As naturally occurring and abundant sources of non-fossil carbon, lignin and lignans offer exciting possibilities as a source of commercially valuable products, moving away from petrochemical-based feedstocks in favour of renewable raw materials. Lignin can be used directly in fields such as agriculture, livestock, soil rehabilitation, bioremediation and the polymer industry, or it can be chemically modified for the fabrication of specialty and high-value chemicals such as resins, adhesives, fuels and greases. Lignin and Lignans as Renewable Raw Materials presents a multidisciplinary overview of the state-of-the-art and future prospects of lignin and lignans. The book discusses the origin, structure, function and applications of both types of compounds, describing the main resources and values of these products as carbon raw materials. Topics covered include: Structure and physicochemical properties Lignin detection methods Biosynthesis of lignin Isolation methods Characterization and modification of lignins Applications of modified and unmodified lignins Lignans: structure, chemical and biological properties Future perspectives This book is a comprehensive resource for researchers, scientists and engineers in academia and industry working on new possibilities for the application of renewable raw materials. For more information on the Wiley Series in Renewable Resources, visit www.wiley.com/go/rrs

A well-rounded and articulate examination of polymer properties at the molecular level, Polymer Chemistry focuses on fundamental principles based on underlying chemical structures, polymer synthesis, characterization, and properties. It emphasizes the logical progression of concepts and provide mathematical tools as needed as well as fully derived problems for advanced calculations. The much-anticipated Third Edition expands and reorganizes material to better develop polymer chemistry concepts and update the remaining chapters. New examples and problems are also featured throughout. This revised edition: Integrates concepts from physics, biology, materials science, chemical engineering, and statistics as needed. Contains mathematical tools and step-by-step derivations for example problems Incorporates new theories and experiments using the latest tools and instrumentation and topics that appear prominently in current polymer science journals. The number of homework problems has been greatly increased, to over 350 in all. The worked examples and figures have been augmented. More examples of relevant synthetic chemistry have been introduced into Chapter 2 ("Step-Growth Polymers"). More details about atom-transfer radical polymerization and reversible addition/fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization have been added to Chapter 4 ("Controlled Polymerization"). Chapter 7 (renamed "Thermodynamics of Polymer Mixtures") now features a separate section on thermodynamics of polymer blends. Chapter 8 (still called "Light Scattering by Polymer Solutions") has been supplemented with an extensive introduction to small-angle neutron scattering. Polymer Chemistry, Third Edition offers a logical presentation of topics that can be scaled to meet the needs of introductory as well as more advanced courses in chemistry, materials science, polymer science, and chemical engineering.

This comprehensive compilation of contemporary research initiatives in polymer science & technology details the advancement in the fields of coatings, sensors, energy harvesting and gas transport. Polymers are the most versatile material and used in all industrial sectors because of their light weight, ease of processing and manufacturing, the ability to mold into intricate shapes, and its cost-effectiveness. They can easily be filled with a range of reinforcing agents like fibers, particulates, flakes and spheres in micro/nano sizes and compete with conventional materials in terms of performance, properties and durability. Polymers continue to be discovered and the demand for them is increasing. The book comprises a series of chapters outlining recent developments in various high performance applications of Advanced Polymeric Materials. The topics covered encompass specialized applications of polymeric matrices, their blends, composites and nanocomposites pertaining to smart & high performance coatings, high barrier packaging, solar energy harvesting, power generation using polymers, polymer sensors, conducting polymers, gas transport membranes and smart drug delivery systems. Thus, the theme of the book embraces all the latest innovations and future applications of polymers and related materials. What is novel about this book is that it delineates the applications from a research point of view through descriptions highlighting specific developmental criteria.

This book presents some fascinating phenomena associated with the remarkable features of high performance polymers and also provides an update on applications of modern polymers. It offers new research on structure-property relationships, synthesis and purification, and potential applications of high performance polymers. The collection of topics in this book reflects the diversity of recent advances in modern polymers with a broad perspective that will be useful for scientists as well as for graduate students and engineers. The book opens with a presentation of classical models, moving on to increasingly more complex quantum mechanical and dynamical theories. Coverage and examples are drawn from modern polymers. Topics include high performance polymers and computer science integration in biochemical, green polymers, molecular nanotechnology, and industrial chemistry.

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

Liquid crystal displays were discovered in the 1960s, and today we continue to enjoy the benefits of that fundamental discovery and its translation into a wide variety of products. Like liquid crystals, polymers are unusual materials, and have similarly enjoyed a great deal of research attention because of their vast applications and uses and complex fundamental properties. The combination of liquid crystal and polymer properties produces a broad array of new effects-spanning from densely crosslinked, rigid polymer networks to weakly crosslinked elastomers-that are not simply manifestations of either native liquid crystals or polymers alone. Cross-Linked Liquid Crystalline Systems brings together liquid crystal and polymer systems and their variations. The field, much like traditional liquid crystals, is one of an interdisciplinary nature with a broad spectrum, from the very fundamental questions of nature to a myriad of practical uses. There seems to be no shortage of unusual properties and far-reaching applications in densely crossed-linked liquid crystal systems and liquid crystal elastomers. These systems provide a rich new avenue for both fundamental and applied research and continue to fascinate scientists and engineers. Specifically, this book covers: Cross-linked networks created from reactive mesogen materials Manipulation of liquid crystalline by external constraints Advances in liquid crystal display screen technology Physical and electromagnetic properties of elastomers and magnetic gels Computer simulations and theory of liquid crystal polymeric networks and elastomers Side-on nematic liquid-crystalline elastomers for artificial muscle applications Liquid crystal display technology has driven much of the fundamental research in crosslinked liquid crystalline systems. The systems' ability to enforce three-di

In the quest for innovative drug delivery systems attempting to meet the unmet needs in pharmaceutical space, research has taken a much more complicated path that poses a significant challenge for translation. Despite the progress made with novel materials, polyesters still remain at the helm of drug delivery technologies. This book provides a single source of reference of polyester drug delivery systems that covers a broad spectrum of materials design, manufacturing techniques, and applications.

This book focuses on the recent trends in micro- and nano-structured polymer systems, particularly natural polymers, biopolymers, biomaterials, and their composites, blends, and IPNs. This valuable volume covers the occurrence, synthesis, isolation, production, properties and applications, modification, as well as the relevant analysis techniques to reveal the structures and properties of polymer systems. Biobased polymer blends and composites occupy a unique position in the dynamic world of new biomaterials. The growing need for lubricious coatings and surfaces in medical devices-an outcome of the move from invasive to noninvasive medicines and procedures-is playing a major role in the advancement of biomaterials technology. Natural polymers have attained their cutting-edge technology through various platforms, and this book presents a multitude of information about them. Topics include biopolymer-synthetic systems, nanomaterial-polymer structures, multi-characterization techniques, polymer blends and composites, polymer gels and polyelectrolytes, and many other interesting aspects of interests to researchers. This book will be valuable to scientists, physicians, pharmacists, engineers, and other specialists in a variety of disciplines, both academic and industrial.

In the last 10 years there have been major advances in fundamental understanding and applications and a vast portfolio of new polymer structures with unique and tailored properties was developed. Work moved from a chemical repeat unit structure to one more based on structural control, new polymerization methodologies, properties, processing, and applications. The 4th Edition takes this into account and will be completely rewritten and reorganized, focusing on spin coating, spray coating, blade/slot die coating, layer-by-layer assembly, and fiber spinning methods; property characterizations of redox, interfacial, electrical, and optical phenomena; and commercial applications.

Additives are selected depending on the type of polymers to which they will be added or the application for which they will be used. The appropriate selection of additives helps develop value-added plastics with improved durability as well as other advantages. This research book provides a range of modern techniques and new research on the use of additives in a variety of applications. The methods and instrumentation described represent modern analytical techniques useful to researchers, product development specialists, and quality control experts in polymer synthesis and manufacturing. Engineers, polymer scientists, and technicians will find this volume useful in selecting approaches and techniques applicable to characterizing molecular, compositional, rheological, and thermodynamic properties of elastomers and plastics. The informative chapters are the work of researchers at the Department of Polymers and Composite Materials at the prestigious Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics of Russian Academy of Sciences.

When combined with reinforcing agents, plastics can be used for a number of high-temperature applications. Plastics Reinforcement and Industrial Applications provides a detailed discussion on plastics, polymers, and reinforcing agents (including organic and natural biomaterials). Focused specifically on improving the mechanical, thermal, and electrical stability of plastics by combining them with reinforcing agents, this book explains the background of reinforced plastics and describes how they work. The book examines reinforcing agents that include glass fibers, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, graphite, talc, and minerals, and commonly used plastics such as polyamides, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, and epoxy resins. It also introduces newer plastics such as polyimides, polysulfones, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyether ether ketones. It highlights recent developments in the field that include the use of nanocomposites for manufacturing sports equipment, and other applications of nanoparticles in polymer reinforcement. In addition, use of this material can aid in the production of plastics utilized in the construction of aircraft and light weight automobiles. The author covers a wide range of applications that may be applied in general engineering, automotive, aerospace, building materials, electronics and microelectronics, power sources, medical, and bioengineering. He also includes material on natural fibers used for reinforcement and green chemistry applications. Suitable for use in the metals and plastics industries, Plastics Reinforcement and Industrial Applications is an ideal resource for polymer and material scientists, and chemical and mechanical engineers.

The aim of this new compendium is to provide a solid understanding of the recent developments in advanced polymeric materials from macro- to nano-length scales. Composites are becoming more important because they can help to improve our quality of life, such as being put into service in flight vehicles, automobiles, boats, pipelines, buildings, roads, bridges, and dozens of other products, including medical products. The chapters cover a multitude of important advances, including explanations of the significance of the new fillers, like graphene and carbon nanotubes, in different matrix systems. Coverage of the application of these materials in biological and others fields also makes this book unique. Topics include advances on the processing, properties, recyclability, and reparability, and applications for polymer matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, carbon matrix composites, wood-based composites, biocomposites, ecocomposites, nanocomposites, and more.

Paul John Flory: A Life of Science and Friends is the first full-length treatment of the life and work of Paul John Flory, recipient of the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1974. It presents a chronological progression of his scientific, professional, and personal achievements as recounted and written by his former students and colleagues. This book covers the span of Flory's life, including a family history and reflections on the marks he left on the lives of various individuals within the scientific community. He played a major role in the consolidation of the macromolecular paradigm in chemistry, physics, and materials science. His influence permeates virtually every aspect of polymer science. The book includes an extensive collection of personal remembrances telling the circumstances under which colleagues worked with Flory, discussing their joint work, and assessing Flory's place in polymer science, chemistry, and world science. The contributors memorialize Flory for more than his scientific and technical contributions. Several chapters are written by living friends who reflect upon his impact on their work and careers. He also played a role in human rights within the scientific community, making efforts to liberate scientists who lived and worked behind the Iron Curtain, particularly in the Soviet Union. Paul John Flory: A Life of Science and Friends illustrates an example of an individual of scientific and personal excellence. His living friends and colleagues believe his story must be told. In telling it and making it available for future generations, his closest friends and colleagues ensure his continued inspiration to people in and outside laboratories worldwide.

In a carefully crafted, multidisciplinary, skillfully focused format, Polymers for Vascular and Urogenital Applications covers attributes of polymers used for vascular, urological, and gynecological materials. It provides a brief analysis of how the use of polymers in vascular and urogenital applications has evolved in the past five decades and outlines their common and specific functional requirements. The book provides a brief description of the evolving role of a particular family of materials and presents topics in highly integrated, well-balanced, authoritatively prepared segments on materials processing and in vitro and in vivo evaluation, complete with case studies. Features Includes contributions from authors representing a diverse technical group of clinicians with strong science or engineering backgrounds and research interests Supplies a comprehensive link between polymeric biomaterials and their application Provides a brief description of the evolving role of a particular family of materials Discusses recent developments in applications and the rationale for present and future clinical significance This book not only integrates clinical needs with current and future research responses but also provides a comprehensive overview to foster future innovation. It illustrates how two important and dissimilar areas in medicine can be interrelated by shared biomaterials and explores the clinical paradigm that establishes the driving force for innovation.

Polymer Brushes: Substrates, Technologies, and Properties covers various aspects of polymer brush technology, including synthesis, properties, performance, and applications. It presents both experimental details and theoretical insights to enable a better understanding of the brush system.

After an overview of polymer brush systems, the book discusses methods for grafting organic brushes from the surface of clay platelets and for the covalent grafting of PNIPAm brushes. It then describes ferrocene polymer brushes, nonfouling brushes on poly(ethylene terephthalate) film surfaces, brushes formed on the inner surface of cylindrical pores, and the "zipper brush" approach. The authors examine the use of scanning electrochemical microscopy for analyzing brushes and compare surface-controlled atom transfer radical polymerization and surface-controlled single-electron transfer living radical polymerization. They also explore the application of polymer brushes in the chromatographic separations of viruses and proteins and the suppression of proteins and cell adhesions. The text concludes with a look at how polymer brushes are synthesized by surface-initiated iniferter-mediated polymerization.

This book provides a one-stop reference on the various substrates and technologies used to synthesize polymer brushes. The hands-on information in the text will help readers choose the proper synthesis methods and materials for their system.

Polymer-based smart materials have become attractive in recent years due to the fact that polymers are flexible and provide many advantages compared to inorganic smart materials: they are low cost, they are easy to process, and they exhibit good performance at nano- and microscale levels. This volume focuses on a different class of polymers that are used as smart materials in the areas of biotechnology, medicine, and engineering. The volume aims to answer these questions: How do we distinguish 'smart materials'? and How do they work? The chapters lay the groundwork for assimilation and exploitation of this technological advancement. Four of the key aspects of the approach that the authors have developed throughout this book are highlighted, namely the multidisciplinary exchange of knowledge, exploration of the relationships between multiple scales and their different behaviors, understanding that material properties are dictated at the smallest scale, and, therefore, the recognition that macroscale behavior can be controlled by nanoscale design.

Membranes and membrane separation techniques have grown from a simple laboratory tool to an industrial process with considerable technical and commercial impact. The book deals with both the fundamental concepts of preparation, characterization and modification, practical applications along with recent advancements of electro-spun and phase inverted polymeric membranes. Divided into two parts, part one of this book covers the fundamental concepts and practical applications of novel electro-spun membranes while the latter covers basic concepts and further advancements of the conventional phase inverted membranes extensively. Key Features Covers fundamental concepts and practical applications of electro-spun and phase inverted polymeric membranes Includes general properties, characterization, preparation and modification of polymeric membranes Discusses advanced modification of polymeric membranes (functionalization, grafting) using phase inversion process, and effects of solubility parameter and additives on the phase inversion process Reviews electro-spun membranes for biomedical applications, industrial effluents treatment and removal of water contaminants Explores a separate economic analysis section for the discussed membranes

Discovered in the twentieth century, carbon nanotubes (CNT) were an integral part of science and industry by the beginning of the twenty first century, revolutionizing chemistry, physics, and materials science. More recent advances in carbon nanotube production methods have resulted in a tremendous push to incorporate CNTs into polymer matrices. Although many advances have been made, two major obstacles continue unresolved: the enhancement of interfacial adhesion between CNTs and polymer matrix, and the improvement of dispersion of CNTs in polymers. Both substantial original contributors to the field, the authors present Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Reinforcement, the first monograph on various conventional and innovative techniques to disperse and functionalize carbon nanotubes for polymer reinforcement, elegantly explaining the basic sciences and technologies involved in those processes. Topics covered include: * Use of CNTs in fabricating novel polymer composites * Principles and mechanisms behind CNT dispersion and functionalization * Methods for the functionalization and dispersion of CNTs in polymer matrices * Effects of CNTs on functional and mechanical properties of polymer composites * Optimization of CNT/polymer nanocomposite fabrication Carbon Nanotubes for Polymer Reinforcement is a comprehensive treatment and critical review of the new class of polymer nanocomposites, and points to areas of future developments. Composites engineers, scientists, researchers, and students will find the basic knowledge and technical results contained herein informative and useful references for their work, whether for advanced research or for design and manufacture of such composites.

Here is your starting point and complete guide to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formulation. It covers the basics of vinyl formulation, starting formulations for compounds, and the latest compounding ingredients. Since publication of the acclaimed first edition, a standard reference used by vinyl technologists around the world, there have been many new developments in vinyl formulation as well as new discoveries and insights into the underlying mechanisms. It's all covered here in the second edition, in one highly readable, expertly organized volume.

This handbook provides a framework for understanding how to characterize plastic manufacturing processes for use in troubleshooting problems. The 21 chapters are authored by well-known and experienced engineers who have specialized knowledge about the processes covered in this practical guide.

From the Preface:

"In every chapter, the process is described and the most common problems are discussed along with the root causes and potential technical solutions. Numerous case studies are provided that illustrate the troubleshooting process. Mark A. Spalding, The Dow Chemical Company

Current environmental and energy concerns have led to lignin gaining increased attention in the last decade as a renewable biomass. Due to its structural and functional properties, such as antimicrobial behaviour, biodegradability, biocompatibility and ease of surface modifications, lignin-based materials have gained popularity in the biomedical field with applications ranging from tissue engineering scaffolds and wound dressing materials to drug delivery carriers. Using this book, the reader will learn about the chemistry of lignin, and the characterization, fabrication and properties of lignin-based composites with different matrices (thermosets, thermoplastics, elastomers etc.). In addition, the book illustrates how these materials are used in medical applications, covering drug delivery, wound dressing, tissue engineering, imaging, etc. Providing a neat overview of the current research for the biomaterials science community, this book is a one-stop resource for researchers and practitioners working on lignin-based biomaterials. For those active in the broader fields of materials science and biomedical engineering, this will be a useful reference and study aid.

The all-encompassing guide to total quality process control for injection molding

In the same simple, easy-to-understand language that marked the first edition, "Total Quality Process Control for Injection Molding," Second Edition lays out a successful plan for producing superior plastic parts using high-quality controls. This updated edition is the first of its kind to zero in on every phase of the injection molding process, the most commonly used plastics manufacturing method, with an all-inclusive strategy for excellence. Beginning with sales and marketing, then moving forward to cover finance, purchasing, design, tooling, manufacturing, assembly, decorating, and shipping, the book thoroughly covers each stage to illustrate how elevated standards across individual departments relate to result in the creation of a top-notch product. This Second Edition:

Details ways to improve plastic part design and quality

Includes material and process control procedures to monitor quality through the entire manufacturing system

Offers detailed information on machinery and equipment and the implementation of quality assurance methods--content that is lacking in similar books

Provides problem-analysis techniques and troubleshooting procedures

Includes updates that cover Six Sigma, ISO 9000, and TS 16949, which are all critical for quality control; computer-guided process control techniques; and lean manufacturing methods

With proven ways to problem-solve, increase performance, and ensure customer satis-faction, this valuable guide offers the vital information today's managers need to plan and implement quality process control--and produce plastic parts that not only meet, but surpass expectations.

THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER COMPOSITES The monograph represents a life-long career in industry and academia and creates an exhaustive and comprehensive narrative that gives a complete understanding of important and state-of-the-art aspects of polymer composites including processing, properties, performance, applications & recyclability. Based on 40 years' experience in both industry and academia, the author's goal is to make a comprehensive and up-to-date account that gives a complete understanding of various aspects of polymer composites covering processing, properties, performance, applications & recyclability. Divided into 8 main chapters, the book treats thermoplastics vs. thermosets and the processing of thermoplastics; filled polymer composites; short fiber reinforced composites; long fiber reinforced composites; continuous fiber reinforced composites; nanocomposites; applications; and recycling polymer composites. Readers can have confidence that: Thermoplastic Polymer Composites (TPC) gives a comprehensive understanding of polymer composites' processing, properties, applications, and their recyclability; Provides a complete understanding of man-made as well as natural fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and explores in depth how short fiber, long fiber, and continuous fiber can transform the entire domain of composites' processing and properties; Provides a deep understanding of nanocomposites with more than 50 examples covering both commodities as well as engineering thermoplastics. It presents conducting composites and several bio-medical applications of composites that are already passed through laboratories. Audience This unique reference book will be of great value to researchers and postgraduate students in materials science, polymer science, as well industry engineers in plastics manufacturing. Those working in product development laboratories of polymer and allied industries will also find it helpful.