'Integration of Fundamental Polymer Science and Technology' is a theme that admits of countless variations. It is admirably exemplified by the scientific work of R. Koningsveld and C. G. Vonk, in whose honour this meeting was organized. The interplay between 'pure' and 'applied' is of course not confined to any particular subdiscipline of chemistry or physics (witness the name IUPAC and IUPAP) but is perhaps rarely so intimate and inevitable as in the macromolecular area. The historical sequence may vary: when the first synthetic dye was prepared by Perkin, considerable knowledge of the molecular structure was also at hand; but polymeric materials, both natural and synthetic, had achieved a fair practical technology long before their macromolecular character was appreciated or established. Such historical records have sometimes led to differences of opinion as to whether the pure or the applied arm should deserve the first place of honour. The Harvard physiologist Henderson, as quoted in Walter Moore's Physical Chemistry, averred that 'Science owes more to the steam engine than the steam engine owes to Science'. On the other hand, few would dispute the proposition that nuclear power production could scarcely have preceded the laboratory observations of Hahn and Strassmann on uranium fission. Whatever history may suggest, an effective and continuous working relationship must recognize the essential contributions, if not always the completely smooth meshing, of both extremes.

Any series with a title beginning Developments in. . . is obviously intended to report innovatory and novel ideas. The trouble with innovatory thinking is that it often seems too esoteric for practical people to bother with. Certainly, this book is not meant primarily to be a quick-reference manual for fabricators. Its purpose is rather to signal the kind of developments which almost certainly will impinge on the world of reinforced plastics in, say, four or five years' time. In this particular volume most of the authors have directly or indirectly addressed the practical problems of processing and fabrica tion with reinforced plastics. There has been no attempt to review the current state-of-the-art of producing fabricated articles in reinforced plastics by such techniques as filament winding or pultrusion because these subjects have already been well covered elsewhere. Nor have I even tried to provide a comprehensive survey of all that could be called new in this field. Instead, I have simply taken a number of important and somewhat underestimated topics, generally material orientated rather than machine-centred, and asked leading figures to summarise the scene. At the risk of appearing arbitrary let us consider the first chapter by Cattanach and Cogswell. They tell us how a new material has been produced which not only adds to the range of composites available, it makes possible new fabrication processes (at least, new to FRP). Consequently it should result ultimately in many new markets and products. The opportunities are lucidly and imagina tively set out."

Over two decades ago, !he term characterisation covered just those techniques which measured the properties of polymers in solution in order to determine molecular weight and size. The discoveries of stereoregular polymers and polymer crystals created the need for new and advanced techniques for characterising chain structures and bulk properties. Further demands for new and improved characterisation methods for bulk polymers have resulted from the recent development and exploitation of multi phase polymeric systems, such as polymer blends, block and graft copolymers, and polymer composites. Today, therefore, characterisation is a very important part of polymer science. The polymer chemist must know the chain length, chain microstructure and chain conformation of the polymers he or she has prepared, i. e. the determination of molecular properties. The scientist involved in exploiting polymers in such applications as plastics, elastomers, fibres, surface coatings and adhesives must be informed on the morphology and physical and mechanical behaviour of his or her products, i. e. the determination of bulk and surface properties and their dependence on molecular properties. The techniques required for these determinations now cover an extremely wide field. Our aim has been to review a number of techniques critically and in sufficient depth so that the present state and future potential of each technique may be judged by the reader. Three criteria were used in the selection of techniques. First, we wished to present new methods which have been developed actively in the polymer field during the past five years.

Polymer science has matured into a fully accepted branch of materials science. This means that it can be described as a 'chain of knowledge' (Manfred Gordon), the beads of the chain representing all the topics that have to be studied in depth if the relationship between the structure of the molecules synthesized and the end-use properties of the material they constitute is to be understood. The term chain indicates the connectivity of the beads, i.e. the multidisciplinary approach required to achieve the aim, knowledge, here defined as quantitative understanding of the relationship mentioned above in all its parts. Quite a few conferences are being held at which the disciplinar beads themselves are discussed in detail, and new results within their framework are presented. In this respect, the TUPAC Microsymposia in Prague have made themselves indispensable, to mention one successful example. The bi annual TUPAC Symposia on Macromolecules, on the other hand, supply interdisciplinary meeting places, which have the advantage and the disadvantage of a large attendance. Smaller-size conferences of a similar nature can often be found on a national level. The organizers of the young, but already well-appreciated, Rolduc Meetings on the interplay between fundamental science and technology in the polymer field struck an interesting chord' when they realized that focussing on the basic science behind technological problems would serve the purpose of concentration on insight along the chain of knowledge and avoid the surrender to too large a size for the meeting to really be a meeting."

Because of the sheer size of the plastics industry, the title Developments in Plastics Technology now covers an incredibly wide range of subjects or topics. No single volume can survey the whole field in any depth and so what follows is therefore a series of chapters on selected topics. The topics were selected by us, the editors, because of their immediate relevance to the plastics industry. When one considers the materials produced and used by the modern plastics industry, there is a tendency to think of the commodity thermoplastics (such as poly(vinyl chloride) or polyethylene); the thermosetting materials are largely ignored. Because of this attitude we are very pleased to include in this volume a chapter which deals with the processing of a thermosetting material, i.e. the pultrusion of glass reinforced polyester. The extrusion of plastics is, of course, a very important subject but an aspect which is often overlooked is the need to remove volatile matter during processing: for this reason we have included a chapter on devolatilisation. Current industrial practice is towards materials modification and this attitude is reflected in the chapters on the transformation of ethylene vinyl acetate polymers and the use of wollastonite in two important thermoplastics. When assessing the performance of materials, there is a tendency to concentrate on short-term mechanical tests and ignore such topics as fatigue and longer-term testing. We are therefore very pleased to include a chapter on this subject.

"Biopolymers Reuse, Recycling and Disposal" is the first book covering all aspects of biopolymer waste management and post-usage scenarios, embracing existing technologies, applications, and the behavior of biopolymers in various waste streams.

The book investigates the benefits and weaknesses, social, economic and environmental impacts, and regulatory aspects of each technology. It covers different types of recycling and degradation, as well as life cycle analysis, all supported by case studies, literature references, and detailed information about global patents. Patents in particular comprising 80% of published technical literature in this emerging field, widely scattered, and often available in Japanese only are a key source of information.

Dr. Niaounakis draws on disciplines such as polymer science, management, biology and microbiology, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, and patent law to produce a reference guide for engineers, scientists and other professionals involved in the development and production of biopolymers, waste management, and recycling. This information is also valuable for regulators, patent attorneys and academics working in this field.
Explores techniques and technologies involved in managing biopolymers in the waste stream, including recycling and upcyclingProvides waste management and recycling professionals the knowledge they need to plan for the exponential growth in biopolymer wasteHelps engineers and product designers fully consider the end-of-life aspects of their environmentally sustainable 'green' products and solutions"

Because of the sheer size and scope of the plastics industry, the title Developments in Plastics Technology now covers an incredibly wide range of subjects or topics. No single volume can survey the whole field in any depth and what follows is, therefore, a series of chapters on selected topics. The topics were selected by us, the editors, because of their immediate relevance to the plastics industry. When one considers the advancements of the plastics processing machinery (in terms of its speed of operation and conciseness of control), it was felt that several chapters should be included which related to the types of control systems used and the correct usage of hydraulics. The importance of using cellular, rubber-modified and engineering-type plastics has had a major impact on the plastics industry and therefore a chapter on each of these subjects has been included. The two remaining chapters are on the characterisation and behaviour of polymer structures, both subjects again being of current academic or industrial interest. Each of the contributions was written by a specialist in that field and to them all, we, the editors, extend our heartfelt thanks, as writing a contribution for a book such as this, while doing a full-time job, is no easy task.

Polymer semiconductor is the only semiconductor that can be processed in solution. Electronics made by these flexible materials have many advantages such as large-area solution process, low cost, and high performance. Researchers and companies are increasingly dedicating time and money in polymer electronics. This book focuses on the fundamental materials and device physics of polymer electronics. It describes polymer light-emitting diodes, polymer field-effect transistors, organic vertical transistors, polymer solar cells, and many applications based on polymer electronics. The book also discusses and analyzes in detail preparation techniques and device properties of polymer electronics.

Biopolymers represent a carbon emission solution: they are green and eco-friendly with a variety of uses in biomedical engineering, the automotive industry, the packaging and paper industries, and for the development of new building materials. This book describes the various raw materials of biopolymers and their chemical and physical properties, the polymerization process, and the chemical structure and properties of biopolymers. Furthermore, this book identifies the drawbacks of biopolymers and how to overcome them through modification methods to enhance the compatibility, flexibility, physicochemical properties, thermal stability, impact response, and rigidity.

From the late-1960's, perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSAs) ionomers have dominated the PEM fuel cell industry as the membrane material of choice. The "gold standard' amongst the many variations that exist today has been, and to a great extent still is, DuPont's Nafion (R) family of materials. However, there is significant concern in the industry that these materials will not meet the cost, performance, and durability requirementsnecessary to drive commercialization in key market segments - es- cially automotive. Indeed, Honda has already put fuel cell vehicles in the hands of real end users that have home-grown fuel cell stack technology incorporating hydrocarbon-based ionomers. "Polymer Membranes in Fuel Cells" takes an in-depth look at the new chem- tries and membrane technologies that have been developed over the years to address the concerns associated with the materials currently in use. Unlike the PFSAs, which were originally developed for the chlor-alkali industry, the more recent hydrocarbon and composite materials have been developed to meet the specific requirements of PEM Fuel Cells. Having said this, most of the work has been based on derivatives of known polymers, such as poly(ether-ether ketones), to ensure that the critical requirement of low cost is met. More aggressive operational requi- ments have also spurred the development on new materials; for example, the need for operation at higher temperature under low relative humidity has spawned the creation of a plethora of new polymers with potential application in PEM Fuel Cells.

This book deals with the micromechanical characterization of polymer materials. It emphasizes microhardness as a technique capable of detecting a variety of morphological and textural changes in polymers. The authors provide a comprehensive introduction to the microhardness of polymers, including descriptions of the various testing methods in materials science and engineering. They also discuss the micromechanical study of glassy polymers and the relevant aspects of microhardness of semicrystalline polymers. Numerous application examples of the microhardness technique for the characterization of polymeric materials help readers develop a solid understanding of the material. These real world examples include the influence of polymer processing, the use in weathering tests, the characterization of modified polymer surfaces, and others. This book will be of use to graduate level materials science students, as well as research workers in materials science, mechanical engineering and physics departments interested in the microindentation hardness of polymer materials.

This book is derived from a recent project sponsored by the Polymer Engineering Directorate of the SERC and carried out at the University of Lancaster under the joint auspices of the Departments of Chemistry and Engineering. The project set out to provide a novel type of teaching material for introducing polymers and their uses to students, especially of engineering. Case studies of real examples of polymers at work are used, so the student or teacher can start with a successful and well-designed product and work backwards to its origins in the market, in design and material selection and in the manufacturing process. The philosophy is that such an approach captures interest right at the start by means of a real example and then retains it because of the relevance of the technical explanation. This after all is what most of us do habitually; we turn to examples to make our point. The hope is that subject matter with a somewhat notorious reputation among engineers, such as aspects of polymer chemistry and the non-linear behaviour of polymers under mechanical loading will be fairly painlessly absorbed through the context of the examples. Each study becomes a separate chapter in the book. The original studies, and hence the present chapters, vary in length because different topics demanded different approaches. No attempt has been made to alter this, or to adopt a standardized format because to have done so would have interfered with the vitality of the original work.

This volume includes reviews on tackling polymer characterisation problems and on developing specific characterisation techniques. The first two chapters and the last chapter describe progress in providing character isation information for polymers containing long-chain branching, for polymer blends, and for polymers having preferred orientation. The remaining chapters review progress in individual techniques, showing with examples the characterisation results which may be obtained. It is recognised that the degree of chain branching which can evolve in some polymerisation processes can have a marked effect on the flow properties of a polymer, and therefore on polymer processing behaviour. In the first chapter the characterisation of long-chain branching from measurements of the molecular size and molar mass of a polymer in dilute solution is outlined. It is indicated that a complete characterisation of branching requires the combined use of several techniques, emphasising in particular recent developments involving gel permeation chromatography. Thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy are widely used techniques in polymer characterisation. Both techniques can provide, very quickly, significant results with readily available instrumentation. This is illustrated by the review of the characterisation of polymer blends by thermal analysis in Chapter 2. An assessment of blend morphology, which influences the behaviour of a material consisting of two or more polymers, is presented in terms of transition temperatures. Conventional infrared spectroscopy involves dispersive spectrometers which do not always provide accurate information on composition and structure for complex polymeric materials."

This book provides readers with a comprehensive toolbox for dispersing single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes in thermoplastic polymer matrices. The book starts with an overview of all known techniques for dispersing CNTs in thermoplastic polymers and then concentrates on one of the most versatile techniques known nowadays: the so-called latex technology. Also discussed are the basic principles of this latex technology, the role of the matrix viscosity on percolation threshold, the importance of the intrinsic CNT quality, the use of "smart" surfactants facilitating electron transport in the final composite, the preparation of highly loaded master-batches, which can be diluted with virgin polymer by melt-extrusion, and some promising potential applications.

This book is an authoritative and comprehensive account of the principles and practice of NMR spectroscopy of solids as applied to polymeric materials to determine their structure and dynamics at a molecular level. NMR spectroscopy has been applied to the characterization of polymers in solid state for over 40 years. The past few decades have seen the development of many new NMR capabilities, including high-resolution techniques for solids, multi-dimensional methods, deuterium NMR and others. All of these developments have contributed to a dramatic increase in the power and applicability of NMR for the characterization, at a molecular level, of the dynamics and structural organization of polymeric solids. The applications chapters emphasize the polymer types and properties. The authors have included an introduction to all the main principles of the technique involved in its application to solid polymers. Rigorous and detailed analytical treatment of all main areas is also available.

This book discusses new developments in an up-to-date, coherent and objective set of chapters by eminent researchers in the area of polypropylene-based biocomposites and bionanocomposites. It covers, biomaterials such as cellulose, chitin, starch, soy protein, hemicelluloses, polylactic acid and polyhydroxyalkanoates. Other important topics such as hybrid biocomposites and bionanocomposites of polypropylene, biodegradation study of polypropylene-based biocomposites and bionanocomposites, polypropylene-based bionanocomposites for packaging applications, polypropylene-based carbon nanomaterials reinforced nanocomposites, degradation and flame retardency of polypropylene-based composites and nanocomposites, are covered as well.

Provides an easy-to-read introduction to the area of polymer flooding to improve oil production The production and utilization of oil has transformed our world. However, dwindling reserves are forcing industry to manage resources more efficiently, while searching for alternative fuel sources that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Polymer flooding is an enhanced oil recovery technique that improves sweep, reduces water production, and improves recovery in geological reservoirs. This book summarizes the key factors associated with polymers and polymer flooding--from the selection of the type of polymer through characterization techniques, to field design and implementation--and discusses the main issues to consider when deploying this technology to improve oil recovery from mature reservoirs. Essentials of Polymer Flooding Technique introduces the area of polymer flooding at a basic level for those new to petroleum production. It describes how polymers are used to improve efficiency of "chemical" floods (involving surfactants and alkaline solutions). The book also offers a concise view of several key polymer-flooding topics that can't be found elsewhere. These are in the areas of pilot project design, field project engineering (water quality, oxygen removal, polymer dissolution equipment, filtration, pumps and other equipment), produced water treatment, economics, and some of the important field case histories that appear in the last section. Provides an easy to read introduction to polymer flooding to improve oil production whilst presenting the underlying mechanisms Employs "In A Nutshell" key point summaries at the end of each chapter Includes important field case studies to aid researchers in addressing time- and financial-consumption in dealing with this issue Discusses field engineering strategies appropriate for professionals working in field operation projects Essentials of Polymer Flooding Technique is an enlightening book that will be of great interest to petroleum engineers, reservoir engineers, geoscientists, managers in petroleum industry, students in the petroleum industry, and researchers in chemical enhanced oil recovery methods.

The novel properties of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites make them useful for a broad range of applications in fields as diverse as space exploration, bioengineering, car manufacturing, and organic solar cell development, just to name a few. Presenting an overview of polymer nanocomposites, how they compare with traditional composites, and their increasing commercial importance, Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites conveys the significance and various uses of this new technology for a wide audience with different needs and levels of understanding. Exploring definitions, architectures, applications, and fundamental principles of various functions of multifunctional polymeric smart materials-from bulk to nano-this book covers the use of multifunctional polymer nanocomposites in: Carbon nanotubes Electroactive and shape memory polymers Magnetic polymers Biomedical and bioinformation applications Fire-resistance treatments Coating technologies for aeronautical applications Ocean engineering A practical analysis of functional polymers, nanoscience, and technology, this book integrates coverage of fundamentals, research and development, and the resulting diversity of uses for multifunctional polymers and their nanocomposites. Quite possibly the first reference of its kind to explore the progress of polymer nanocomposites in terms of their multifunctionality, it covers both theory and experimental results regarding the relationships between the effective properties of polymer composites and those of polymer matrices and reinforcements. This book is a powerful informational resource that illustrates the importance of polymer nanomaterials, examining their applications in various sectors to promote new, novel research and development in those areas. It will be a welcome addition to the libraries of not only engineering researchers, but senior and graduate students in relevant fields.

The most comprehensive volume to date on the design and manufacture of plastics

Plastic product design relies on the same formulas and procedures used for the design of metal, yet plastics are unique building materials that require more in-depth knowledge to produce acceptable results. Plastic product designers must address specific quality control concerns in order to produce quality products at acceptable costs. Covering the many variables that impact the success of a plastics manufacturing program, Industrial Design of Plastics Products provides a complete resource for the efficient design and production of plastics.

Industrial Design of Plastics Products lists all steps necessary for effectively designing a plastic product for any industry. Physical properties and agency codes are listed, as well as full checklists for all areas of product design, contract, material selection, assembly techniques, manufacture, tooling, decoration, and shipping. The text also offers a list of examples with corresponding case studies to illustrate key concepts. Other features of this comprehensive volume include:

• An easy-to-understand list of requirements for establishing a manufacturing program
• A discussion of how material properties should be analyzed to achieve a product with the correct properties
• A full set of design equations, including examples of how they should be used and considered when designing a plastic product

Successful plastic product design involves using the design team method to determine which material, mold, and process is best to manufacture a product. Industrial Design of Plastics Products provides a more detailed treatment in the basics of the subject than any other available resource, proving invaluable to design, chemical, and electrical engineers; materials scientists; and plastics manufacturers.

Nanoscale pattern transfer technology using molds is a rapidly advancing area and one that has seen much recent attention due to its potential for use in nanotechnology industries and applications. However, because of these rapid advances, it can be difficult to keep up with the technological trends and the latest cutting-edge methods. In order to fully understand these pioneering technologies, a comprehensive understanding of the basic science and an overview of the techniques are required. Nanoimprint Technology: Nanotransfer for Thermoplastic and Photocurable Polymers covers the latest nanotransfer science based on polymer behaviour. Polymer fluid dynamics are described in detail, and injection moulding, nanoimprint lithography and micro contact printing are also discussed. Cutting-edge nanotransfer technologies and applications are also considered and future trends in industry are examined. Key features: Covers the fundamentals of nanoimprint technology Presents cutting-edge techniques and applications Provides industrial examples and describes the mold fabrication process Considers nanotransfer of thermoplastics by simulation Describes the design and evaluation of UV curable polymer Nanoimprint Technology: Nanotransfer for Thermoplastic and Photocurable Polymers is a comprehensive reference for industry engineers as well as graduate and undergraduate students, and is a useful source of information for anyone looking to improve their understanding of nanotransfer mechanisms and methods.

Reflecting the exceptional growth in the use of nanostructured materials for an increasing range of industrial applications, Polymer Nanocomposites Handbook comprehensively covers the synthesis of nanomaterials that act as the building blocks of polymer nanocomposites and polymers that act as matrix materials.
From early history to new technologies, the book guides readers through the development of nanocomposites and their broad and rapidly developing applications from flame retardant properties to advances in polymer compounding. Using examples from today's leading academic and industrial research labs, top scientists provide in-depth discussions of the science, processing, and technology that have accompanied nanocomposites? ascension into the world of chemical and materials science.
With nineteen chapters authored by world leaders in nanocomposite research, this handbook provides diverse and authoritative coverage on the scientific underpinnings and revolutionary discoveries related to this promising field.

Radical polymerization is one of the most widely used means of producing vinyl polymers, supporting a myriad of commercial uses. Maintaining the quality of the critically acclaimed first edition, the Handbook of Vinyl Polymers: Radical Polymerization, Process, and Technology, Second Edition provides a fully updated, single-volume source on the chemistry, technology, and applications of vinyl polymers. Emphasizes radical initiating systems and mechanisms of action... Written by renowned researchers in the field, this handbook is primarily concerned with the physical and organic chemistry of radical vinyl polymerization. The authors survey the most recent advances, processing methods, technologies, and applications of free radical vinyl polymerization. The book features thorough coverage of polymer functionalization, photo initiation, block and graft copolymers, and polymer composites. Analyzes living/controlled radical polymerization, one of the latest developments in the field... Combining fundamental aspects with the latest advances, processing methods, and applications in free radical vinyl polymerization and polymer technology, this invaluable reference provides a unified, in-depth, and innovative perspective of radical vinyl polymerization.

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.