Technical and technological development demands the creation of new materials that are stronger, more reliable, and more durable-materials with new properties. This book skillfully blends and integrates polymer science, plastic technology, and rubber technology to highlight new developments and trends in advanced polyblends. The fundamentals of polymerization, polymer characteristics, rheology and morphology, as well as composition, technology, testing and evaluation of various plastics, rubbers, fibers, adhesives, coatings, and composites are comprehensively presented in this informative volume. The book presents the developments of advanced polyblends and the respective tools to characterize and predict the material properties and behavior. It provides important original and theoretical experimental results that use non-routine methodologies often unfamiliar to many readers. Furthermore chapters on novel applications of more familiar experimental techniques and analyses of composite problems are included, which indicate the need for the new experimental approaches that are presented. This new book: * Provides an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state of the art of polyblends and composites * Familiarizes the reader with new aspects of the techniques used in the examination of polymers, emphasizing plastic technology and rubber technology * Describes the types of techniques now available to the polymer chemist and technician and discusses their capabilities, limitations, and applications * Provides a balance between materials science and the mechanics aspects, basic and applied research, and high-technology and high-volume (low-cost) composite development Entrepreneurs and professionals engaged in production of as well as research and development in polymers will find the information presented here valuable and informative.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a synthetic and biodegradable polymer. PLA can have important applications in tissue engineering as three-dimensional porous structures. Biodegradable polymers are used in medicine to replace and increase the volume of tissues, as tissue supports and also for controlled drug release. One of the most widely used biodegradable polymers is polylactic acid (PLA), as it is easily biodegraded. This material is used as microspheres or microcapsules to host a broad diversity of drugs, such as antiinflamatory, anticonceptives, narcotics antagonists, local anesthetics and vaccines. This book discusses new developments in the research of polylactic acid.

Conducting polymers (CPs) such as polyaniline (PANI), polypyrrole (PPY), poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), and poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), have been recognized as promising organic semiconductors due to their controllable chemical/electrochemical properties, light weight, low cost, good biocompatibility, facile processability, and adjustable electrical conductivities. This book presents current research in the field of polymers. Topics discussed include resonance raman of polyanilines nanofibers; conducting polymer micro-/nano- structures via template-free method; charge transfer and electrochemical reactions at electrodes modified with pristine and metal-containing films of conducting polymers; and conducting polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes hybrid nanostructures based bioanalytical sensors.

The agricultural sector is the main source of raw materials for biopolymers such as soy protein isolates (SPI), natural fibers, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), and many more. Over the years, the biopolymer sector has witnessed significant developments due to substantial investments that have been made in green technologies/processes. Apart from this, focus has also been given to improving the performance of the existing thermoplastic as well as thermoset polymers and synthetic fiber based composites. With the onset of green technology/process, agriculture has witnessed rapid transformation, which in turn has opened new avenues for the development of commonly available synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene from sugarcane. In fact, facilitating the commercialization of innovative processes/technologies developed in the laboratories is the first step. The second step is to take the products fabricated in the first step to the next level, i.e. the market. Lastly, demonstrating these products in real-life conditions is necessary for terming it as marketable products. The truth is that the development of biopolymer or nanomaterial based polymer-matrix composites are progressing slowly. This book is written to address some of the types of polymer-matrix composites as well as the performance of these composites through 11 original and very interesting Chapters. The use of biopolymer based composites has been greatly emphasized in Chapters 1 through 5 so as to reduce the carbon footprint. Chapters 6 through 9 are devoted to the performance of widely used thermoplastics, thermosets and conducting polymers. Lastly, the applications of natural fiber reinforced composites in automotive sectors as well as erosive wear performance are discussed in Chapters 9 through 11.

This book is designed to provide a background in polymer rheology to both engineering students and practicing engineers. It is written at an intermediate level with sufficient technical information and practical examples to enable the reader to understand the interesting and complex rheological behavior of polymers, to make the right decisions regarding rheological testing methods, and to troubleshoot rheology related problems encountered in polymer processing. The organization of the book and the practical examples throughout make it an ideal textbook and reference source. Processors and raw material suppliers will find the information within particularly valuable. Rheology is a rapidly growing and industrially important field, playing a significant role not only in polymer processing, but also in food processing, coating and printing, and many other manufacturing processes.

"Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites from Renewable Resources" provides a comprehensive, current overview of biopolymeric blends and composites and their applications in various industries. The book is organized according to the type of blend or composite. For each topic, the relationship between the structure of the blends/composites and their respective properties is explored, with particular focus on interface, compatibility, mechanical, and thermal properties. Real-life applications and potential markets are discussed. This is a premier reference for graduate students and researchers in polymer science, chemical and bio engineering, and materials science.

Chitin is one of the most important biopolymers, synthesized by an enormous number of living organisms and is a promising bioactive polymer for food packaging applications due to its functional properties. This book focuses on composition, properties, characterization, and theoretical approach of chitin and chitosan bio-composites. It describes the most recent studies concerning chitin and chitosan-based films and gives an overview about future trends regarding the industrial applications of chitin and chitosan for food packaging purposes. This book is especially useful for researchers in the fields of bionanocomposites, especially those with an interest in packaging applications.

Covering fundamentals through applications, this book discusses environmentally friendly polymer nanocomposites and alternatives to traditional nanocomposites through detailed reviews of a variety of materials procured from different resources, their synthesis, and applications using alternative green approaches. The text: Describes green polymeric nanocomposites that show greater properties in terms of degradability, biocompatibility, synthesis process, cost effectiveness, mechanical strength, high surface area, nontoxicity, and environmental friendliness Explains the basics of eco-friendly polymer nanocomposites from different natural resources and their chemistry Discusses practical applications that present future directions in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, and automotive industries This book is aimed at scientists, researchers, and academics working in nanotechnology, biomaterials, polymer science, and those studying products derived from eco-friendly nanomaterials.

Block copolymers constitute a fascinating group of polymeric materials belonging to the "soft matter" family. These materials are formed by blocks of polymeric chains from different monomers. In most cases, these blocks are thermodynamically incompatible, but the covalent bonds between them impose specific arrangements, generating particular morphologies both in bulk and in solution. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the phase morphology, material applications and future challenges of block copolymers. Topics discussed include the different experimental skills developed to synthesise model block copolymers; the macromolecular design of stereo block polylactides showing high performance; ion-containing block copolymers and their applications; self-assembled block copolymers for the preparation of advanced materials; the electrical properties of polythylene-b-polyethylene oxide diblock copolymers; and triblock copolymers as tougheners for PMMA matrices.

This book provides comprehensive coverage on the latest developments of research in the ever-expanding area of polymers and advanced materials and their applications to broad scientific fields including physics, chemistry, biology, and materials. It presents physical principles in explaining and rationalizing polymeric phenomena. Featuring classical topics that are conventionally considered as part of chemical technology, the book covers the chemical principles from a modern point of view. It analyzes theories to formulate and prove the polymer principles and offers future outlooks on applications of bioscience in chemical concepts.

In recent years, multicomponent polymers have generated much interest due to their excellent properties, unique morphology, and high-end applications. This book focuses on thermal, thermo-mechanical, and dielectric analysis of polymers and multicomponent polymeric systems such as blends, interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs), gels, polymer composites, and nanocomposites. Through these analyses, it provides an insight into the stability of polymer systems as a function of time, processing, and usage. Aimed at polymer chemists, physicists, and engineers, it also covers ASTM/ISO and other standards of various measurement techniques for systematic analysis in materials science.

Hydrogels are polymeric networks with three-dimensional configurations capable of imbibing high amounts of water or biological fluids. The application of hydrogels technology is being widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as drug delivery systems. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the synthesis, characterisation and applications of hydrogels. Topics include the synthesis of protein-based hydrogels for biomedical applications; the role of hydrogels in the development of artificial bone substitutes; protein-based hydrogels from fish industrialisation wastes; silk fibroin hydrogels; PVP-Based hydrogels; and the tribological properties of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels as artificial articular cartilage.

Stress relaxation describes how polymers relieve stress under constant strain. Because they are viscoelastic, polymers behave in a nonlinear, non-Hookean fashion. This book presents current research in the study of polymer relaxation, including the secondary relaxations in amorphous polymers; nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation approaches; electrochemical relaxation studies of polythiophenes and dielectric relaxation of onion-like carbon based polymer composites.

We rely upon plastics for a great many functions in everyday life, from the cases of consumer electronics to disposable cutlery, plastics are versatile and convenient. However, with the supply of fossil fuels from which fossil-based plastics are derived becoming smaller and more expensive the need for alternatives is becoming increasingly apparent. Policy makers, environmentalists and consumers are increasing pressure on plastics manufacturers to look for greener alternatives to fossil-based plastics. Bioplastics are materials that are derived wholly or partially from biomass feedstocks, making them renewable, whilst maintaining the desirable properties of fossil-based plastics. Many, although not all, bioplastics are also more readily degradable than conventional plastics, a property increasingly desired by consumers. A variety of different bioplastics have already been developed and the field continues to grow. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the diverse subjects relating to bioplastics, including materials science, manufacture and processing and social and environmental impacts. It provides a valuable introduction both for those studying plastics at a graduate level and those starting to work in the field.

In the 20th century, the composite materials with polymer matrices, i.e. polymer matrix composites (PMC), became the engineering structural materials of choice because of low cost, ease of processing, weigh savings, corrosion resistance and other major advances. The PMC are used in automotive and aeronautical industry, bridge structures, water and waste systems and more recently in the offshore exploration and oil production. Prevailing use of PMC is stipulated by high specific characteristics, a possibility of properties modification matching the matrices and fillers, and their relative content. The book is based on the research results obtained in the time period of 1990-2010 at the Laboratory of Long-Term Deformation, in the Institute of Polymer Mechanics, Riga, Latvia. This book examines the results of experimental investigations of present-day composite materials.

This is the first volume which is devoted to the memory of World Renowned Scientist professor Rusanov Alexander L'vovich. This book presents current research in the study of the unique properties of polymers and composites. Topics discussed include new condensation monomers and polymers based on TNT-derivatives; the novel polynaphthylimides of improved solubility on the basis of derivatives from chloral and dichlordiphenyltrichlorethane; the synthesis and study of the polyphthalimides with lateral arimide groupings based on chloral and dichlordiphenyltrichlorethane derivatives; ferrocene-containing polyphenylenes as precursors for magnetic nanomaterials; non-conventional polymers composed of naturally occurring a-amino acids and copolymers as stabilising media for nanoparticles.

This book presents an overview of research on advanced synthesis polymers over the past decade. This special issue, contributed by various authors, focuses on recent advances of the field, which handle the cutting-edge aspects of the advanced technology. The contributions in these twelve chapters summarise some major efforts in this area.

Casein is the name for a family of related phosphoprotein proteins. These proteins are commonly found in mammalian milk, making up 80% of the proteins in cow milk and between 60% and 65% of the proteins in human milk. Casein has a wide variety of uses, from being a major component of cheese, to use as a food additive, to a binder for safety matches. In this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the production, uses and health effects of casein, including the technological aspects of caseins of goat and sheep milk; the use of casein and casein-derived proteins as agents to inhibit dental erosion; the genetics of caseins in domestic ruminants; mineral carriers and potential nutraceuticals of casein phosphopeptides; caseins in traditional Portuguese cheeses; using casein protein for microspheres' synthesis, encapsulation drug and textile coatings and the antimicrobial activities of casein and other milk proteins.

The physical properties of a polymer are strongly dependent on the size or length of the polymer chain. As chain length is increased, melting and boiling temperatures increase quickly. Impact resistance also tends to increase with chain length, as does the viscosity, or resistance to flow, of the polymer in its melted state. In this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the structure, physical properties and industrial uses of polymer chains. Topics discussed include the flexibility of polyheteroarylenes and the effect on several physical properties of these polymers; aliphatic polyester-based nanocomposites; bioplastic-based blends; interactions in small permeants in polymeric matrices; the role of polymer chain ends in plasma surface modification and pre-ceramic polymer chains.

This book presents important research advances in the study of polymer research. Topics discussed herein include small molecule stabilisation; amphiphilic block copolymers; effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in living organisms; PAHs pollution; cyclodextrin polymers; polymer-polymer incompatability; carbohydrate polymers in controlled release technologies; and macrocyclic polymers for metal ions separation.

A concise introduction to the physics of charged macromolecules, from the basics of electrostatics to cutting-edge modern research developments. This accessible book provides a clear and intuitive view of concepts and theory, and features appendices detailing mathematical methodology. Supported by results from real-world experiments and simulations, this book equips the reader with a vital foundation for performing experimental research. Topics include living matter and synthetic materials including polyelectrolytes, polyzwitterions, polyampholytes, proteins, intrinsically disordered proteins, and DNA/RNA. Serving as a gateway to the growing field of charged macromolecules and their applications, this concept-driven book is a perfect guide for students beginning their studies in charged macromolecules, providing new opportunities for research and discovery.

You need reliable initial processing data before setting up an injection molding machine to optimize and stabilize the process if you want to guarantee excellent results. A good set up can save you time and money. This powerful tool will provide you with the most important processing data, such as viscosity, thermal properties, mold temperatures, and suggested heater temperatures for the most commonly used materials in injection molding. Pocket-sized and condensed - yet clear and comprehensive! The PLASTICS POCKET POWER Series was developed with the plastics processor in mind. Its small, 3""X5"" size makes it a convenient resource tool for people to carry with them. These books are practical reference tools that contain all of the pertinent data plastics processors need to overcome the day-to-day challenges they encounter. The unique spiral binding of these books lets the user easily flip through the pages, mark their most-often used pages by keeping them flipped open, and allows the book to lay flat.

This volume presents interesting results in the field of physico-chemical criteria for estimating the efficiency of burn dressings, antimicrobical packaging materials, reinforced materials, nanofibres, natural polymers, conducting polymers and composites, application of electron spin resonance technique for investigation of radical reactions, synthesis of stabilisers for polymers, and the effect of flame retardants on combustion of polymers and processing.

This book provides understanding of raw materials, manufacturing and biomedical applications of different polymeric and natural composites such as drug delivery, growth factor delivery, orthopedics, dentistry and wound dressing.

Polymers are one of the most fascinating materials of the present era finding their applications in almost every aspects of life. Polymers are either directly available in nature or are chemically synthesized and used depending upon the targeted applications.Advances in polymer science and the introduction of new polymers have resulted in the significant development of polymers with unique properties. Different kinds of polymers have been and will be one of the key in several applications in many of the advanced pharmaceutical research being carried out over the globe. This 4-partset of books contains precisely referenced chapters, emphasizing different kinds of polymers with basic fundamentals and practicality for application in diverse pharmaceutical technologies. The volumes aim at explaining basics of polymers based materials from different resources and their chemistry along with practical applications which present a future direction in the pharmaceutical industry. Each volume offer deep insight into the subject being treated. Volume 1: Structure and Chemistry Volume 2: Processing and Applications Volume 3: Biodegradable Polymers Volume 4: Bioactive and Compatible Synthetic/Hybrid Polymers