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. Completely revised and expanded, this state-of-the-art reference presents recent developments in polymeric biomaterials: from their chemical, physical, and structural properties to current applications in the medical and pharmaceutical fields.
The book is organized into two volumes containing 53 authoritative chapters written by experts from around the world. The first volume, Polymeric Biomaterials: Structure and Function, contains information about the structure and properties of synthetic polymers including polyesters, polyphosphazenes, and elastomers and natural polymers such as mucoadhesives, chitin, lignin, and carbohydrate derivatives. It also describes their blends or composites for example, metal polymer composites and biodegradable polymeric/ceramic composites as well as drug carriers and delivery systems, gene and nucleic acids delivery, and polymer synthesis and processing techniques.
The second volume, Polymeric Biomaterials: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Applications, addresses processing of polymeric biomaterials into specific forms that ensure biocompatibility and biodegradability for various uses in the medical and pharmaceutical arenas. The chapters address numerous medical issues including pulmonary disease, cancer, heart disease, tissue damage, and bone disease. The applications covered include a variety of drug delivery systems, medical devices, anticancer therapies, biological uses for hydrogels, nanotechnology, bioartificial organs, and tissue engineering. This third edition set presents new and substantially revised topics, providing a comprehensive reference of the latest developments and the most up-to-date applications of biomaterials in medicine.

This work explores the use of composite nanotechnology for thin coatings on various substrates. It compiles recent advances in nanocomposite coatings for experienced researchers and provides background information for those new to the field. The book not only explains the synthesis of bulk nanocomposite materials, but also describes their application in areas such as the automotive and packaging industries. It explains how nanocomposite coatings provide a gas barrier to the substrate foil or laminate and how the coatings are used to provide properties such as anti-scratch and anti-corrosion.

Advancements in polymer nanocomposite foams have led to their application in a variety of fields, such as automotive, packaging, and insulation. Employing nanocomposites in foam formation enhances their property profiles, enabling a broader range of uses, from conventional to advanced applications. Since many factors affect the generation of nanostructured foams, a thorough understanding of structure-property relationships in foams is important. Polymer Nanocomposite Foams presents developments in various aspects of nanocomposite foams, providing information on using composite nanotechnology for making functional foams to serve a variety of applications. Featuring contributions from experts in the field, this book reviews synthesis and processing techniques for preparing poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite foams and discusses strategies for toughening polymer foams. It summarizes the effects of adding nanoclay on polypropylene foaming behavior and describes routes to starch foams for improved performance. The books also reviews progress in achieving high-performance lightweight polymer nanocomposite foams while keeping desired mechanical properties, examines hybrid polyurethane nanocomposite foams, and covers polymer-clay nanocomposite production. The final chapters present recent advances in the field of carbon nanotube/polymer nanocomposite aerogels and related materials as well as a review of the nanocomposite foams generated from high-performance thermoplastics. Summing up the most recent research developments in the area of polymer nanocomposite foams, this book provides background information for readers new to the field and serves as a reference text for researchers.

Any general management book can give you the basics of quality assurance, strategic planning, logistics, and more. But how do you apply that knowledge to a company that requires not only sound business practices but also sound science to succeed? And how do you deal with the impact of globalized competition, a fluctuating world economy, and growing pressure from environmental groups and government regulators? Revised and updated throughout, Strategic Management for the Plastics Industry: Dealing with Globalization and Sustainability, Second Edition continues to combine coverage of management best practices with coverage of issues specific to the plastics industry. The author outlines the fundamentals of polymer manufacturing, compounding, distribution, processing, and auxiliary products that make this industry unique, and shows how these factors affect management decisions. Using case studies and examples, he demonstrates the thinking behind successful managerial choices and illustrates what errors to avoid. The book also explains the interrelationships between technologies, markets, business sectors, and strategies in the plastics industry. Topics include company culture, staffing, how to manage internal growth, the "dos and don'ts" of acquisitions, and much more. The material is based on the author's more than 55 years of experience, extensive research, and interviews with managers throughout the industry. What's New in This Edition A new chapter on globalization and sustainability All chapters revised and updated Updated case studies, and one new case study The book is written for a broad audience, including aspiring professionals who wish to become managers, managers who want to round out their skills, consultants to the industry, and university students and faculty in plastics engineering and polymer chemistry departments. The combination of experience-based in

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.

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: Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Applications, contains 28 authoritative chapters written by experts from around the world. Contributors cover the following topics: Processing polymeric biomaterials into specific forms that ensure biocompatibility and biodegradability for use in various applications in the medical and pharmaceutical arenas Use of biomaterials to address medical issues such as pulmonary disease, cancer, heart disease, tissue damage, and bone disease Applications including a variety of drug delivery systems, medical devices, anticancer therapies, biological uses for hydrogels, nanotechnology, bioartificial organs, and tissue engineering Completely revised and expanded, this state-of-the-art reference presents recent developments in polymeric biomaterials and the most up-to-date applications of biomaterials in medicine.

"Long-Term Durability of Polymeric Matrix Composites" presents a comprehensive knowledge-set of matrix, fiber and interphase behavior under long-term aging conditions, theoretical modeling and experimental methods. This book covers long-term constituent behavior, predictive methodologies, experimental validation and design practice. Readers will also find a discussion of various applications, including aging air craft structures, aging civil infrastructure, in addition to engines and high temperature applications.

Polymer latex particles continue to become increasingly important in numerous commercial applications. Advanced synthesis techniques are the key to developing new functionality for nanoparticles. These methods make it possible to tailor the size, chemical composition, or properties of these particles, as well as the molecular weight of the polymer chain as a whole, based on given requirements. Advanced Polymer Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Surface Modifications summarizes important developments in the advanced synthesis and surface modification techniques used to generate and mold polymer particles. This book explores the evolution and enhancement of processes such as emulsion, mini-emulsion, micro-emulsion, dispersion, suspension, inverse emulsion (in organic phase), and polymerization. Understanding these developments will enable the reader to optimize particle system design, giving rise to a greater application spectrum. This book: Focuses on synthesis and characterization of particles with core-shell morphologies Details generation of nonspherical polymer particles using different synthetic routes Explores generation of specific architectures, such as block, star, graft, and gradient copolymer particles The authors describe pH-responsive nanoparticles and smart, thermally responsive particles. They also cover surface tailoring of various organic and inorganic nanoparticles by polymers, as well as theoretical studies on the kinetics of controlled radical polymerization techniques. Condensing and evaluating current knowledge of the development of polymer nanoparticles, this reference will prove a valuable addition to the area of polymer latex technology.

In Uses of Immobilized Biological Compounds the reader will find a comprehensive survey of the field written by acknowledged experts who met in Brixen, Italy, between May 9 and 14, 1993 for a NATO Advanced Research Workshop devoted to the topic. The resulting volume presents a critical review of the latest results in the area and sets guidelines for future research. The 53 reports presented here cover: (A) General Aspects of Immobilizing Biological Compounds; (B) Medical, Clinical and Pharmaceutical Applications; (e Electrochemical Biosensors; (E) Defense Applications; (F) Immunosensors and Receptors; (G) Food, Environmental, Clinical and Analytical Applications; and (H) Biotechnology and Marketing. In short, all aspects of the area are presented, in a compact format which will appeal to undergraduates, technicians, and professional scientists in the food, clinical, environmental, pharmaceutical and industrial fields.

Structure and Properties of Additive Manufactured Polymer Components provides a state-of-the-art review from leading experts in the field who discuss key developments that have appeared over the last decade or so regarding the use of additive manufacturing (AM) methods in the production of neat and reinforced polymeric components. A major focus is given to materials science aspects, i.e., how the quality of the polymer preforms, the parameters of the chosen AM method, and how these factors can affect the microstructure and properties of the final product. The book not only covers production technologies and the relationship between processing, microstructure and fundamental properties of the produced parts, but also gives readers ideas on the use of AM polymer parts in medicine, automotive, aerospace, tribology, electronics, and more.

Synthetic Polymeric Membranes for Advanced Water Treatment, Gas Separation, and Energy Sustainability is a cutting-edge guide that focuses on advanced water treatment applications, covering oily wastewater treatment, desalination, removal of dyes and pigments, photodegradation of organic hazardous materials, heavy metal removal, removal and recovery of nutrients, and volatile organic compounds. Other sections examine the area of gas separation, including acidic gas removal, oxygen enrichment, gas and vapor separation, hydrogen separation, and gas sensing. Final sections cover applications for sustainable energy usage, including the use of synthetic polymer membranes in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), and more. This is a highly valuable guide for researchers, scientists, and advanced students, working with polymer membranes and films, and across polymer science, polymer chemistry, materials science, chemical e

Smart Nanocontainers explores the fundamental concepts and emerging applications of nanocontainers in biomedicine, pharmaceuticals and smart materials. In pharmaceuticals, nanocontainers have advantages over their micro-counterparts, including more efficient drug detoxification, higher intracellular uptake, better stability, less side effects and higher biocompatibility with tissue and cells. In materials science, such as coating technology, they help by making coatings smarter, stronger and more durable. This important reference will help anyone who wants to learn more on how nanocontainers are used to provide the controlled release of active agents, including their applications in smart coatings, corrosion, drug delivery, diagnosis, agri-food and gas storage.

Biopolymer Membranes and Films: Health, Food, Environment, and Energy Applications presents the latest techniques for the design and preparation of biopolymer-based membranes and films, leading to a range of cutting-edge applications. The first part of the book introduces the fundamentals of biopolymers, two-dimensional systems, and the characterization of biopolymer membranes and films, considering physicochemical, mechanical and barrier properties. Subsequent sections are organized by application area, with each chapter explaining how biopolymer-based membranes or films can be developed for specific innovative uses across the health, food, environmental and energy sectors. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students involved in biopolymer science, polymer membranes and films, polymer chemistry and materials science, as well as for those in industry and academia who are looking to develop materials for advanced applications in the health, food science, environment or energy industries.

Explores the Latest Developments in Polymeric Foams Since the 1960s polymeric foams have grown into a solid industry that affects almost every aspect of modern life. The industry has weathered the energy crisis in the 70s, ozone issues in the 80s, and recycle/reuse in the 90s. However, the pace of development and social climate is rapidly changing again, putting the spotlight even more firmly on performance, sustainable resources, and energy security. Coverage of New Products, Technologies, and Regulations Exploring new concepts, innovations, and developments in the field, Polymeric Foams: Technology and Development in Regulation, Process, and Products provides an international perspective on the direction of foam technologies and applications, focusing on the progress in blowing agent research and hydrofluorocarbons for the polyurethane foam industry. The text covers new foam products, including PP/PS interpolymer, nano-, and biodegradable foams. It also examines new technologies, such as injection foam molding and PVC foam; industry and environmental regulations; and research on foam performance, emission impact, and economic effects. Clearly Follows the Development Process As in most fields these days, efforts to be environmentally friendly and achieve enhanced performance for specialty applications drive research and development. Presenting a clear picture of the development process, this book covers not only new directions in the industry, but how they will impact current and future development.

Rapid advances in synthetic polymer science and nanotechnology have revealed new avenues of development in conductive electroactive polymers that take greater advantage of this versatile class of materials' unique properties. This third edition of Conductive Electroactive Polymers: Intelligent Polymer Systems continues to provide an in-depth understanding of how to engineer dynamic properties in inherently conducting polymers from the molecular level. New to the third edition: Biomedical, MEMS, and electronic textile applications The synthesis and fabrication of nanocomponents and nanostructures The energy role of nanotechnology in improving the performance of conducting materials in devices Electrochemical Raman, electrochemical ESR, and scanning vibrating reference electrode studies After establishing the basic principles of polymer chemistry, the book pinpoints the dynamic properties of the more useful conducting polymers, such as polupyrroles, polythiophenes, and polyanilines. It then demonstrates how the control of these properties enables cutting-edge applications in nano, biomedicine, and MEMS as well as sensors and artificial muscles. Subsequent chapters discuss the effect of nanodimensional control on the resultant properties. Updated to reflect substantial developments and advances that have occurred in the past few years, this third edition of Conductive Electroactive Polymers unlocks a world of potential for integrating and interfacing conductive polymers.

This book is devoted to a nontraditional class of materials which are manufactured by the melt-blowing process - i.e. by extrusion of polymer melt followed by fiber stretching with a gas stream. For the first time extensive data on classical and modern modifications of this technology are generalized and a review is given of extrusion head dies and subsidiary equipment. The text examines the structure and main properties of melt-blown materials as conditioned by peculiarities of overheated polymer melt spraying in an oxidizing medium. Information is given about filtering mechanisms and the main types of polymer fibrous filtering materials: electret, magnetic, adsorptional, bactericidic, and about carriers of microorganisms in biofilters. Social and ecological aspects of the application of melt-blown materials are analyzed.

Plasticizers Derived from Postconsumer PET: Research Trends and Potential Applications presents a roadmap to the successful use of postconsumer PET to obtain plasticizers for later use, a proposal which presents both economic and sustainability advantages. Based on the results of the latest research into the development of chemical recycling techniques of PET waste, this book describes techniques where the plasticizer obtained can be utilized for value addition in PVC and other polymers. In addition, the book provides basic introductory information on the role of plasticizers in the modification of polymers, basic quality requirements, and the latest trends in the synthesis and use of plasticizers in industry, also presenting the available methods of PET recycling, with particular emphasis on chemical recycling, analysis of the PET market, the availability of postconsumer PET, and its value as a raw material for other products. Based on the authors' research, the book discusses the use of postconsumer PET in the synthesis of monomeric and oligomeric plasticizers. Synthesis conditions are shown in detail, and the influence of the structure of synthesized softeners on their basic quality parameters are assessed and compared with selected commercially available products. In the final sections, the book covers the economic challenges and benefits of this process and its application to newly developed products.

The series Advances in Polymer Science presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science. It covers all areas of research in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics, material science. The thematic volumes are addressed to scientists, whether at universities or in industry, who wish to keep abreast of the important advances in the covered topics. Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Single contributions can be specially commissioned. Readership: Polymer scientists, or scientists in related fields interested in polymer and biopolymer science, at universities or in industry, graduate students.

Applications of Fluoropolymer Films: Properties, Processing, and Products presents an overview of fluoropolymer films, manufacturing methods, typical properties, and commercial grades for each type of fluoropolymer film. The second part of the book is uniquely focused on the applications of fluoropolymer films, with detailed information on their use in cutting-edge items across major industries, including aerospace and automotive, architectural, chemical processing, construction, consumer products, electronics, food packaging, pharmaceuticals and solar energy.

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.

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.

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.