"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."

The versatility of the emulsion copolymerization reaction and the ability to control the properties of the final latices have led to rapid expansion both in the quantity of polyvinylacetate and vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymer latices and in their applications. Vinyl Acetate Emulsion Polymerization and Copolymerization with Acrylic Monomers provides a collection and logical organization of the published data - much of it formerly found fragmented throughout various journals and little of it referenced in general emulsion polymerization books. To date, no one source has offered chemists and polymer, surface, or colloid specialists the "big picture" of polyvinylacetate-based latices.

Integrating established knowledge with the latest research developments, this book provides the background for understanding the mechanism and kinetics of emulsion polymerization initiated in the aqueous phase and some of the practical problems of latex production. The author presents an overview of industrial practices, new applications, and all of the fundamental material - avoiding theoretical controversies.

With in-depth discussion of the ingredients found in most industrial recipes, Vinyl Acetate Emulsion Polymerization and Copolymerization with Acrylic Monomers helps eliminate costly and time-consuming "trial and error" practices. It serves not only as an introduction for those new to the field, but also as a valuable reference for researchers and applied scientists in both industry and academia.

This long awaited and thoroughly updated version of the classic text (Plenum Press, 1970) explains the subject of electrochemistry in clear, straightforward language for undergraduates and mature scientists who want to understand solutions. Like its predecessor, the new text presents the electrochemistry of solutions at the molecular level. The Second Edition takes full advantage of the advances in microscopy, computing power, and industrial applications in the quarter century since the publication of the First Edition. Such new techniques include scanning-tunneling microscopy, which enables us to see atoms on electrodes; and new computers capable of molecular dynamics calculations that are used in arriving at experimental values. Chapter 10 starts with a detailed description of what happens when light strikes semi-conductor electrodes and splits water, thus providing in hydrogen a clean fuel. There have of course been revolutionary advances here since the First Edition was written. The book also discusses electrochemical methods that may provide the most economical path to many new syntheses - for example, the synthesis of the textile, nylon. The broad area of the breakdown of material in moist air, and its electrochemistry is taken up in the substantial Chapter 12. Another exciting topic covered is the evolution of energy conversion and storage which lie at the cutting edge of clean automobile development. Chapter 14 presents from a fresh perspective a discussion of electrochemical mechanisms in Biology, and Chapter 15 shows how new electrochemical approaches may potentially alleviate many environmental problems.

The papers from these proceedings address experimental and analytical methods for the characterization and analysis of modern composite and adhesive systems. They have been produced to provide understanding that can be used to design safe, reliable engineering components.

The use of plastic materials has seen a massive increase in recent years, and generation of plastic wastes has grown proportionately. Recycling of these wastes to reduce landfill disposal is problematic due to the wide variation in properties and chemical composition among the different types of plastics. Feedstock recycling is one of the alternatives available for consideration, and Feedstock Recycling of Plastic Wastes looks at the conversion of plastic wastes into valuable chemicals useful as fuels or raw materials. Looking at both scientific and technical aspects of the recycling developments, this book describes the alternatives available. Areas include chemical depolymerization, thermal processes, oxidation and hydrogenation. Besides conventional treatments, new technological approaches for the degradation of plastics, such as conversion under supercritical conditions and coprocessing with coal are discussed.

This book is essential reading for those involved in plastic recycling, whether from an academic or industrial perspective. Consultants and government agencies will also find it immensely useful.

"Summarizes research and progress in understanding the fundamental molecular properties of polycarbonates by covering history, theory, modeling, and spectroscopy. Offers the first comprehensive survey of polycarbonates in over 30 years."

As environmental performance becomes increasingly important, the development of man-made polymers and their associated benefits has been overshadowed by problems relating to their ultimate disposal. In the light of wider acceptance of polymers for use in high technology applications, Polymers and the Environment aims to redress the balance. The book reviews the properties and industrial applications of polymers and discusses their environmental benefits compared with traditional materials. It also addresses the issues of polymer durability, recycling processes to aid waste minimization and biodegradable polymers. This text is intended to introduce the non-specialist reader to the benefits and limitations of polymeric materials from an environmental viewpoint, and will prove a useful book for both students and professionals.

Outline proven methods from planning and manufacture to product testing, this work reports on the most effective means of producing plastics by the extrusion blow moulding process. It supplies data on materials, performance standards and testing methodologies developed in industry with proven reliability and cost effectiveness.

Comprising one volume of Functional and Modified Polymeric Materials, Two-Volume Set, this well-organized collection of papers by Professor Eli Ruckenstein and co-workers focuses on functional and modified polymeric materials prepared mainly through solution polymerization and surface polymerization. Although solution polymerization has been broadly utilized for the preparation of polymeric materials, the book shows significant approaches to special classes of polymeric materials including functional polymers by living ionic polymerization, degradable and decrosslinkable polymers, semi- and interpenetrating polymer network pervaporation membranes, and soluble conducting polymers. It also focuses on preparing and modifying conductive surface of polymer or polymer-based materials.

Deals with a new and promising field developed during the last two decades on the boundary between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. This book presents general information on catalysis for a wide range of organic reactions, e.g., hydrogenation and oxidation reactions, and polymerization transformations. Special attention is paid to electro- and photochemical stimulation of catalytic processes in the presence of immobilized metal complexes. Other topics covered are the quantitative data on the comparison of catalyses by mobile and immobilized metal complexes; main factors affecting the activity of these catalytic systems and methods of optimizing their control; and specific problems of catalysis by fixed complexes (e.g., ligand exchange and electron transfer in metal polymer systems, macromolecular effects and polyfunctional catalysis).

Comprised of carefully curated chapters previously published by Prof. Ruckenstein and colleagues, this two-volume set offers a comprehensive overview of functional and modified polymeric materials focusing on concentrated emulsion polymerization, conducting polymers, living ionic polymerization, degradable polymers, polymer membranes, and polymer-inorganic hybrid materials. The first volume presents functional and modified polymer materials prepared by concentrated emulsion polymerization approaches. The second covers functional and modified polymer materials prepared mainly through solution polymerization and surface polymerization.

"Chronicles recent advances in our knowledge of polymer-surfactant systems, combining authoritative reviews of new experimental methods, instrumentation, and applications with fundamental discussions of classical methodologies and surveys of specific properties."

A thorough, up-to-date examination of the science and practical application of superabsorbent polymers.

Modern Superabsorbent Polymer Technology takes a comprehensive look at the structure, properties, and uses of superabsorbent polymers. Prepared by editors with over 20 years of experience in the field, it offers a unified approach to polymer science technologies and examines the key interrelationships between structure, properties, behavior, and applications.

This book draws on the best and most relevant scientific papers from academia and industry, as well as numerous patents and patent applications. The result is a compact, centralized source of information on superabsorbent polymers that no polymer or chemical engineer will want to be without.

Discusses synthetic chemistry and the effects of synthesis on the structure of superabsorbent polymers

• Describes and compares industrial practices of the major manufacturers of superabsorbent polymers
• Features analytical methods for evaluation of the properties and behavior of superabsorbent polymers
• Explores structural and property relationships of crosslinked super-absorbent polymers
• Surveys new superabsorbent polymer forms and types—including fibers, foams, and biodegradable superabsorbents
• Covers current and emerging applications in personal care products, horticulture, construction, and other areas.

Thermodynamics is an indispensable tool for developing a large and growing fraction of new polymers and polymer blends.
These two volumes show the researcher how thermodynamics can be used to rank polymer pairs in order of immiscibility, including the search for suitable chemical structure of compatibilizers.
Because of the great current commercial interest in this most dynamic sector of the polymer industry, there is high interest in studying their physical and mechanical properties, their structures, and the processes of their formation and manufacture.
These Books are dedicated to Analysis of the Thermodynamics of Polymer Blends. Thermodynamic behavior of blends determines the compatibility of the components, their morphological features, rheological behavior, and microphase structures. As a result, the most important physical and mechanical characteristics of blends can be identified.

Topics covered in this text include: structural aspects of polymers; molecular mobility in amorphous solid polymers; non-elastic deformation of solid amorphous polymers; mechanical experiments; interpretation of results; physical ageing of amorphous polymers; and glass transition.

Poled polymers doped with nonlinear optically active chromophores combine the large second order nonlinearity of the dopant dye molecules with the optical quality of the polymer. The material design flexibility afforded to doped polymers makes them attractive in a large variety of devices and applications. This book addresses the critical science and technology issues in the development and application of poled polymers, with an emphasis on the stabilization of poled polymers and their special applications to second harmonic generation (SHG) and electro-optic (EO) devices.

"Combines fundamental theory, systematic experimentation, disciplined research, and logical procedures to simplify the thermoplastic selection process as well as reduce production cost and time. Second Edition contains new features such as rheology property data, recycling in resin selection, and more and more."

Increasing attention is being given to the use of concrete-polymer composites as high performance and multi-functional materials in the construction industry, as well as in mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering. Particular interest is being given to these materials in Japan and other East Asian countries. This book forms the proceedings of the Second East Asia Symposium on Polymers in Concrete (II-EASPIC) held under the auspices of the Japan Charter of ICPIC (the International Congress on Polymers in Concrete). Papers are presented by international experts from thirteen different countries. Many aspects of the subject are discussed, including: new developments in the theory and practice of polymer composites; studies of their performance; appropriate manufacturing techniques and materials selection processes; their structural design; various types of concrete using polymers; methods of restoration and conservation using composites; overlays; adhesives and coating used in concrete works, special innovative developments and techniques for recycling.

Finally! An authoritative, comprehensive textbook in this commercially and academically important field. Billions of kilograms of polymers are manufactured annually in the form of polymer colloids. Thousands of researchers work with them in a host of applications, from water-borne latex paints to cancer chemotherapeutics, but until now there was been no adequate introductory text.
This book provides a solid development of the fundamentals to the field of colloid science with a solid development of the fundamentals of polymer colloids, emulsion, polymerization, latex technology, and the applications of functional latexes in catalysis, medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Fitch, who has been called the Benjamin Spock of Polymer Colloids, bases his approach to a complex field is based on his 40+ years of experience in industrial and academic research and development. His approach makes it easy to understand and be able to work effectively in this fascinating field.
Students and professionals will find "Polymer Colloids: A Comprehensive Introduction" an important resource in gaining a working understanding of polymer colloids, enabling them to carry out their own research and/or development.
Key Features
* Contains many detailed figures and references
* Includes new, current references
* Provides the clarity and insight that can only be found from the author's 40+ years of experience in the field
* Covers the material in an easy-to-understand and entertaining manner

Cold hibernated elastic memory (CHEM) is an innovative, smart material technology that uses shape memory polymers in open cellular structures. This book extensively describes CHEM self-deployable structures, provides basic property data and characteristics, discusses advantages, and identifies numerous space, commercial, and medical applications. Some of these applications have been experimentally and analytically investigated with inspiring results and are revealed here. CHEM technology has a potential to provide groundbreaking self-deployable space structures. Some cutting-edge space CHEM concepts described in this book represent the introduction of a new generation of space deployable structures. CHEM materials have unique characteristics that enable the manufacture of self-deployable stents and other medical devices not possible currently. One of the medical applications, the CHEM endovascular treatment of aneurysm, is being experimentally explored with promising results that would save lives. This book provides a long list of interesting potential commercial CHEM applications that could simplify and make life easier at low cost. One of these products, the self-reconfiguring armchair, is already being set up for mass production. This book will be of interest to all engineering researchers, scientists, engineers, students, designers, and technologists across their relevant fields of interest. The exceptional characteristics of CHEM technology are presently enabling technologists to develop many applications ranging from outer space to inside the human body. As a result, CHEM structures are in the process of reshaping our thinking, approaches, and design methods in many ways that conventional materials and approaches do not allow.

Scientists and researchers are looking for new smart materials to replace old or conventional materials for better performance and for new applications. The use of polymeric materials and nanomaterials is increasing due to their wide-spectrum tunability and many properties. It is now easier to formulate materials for special purposes using these materials than using conventional materials and methods. Many commercial products made from polymeric materials and nanomaterials are now in use and on the market. This book presents a diverse selection of cutting-edge research on the development of polymeric materials and nanomaterials for new and different applications. These include electrical applications, biomedical applications, sensing applications, coating applications, and others. A few chapters dedicated to materials for construction applications are also included. Discussions include the properties, behavior, preparation, processing, and characterization of various polymeric materials, nanomaterials, and their composites. Some of the chapter authors present theoretical studies of these systems, which can help readers to develop a better understanding in this area.

"Provides in-depth coverage of the entire thermoforming molding process from market domain and materials options to manufacturing methods and peripheral support. Second Edition furnishes entirely new information on twin sheet forming, corrugated tubing and pipe manufacturin gtechniques, plastics recycling, forthcoming equipment, and energy and labor costs."

This book presents the reports on the developments in the field of urethane. It includes information on polyurethane automotive carpet composites, pentane blown polyurethane foams, and applications of polyols derived from renewable resources in polyurethanes and liquid crystalline polyurethanes.

This work introduces the fundamental background necessary to understand polymer devolatilization. It elucidates the actual mechanisms by which the devolatilization of polymer melts progresses, and discusses virtually every type of devolatilization equipment available. The work also addresses devolatilization in various geometries and types of equipment, describing the use of falling strand, slit, single-screw, co-rotating and counter-rotating twin-screw devolatilization.

In current materials R&D, high priority is given to surface modification techniques to achieve improved surface properties for specific applications requirements. Plasma treatment and polymerization are important technologies for this purpose.
This book provides a basic and thorough presentation of this subject. This is probably the first book to cover plasma treatment and polymerization for the purpose of surface modification. Chemistry, processes and applications are detailed. More than 150 figures include numerous schematics which illustrate the chemistry and processes. More than 100 tables and graphics provide useful reference data in convenient form.