information for PVC manufacturers, processors and users. It discusses new product development and product engineering tools and the current state of the market for PVC products. This provides the reader with the critical data they need to formulate successful and durable products, and to evaluate formulations on the background of compositions used by others. Commercial types and grades, polymer forms, and physical-chemical properties of PVC are discussed in detail, with all essential information required for the decision-making process presented clearly to provide necessary data. The book contains over 600 formulations of products belonging to 23 categories that are derived from characteristic methods of production. A broad selection of formulations is used in each category to determine the essential components of formulations used in a particular method of processing, the most important parameters of successful products, troubleshooting information, and suggestions of further sources of information on the method of processing. The concept of this work and its companion book (PVC Degradation & Stabilization also published in 2020) is to provide the reader with complete information and data required to formulate successful and durable products and/or to evaluate formulations on the background of compositions used by others.

This book represents the first in a series entitled Polymeric Foams: Technology and Applications. Generally, thermoplastic and thermoset foams have been treated as two separate practices in industry. Polymeric Foams: Mechanisms and Materials provides the basics of foaming in general, providing a convenient and strong foundation to those working in both thermoplastic and thermoset foams. The book addresses scientific principles behind polymeric foaming and presents foaming chemistry and physics, resin and blowing agents, and foaming mechanisms in separate chapters, thus providing an overall and fundamental understanding of foaming for polymeric foam products and processes.

Focusing on the applied and basic aspects of confined liquid crystals, this book provides a current treatise of the subject matter and places it in the broader context of electrooptic applications. The book takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, combining basic principles of physics, chemistry, polymer science, materials science and engineering.

Discussing a comprehensive range of topics, Advanced Pharmaceutics: Physicochemical Principles reviews all aspects of physical pharmacy. The book explains the basic, mechanistic, and quantitative interpretation skills needed to solve physical pharmacy related problems. The author supplies a strong fundamental background and extensively covers thermodynamics, ionic equilibria, solutions and distribution, surface chemistry and colloids, kinetics, diffusion, and polymer science. He outlines the latest research on diffusion through a membrane and the use of polymers in dosage forms. Packed with formulae and models, the book demonstrates the development of each and then describes the use of those models for a variety of formulation situations. The author's detailed explanation of the evolution of the formulae provides a clear understanding of when and how they are used. This bottom-up approach delineates the evolution of the formulae and gives a clear understanding of when and how they should be used. The book provides an in-depth review and analysis of dosage form design criteria that you can rapidly implement in your day-to-day work.

PVC Degradation and Stabilization, Fourth Edition, includes new developments in PVC production, new stabilization methods and mechanisms, new approaches to plasticization, methods of waste reprocessing, accelerated degradation due to electric breakdown, and much more. The book contains all the information necessary for the successful design of stabilization formulas in any PVC-based product. Other topics covered include degradation by thermal energy, UV, gamma and other forms of radiation, chemical degradation, and more. Analytical methods for studying degradative and stabilization processes aid readers in establishing a system for verifying results of stabilization with different stabilizing systems. Many new topics included in this edition are of particular interest today. These comprise new developments in PVC production yielding range of new grades, new stabilization methods and mechanisms (e.g. synergistic mixtures containing hydrotalcites and their synthetic equivalents, beta-diketones, functionalized fillers, Shiff bases), new approaches to plasticization, methods of waste reprocessing (life cycle assessment, reformulation, biodegradable materials, and energy recovery), accelerated degradation due to electric breakdown, and many more