When many polymers are heated they transform directly into carbons, without passing through an intermediate liquid paste. Such carbons are termed polymetric carbons. Phenolic resins yield an isotropic impervious black glassy carbon which is hard enough to scratch window glass and has interesting electronic properties. polyacrylonitrile fibres yield carbon fibre with enormous stiffness and strength. Combinations of the two produce the strongest carbon material (carbon-fibre-reinforced carbon). Carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics are revolutionary low density-high-stiffness materials. This 1976 book brings together data from the authors' work to describe the manufacture of polymetric carbons. It provides a description of physical, mechanical and chemical properties which are related as closely as possible to the revealed structure. Emphasis is placed on the more interesting aspects, such as development of high-strength, high-stiffness material, the semi-conducting behaviour of intermediate materials and the absorption of gases in the more open structure of absorbent chracoals.

This book was first published in 2007. Polymers exhibit a range of physical characteristics, from rubber-like elasticity to the glassy state. These particular properties are controlled at the molecular level by the mobility of the structural constituents. Remarkable changes in mobility can be witnessed with temperature, over narrow, well defined regions, termed relaxation processes. This is an important, unique phenomenon controlling polymer transition behaviour and is described here at an introductory level. The important types of relaxation processes from amorphous to crystalline polymers and polymeric miscible blends are covered, in conjunction with the broad spectrum of experimental methods used to study them in 2007. In-depth discussion of molecular level interpretation, including atomistic level computer simulations and applications to molecular mechanism elucidation, are discussed. The result is a self-contained approach to polymeric interpretation suitable for researchers in materials science, physics and chemistry interested in the relaxation processes of polymeric systems.

Understanding the dynamics of reactive polymer processes allows scientists to create new, high value, high performance polymers. Chemorheology of Polymers provides an indispensable resource for researchers and practitioners working in this area, describing theoretical and industrial approaches to characterising the flow and gelation of reactive polymers. Beginning with an in-depth treatment of the chemistry and physics of thermoplastics, thermoset and reactive polymers, the core of the book focuses on fundamental characterization of reactive polymers, rheological (flow characterization) techniques and the kinetic and chemorheological models of these systems. Uniquely, the coverage extends to a complete review of the practical industrial processes used for these polymers and an insight into the current chemorheological models and tools used to describe and control each process. This book will appeal to polymer scientists working on reactive polymers within materials science, chemistry and chemical engineering departments as well as polymer process engineers in industry.

This book provides research on the synthesis and applications of polymer nanocomposites. Chapter One discusses advances in injection moulding technology of polymer nanocomposites. Chapter Two reviews the functionalisation and applications of carbon/polymer nanocomposite (bio)sensors containing nanoparticles. Chapter Three focuses on polymer composites based on highly anisotropic cellulose nanocrystals. Chapter Four studies a novel nanocomposite specifically developed for chemical treatment of walls, floor, ceiling, roof, etc., to prevent or limit exposure to dangerous gases seeping into buildings through constructive materials.

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.

The authors of this book examine polyethers and polyethylene glycol. The first chapter in particular gives a systematic, balanced and comprehensive summary of the main aspects of photosensitive polyethylene glycol. The second chapter is a focus on the biodegradation of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and polyethoxylated surfactants. The third and last chapter of this book focuses on polyethylene glycol based phase change polymers for thermal energy storage applications. Life nowadays is often centered around technologies, and it is of utmost important to have the primary and secondary resources ready for present and future needs. This last chapter addresses these concerns and various procedures in which thermal energy can be stored and used.

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.

Understanding the reactivity of monomers is crucial in creating copolymers and determining the outcome of copolymerization. Covering the fundamental aspects of polymerization, Synthesis and Applications of Copolymers explores the reactivity of monomers and reaction conditions that ensure that the newly formed polymeric materials exhibit desired properties. Referencing a wide-range of disciplines, the book provides researchers, students, and scientists with the preparation of a diverse variety of copolymers and their recent developments, with a particular focus on copolymerization, crystallization, and techniques like nanoimprinting and micropatterning.

Three-dimensional molded interconnect devices (MIDs) enable mechanical, electronic, optical, thermal and fluidic functions to be integrated into injection-molded components. Function integration on this scale goes hand in hand with a high level of geometrical design freedom and opportunities for miniaturization, plus the associated reduction in weight and savings on product costs. MIDs are made primarily of recyclable thermoplastics, so they are more environmentally compatible than alternatives produced using other available technologies. MIDs are used in virtually every sector of electronics. The many standard applications for MIDs in the automotive industry in particular also drive for further development and research into MID technology. The significance of MID technology is also increasing in medical engineering, IT and telecommunications and in industrial automation, with numerous applications now successfully implemented in all these various fields. This book offers a comprehensive insight into the state of the art in 3D-MID technology along the entire process chain. Individual chapters, moreover, deal with systematics of targeted development of MID parts and explore, with a dozen and more successful series-production applications as examples, the widely diverse fields of application for MID technology.

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

The development of new materials of natural origin and biodegradable characteristics for many applications is one of the most important challenges for the materials research groups and polymer industry during the next few years. Poly(lactic acid), PLA, is a biodegradable polymer synthesised from lactic acid (LA), which on its side is obtained from renewable resources. The editors have carried out a selection and seemingly have chosen enough of good reviews and unique works in the branch of lactic acid and its properties, polymerisation and final applications of PLA. Apparently, these works are at the front edge of science and will be of interest for high readership of scientists and students in the branch of chemistry and physics of polymers and biopolymers. The editors expect that the readers will be happy with this selection.

Rubber elasticity is an important sub-field of polymer science. This book is in many ways a sequel to the authors' previous, more introductory book, Rubberlike Elasticity: A Molecular Primer (Wiley-Interscience, 1988), and will in some respects replace the now classic book by L.R.G. Treloar, The Physics of Rubber Elasticity (Oxford, 1975). The present book has much in common with its predecessor, in particular its strong emphasis on molecular concepts and theories. Similarly, only equilibrium properties are covered in any detail. Though this book treats much of the same subject matter, it is a more comprehensive, more up-to-date, and somewhat more sophisticated treatment.

It is difficult to imagine how our highly evolved technological society would function, or how life would even exist on our planet, if polymers did not exist. The intensive study of polymeric systems, which has been under way for several decades, has recently yielded new insights into the properties of assemblies of these complex molecules and the physical principles that govern their behavior. These developments have included new concepts to describe aspects of the many body behavior in these systems, microscopic analyses that bring our understanding of these systems much closer to our understanding of simple liquids and solids, and the discovery of novel chemistry that these molecules can catalyze.
This special topic volume of Advances in Chemical Physics surveys a number of these recent accomplishments. Supplemented with more than 250 illustrations, it provides a significant, up-to-date selection of papers by inter-nationally recognized researchers.
Topics include:
* Theory of Polyelectrolyte Solutions
* Star Polymers: Experiment, Theory, and Simulation
* Tethered Polymer Layers
* Living Polymers
* Transport and Kinetics in Electroactive Polymers
Self-contained, authoritative, and timely, Polymeric Systems makes the cutting edge of polymer research available to scientists in every branch of chemical physics.
Contributors to POLYMERIC SYSTEMS
JEAN-LOUIS BARRAT, DA(c)partement de Physique des MatA(c)riaux, UniversitA(c) Claude Bernard-Lyon l, France
A. BAUMGARTNER, Institut fA1/4r FestkArperforschung, Germany
M. A. CARIGNANO, Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
LEWIS J. FETTERS, CorporateResearch Science Laboratories, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Annandale, New Jersey
SANDRA C. GREER, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Maryland at College Park
GARY S. GREST, Corporate Research Science Laboratories, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Annandale, New Jersey
JOHN S. HUANG, Corporate Research Science Laboratories, Exxon Research and Engineering Company, Annandale, New Jersey
JEAN-FRANAOIS JOANNY, Institut Charles Sadron, France
MICHAEL E. G. LYONS, Electroactive Polymer Research Group, Physical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Dublin, Ireland
M. MUTHUKUMAR, Department of Polymer Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
DIETER RICHTER, Institut fA1/4r FestkArperforschung, Germany
I. SZLEIFER, Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana

In recent years, advanced composite materials have been frequently selected for aerospace applications due to their light weight and high strength. Polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials have also been increasingly considered for use in elevated temperature applications, such as supersonic vehicle airframes and propulsion system components. A new generation of high glass-transition temperature polymers has enabled this development to materialise. Clearly, there is a requirement to better understand the mechanical behaviour of this class of composite materials in order to achieve widespread acceptance in practical applications. This book presents and discusses the results and apparent shortcomings in studies of levels of fatigue in polymer matrix composites.

The goal of the book is to assist the designer in the development of parts that are functional, reliable, manufacturable, and aesthetically pleasing. Since injection molding is the most widely used manufacturing process for the production of plastic parts, a full understanding of the integrated design process presented is essential to achieving economic and functional design goals. Features over 425 drawings and photographs.

Divided into two parts, this work begins with preliminary comments regarding the definition of surface phases'' and briefly describes the basics of two-dimensional crystallography, including background information about the formation and characterization of surface phases on silicon. The second half is devoted to the particular adsorbate/Si'' systems. Contains data on 300 plus surface structures formed on clean Si(111), Si(100) and Si(110) surfaces in the presence of foreign atoms at submonolayer coverages as well as without adsorbates at all. 64 adsorbates are reviewed along with preparation techniques of surface phases, models of their atomic structure and a description of surface properties and surface-related phenomena.

Click chemistry describes organic reactions which are highly efficient, regioselective and allow for mild reaction conditions. The archetypal click reaction of Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) is used in many diverse areas and has been extensively developed for polymer synthesis, leading to the term of click polymerization. This technique enables the preparation of functional polymers with linear and topological structures that have the potential to be used in optoelectronics and biological fields. Edited by world renowned experts, Click Polymerization is the first book to comprehensively summarize this approach to polymer synthesis consolidating all the different reaction types in one resource. From the basic knowledge through to the latest developments in synthesis, chapters include transition-metal catalysed and metal-free azide-alkyne click polymerizations as well as thiol-ene, thiol-yne and thiol-epoxy click polymerizations. The book provides an authoritative guide to click polymerization techniques for graduate students and researchers interested in polymer chemistry and materials science.

The injection molding industry has a new, up-to-date, comprehensive handbook. Serving engineers, professionals, and others involved in this important industry sector, the handbook thoroughly covers every detail of the machine and the process. This all-encompassing resource also includes the topics directly affecting the injection molding process, such as materials, process control, simulation, design, and troubleshooting. The handbook presents a well-rounded overview of the underlying theory and physics that control the common injection molding process variation, without losing the practical hands-on presentation used throughout. This important book was written by a specifically chosen group of authors with a wide range of experience and perspective on the injection molding process - authors who are leading practitioners and researchers both in industry and academia.

This comprehensive reference book incorporates the latest developments in the synthesis, production, characterization, and application of various types of polymeric nanocomposites. It outlines the various preparation techniques using different types of nanoparticles and polymer matrices with emphasis on clay nanoparticles. All fundamental issues such as thermodynamics, kinetics, and rheology are discussed and the structure and the characterization of polymeric nanocomposites, including their molecular characteristics, thermal properties, morphology, and mechanical properties, are covered in great detail.

It has been well-recognized that polymer blends offer a key option in solving emerging application requirements. The ability to combine existing polymers into new compositions with commercializable properties offers the advantage of reduced research and development expense compared to the development of new monomers and polymers to yield a similar property profile. An additional advantage is the much lower capital expense involved with scale-up and commercialization. Another specific advantage of polymer blends versus new monomer/polymer compositions is that blends often offer property profile combinations not easily obtained with new polymeric structures. In the rapidly emerging technology landscape, polymer blend technology can quickly respond to developing needs. This book offers a comprehensive overview of this important field, in particular a unique and extensive literature research on all aspects of this technology. It can be utilized as a reference text as well as a textbook for a graduate level course on polymer blends.

Mold design is one of the most challenging tasks in injection molding and it is crucial for successful profitable operations. The book compiles the experience of many seasoned designers and presents tried and tested molds that run successfully in production. For this fourth edition, changes and supplements were once again undertaken with the aim of representing the state of the art. The book is written by practitioners for practitioners, describing problem solving in the design and the manufacture of injection molds.

This book addresses traditional polymer processing as well as the emerging technologies associated with the plastics industry in the 21st century, and combines engineering modeling aspects with computer simulation of realistic polymer processes. This book is designed to provide a polymer processing background to engineering students and practicing engineers. This three-part textbook is written for a two-semester polymer processing series in mechanical and chemical engineering. The first and second part of the book are designed for a senior- to graduate level course, introducing polymer processing, and the third part is for a graduate course on simulation in polymer processing. Throughout the book, many applications are presented in form of examples and illustrations. These will also serve the practicing engineer as a guide when determining important parameters and factors during the design process or when optimizing a process. Examples are presented throughout the book, and problems and solutions are available.

Designing with Plastics is an indispensable tool for every engineer and designer working with plastic materials. It will assist in the development of plastic parts that are not only functional and esthetically pleasing but also manufacturable while meeting ever increasing end-use requirements. The short but concise introduction into the specific properties of this material class focuses on the practical needs of the designer and lays the foundation for the following in-depth discussion of part design suitable for production and the intended end-use application. Numerous detailed examples highlight practical tips and rules of thumb for successful part design.

Food Packaging: Advanced Materials, Technologies, and Innovations is a one-stop reference for packaging materials researchers working across various industries. With chapters written by leading international researchers from industry, academia, government, and private research institutions, this book offers a broad view of important developments in food packaging. Presents an extensive survey of food packaging materials and modern technologies Demonstrates the potential of various materials for use in demanding applications Discusses the use of polymers, composites, nanotechnology, hybrid materials, coatings, wood-based, and other materials in packaging Describes biodegradable packaging, antimicrobial studies, and environmental issues related to packaging materials Offers current status, trends, opportunities, and future directions Aimed at advanced students, research scholars, and professionals in food packaging development, this application-oriented book will help expand the reader's knowledge of advanced materials and their use of innovation in food packaging.

A highly versatile process, rotational molding allows for incredible design flexibility with the added benefit of low production costs. One of its advantages over other plastics processes is that one can mold more complex shapes with uniform wall thickness. This book provides an introduction to the design, materials, tooling, and process, and helps readers understand and apply the manufacturing techniques involved in rotational molding.