As a new and exciting field of interdisciplinary macromolecular science and engineering, polymeric materials will have a profound presence in 21st century chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, manufacturing, infrastructure, electronic, optical and information technologies. The origin of this field derived from an area of polymer science and engineering encompassing plastic technologies. The field is rapidly expanding to incorporate new interdisciplinary research areas such as biomaterials, macromolecular biology, novel macromolecular structures, environmental macromolecular science and engineering, innovative and nano-fabrications of products, and is translating discoveries into technologies.
-Unique in combining scientific concepts with technological aspects
-Provides a comprehensive and broad coverage of thermodynamic and thermal behaviours of various polymeric materials as well as methodologies of thermal analysis and calorimetry
-Contributions are from both pioneering scientists and the new generation of researchers

The integration of electronics into textiles and clothing has opened up an array of functions beyond those of conventional textiles. These novel materials are beginning to find applications in commercial products, in fields such as communication, healthcare, protection and wearable technology. Electronic Textiles: Smart Fabrics and Wearable Technology opens with an initiation to the area from the editor, Tilak Dias. Part One introduces conductive fibres, carbon nano-tubes and polymer yarns. Part Two discusses techniques for integrating textiles and electronics, including the design of textile-based sensors and actuators, and energy harvesting methods. Finally, Part Three covers a range of electronic textile applications, from wearable electronics to technical textiles featuring expert chapters on embroidered antennas for communication systems and wearable sensors for athletes.

"This book adds much to the already evolving field of Design for Environment; but it goes far beyond most works on this subject by surrounding the central notions of life cycle assessment with a scientific body of knowledge and with a more practical slant reflecting the reality of the organizations in which product development occurs. Through a focus on plastic products, the authors show the importance of making ties between basic technical knowledge and the process of life cycle engineering. Their approach offers a practical, deliberate way to make ecologically and economically sensible decisions about product reuse and recycling and other critical dimensions of product life behavior. They demonstrate a positive approach to designing products that fits into a sustainable economy through down-to-earth cases. While the book focuses on the life cycle engineering of plastics, it is only a short step to other materials and products.

Beyond contributing to the technology of life cycle engineering, this text adds to the growing body of knowledge that argues for an fundamentally new way of thinking about economic and social activity--a new paradigm for sustainable social and industrial problem solving. Industrial ecology is such a new system for thinking about and implementing sustainability that draws its core set of ideas from the ecological world. Industrial ecology brings to the surface the idea of interdependence among members of a community-- natural or economic, and notes the material cycles that are central to a stable ecosystem. The life cycle engineering framework, coupled with sound scientific knowledge of materials behavior as articulated in this book, makes a giant step towards bringing the model of industrial ecology into everyday practice."

From the Preface by John R. Ehrenfeld
Director, MIT Technology, Business and Environment Program
Center for Technology, Policy, and Industrial Development

Colloid science is the study of systems involving small particles of one substance suspended in another. The first edition was in two volumes. This second completely revised, reorganised, and updated edition is presented for the first time in a single volume. This book starts with the basics, and is simplified from the previous edition. Many exercises are included and careful development of the necessary theory is given.

Finally! An authoritative, comprehensive textbook in this commercially and academically important field. Billions of kilograms of polymers are manufactured annually in the form of polymer colloids. Thousands of researchers work with them in a host of applications, from water-borne latex paints to cancer chemotherapeutics, but until now there was been no adequate introductory text.
This book provides a solid development of the fundamentals to the field of colloid science with a solid development of the fundamentals of polymer colloids, emulsion, polymerization, latex technology, and the applications of functional latexes in catalysis, medical diagnostics and therapeutics. Fitch, who has been called the Benjamin Spock of Polymer Colloids, bases his approach to a complex field is based on his 40+ years of experience in industrial and academic research and development. His approach makes it easy to understand and be able to work effectively in this fascinating field.
Students and professionals will find "Polymer Colloids: A Comprehensive Introduction" an important resource in gaining a working understanding of polymer colloids, enabling them to carry out their own research and/or development.
Key Features
* Contains many detailed figures and references
* Includes new, current references
* Provides the clarity and insight that can only be found from the author's 40+ years of experience in the field
* Covers the material in an easy-to-understand and entertaining manner

This new volume explores the latest research on the use of alginate as a biopolymer in various biomedical applications and therapeutics. The uses of alginates and modified alginates discussed in this book include tissue regeneration, encapsulation and delivery of drugs, nucleic acid materials, proteins and peptides, genes, herbal therapeutic agents, nutraceuticals, and more. This book also describes the synthesis and characterizations of various alginate and modified alginate systems, such as hydrogels, gels, composites, nanoparticles, scaffolds, etc., used for the biomedical applications and therapeutics. Alginate, a biopolymer of natural origin, is of immense interest for its variety of applications in pharmaceuticals (as medical diagnostic aids) and in materials science. It is the one of the most abundant natural biopolymers and is considered an excellent excipient because of its non-toxic, stable, and biodegradable properties. Several research innovations have been made on applications of alginate in drug delivery and biomedicines. There needs to be a thorough understanding of the synthesis, purification, and characterization of alginates and its derivatives for their utility in healthcare fields, and this volume offers an abundance of information toward that end.

This informative volume discusses recent advancements in the research and development in synthesis, characterization, processing, morphology, structure, and properties of advanced polymeric materials. With contributions from leading international researchers and professors in academic, government and industrial institutions, Advanced Polymeric Materials for Sustainability and Innovations has a special focus on eco-friendly polymers, polymer composites, nanocomposites, and blends and materials for traditional and renewable energy. In this book the relationship between processing-morphology-property applications of polymeric materials is well established. Recent advances in the synthesis of new functional monomers has shown strong potential in generating better property polymers from renewable resources. Fundamental advances in the field of nanocomposite blends and nanostructured polymeric materials in automotive, civil, biomedical and packaging/coating applications are the highlights of this book.

Biorenewable polymers based nanomaterials are rapidly emerging as one of the most fascinating materials for multifunctional applications. Among biorenewable polymers, cellulose based nanomaterials are of great importance due to their inherent advantages such as environmental friendliness, biodegradability, biocompatibility, easy processing and cost effectiveness, to name a few. They may be produced from biological systems such as plants or be chemically synthesised from biological materials. This book summarizes the recent remarkable achievements witnessed in green technology of cellulose based nanomaterials in different fields ranging from biomedical to automotive. This book also discusses the extensive research developments for next generation nanocellulose-based polymer nanocomposites. The book contains seventeen chapters and each chapter addresses some specific issues related to nanocellulose and also demonstrates the real potentialities of these nanomaterials in different domains. The key features of the book are: Synthesis and chemistry of nanocellulose from different biorenewable resources Different characterization of nanocellulosic materials and their respective polymer nanocomposites Physico-chemical, thermal and mechanical investigation of nanocellulose based polymer nanocomposites Provides elementary information and rich understanding of the present state-of- art of nanocellulose-based materials Explores the full range of applications of different nanocellulose-based materials.

Hydrogels are crosslinked, macromolecular polymeric materials arranged in a three-dimensional network, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Hydrogels are commonly used in clinical practice and experimental medicine for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, diagnostics, cellular immobilization, separation of biomolecules or cells, and barrier materials to regulate biological adhesions. This book elucidates the underlying concepts and emerging applications of hydrogels and will provide key case studies and critical analysis of the existing research.

Polymers have been used as dielectric materials owing to their light weight, great flexibility, and processability as well as high insulation properties. To enhance their performance for various desired dielectric applications, fabrication of polymeric nanocomposites is believed to be one of the most effective approaches. By controlling the nanomaterial dispersion and interfacial structures with the polymer matrices in nanocomposites, dielectric properties can be tailored for specific applications. This book reviews representative polymer nanocomposite systems, focusing on the roles of nanodispersion, interfacial structures, and properties of polymer matrix materials in the dielectric properties and energy storage performance. The book reviews various dielectric relaxation models applicable to the analysis of polymer nanocomposites. It compiles the recent progress in new dielectric polymer nanocomposites based on biomaterials and hybrid nanomaterial systems for advanced dielectric applications.

The book provides an extensive coverage of conjugated polymer based nano-composite coatings with advanced anti-corrosive properties. The book gives detailed explanation of corrosion testing methods and techniques to evaluate the corrosion resistance of the coatings. It includes elaborate discussion on classification of corrosion, electrochemistry of corrosion process, theories explaining the mechanism of corrosion and various corrosion testing standards. Electrochemical studies like open circuit potential (OCP) variation with time, potentiodynamic polarization, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and accelerated corrosion testing are highlighted as important tools to extract information about the behavior of coatings under corrosive conditions. The book discusses epoxy-conjugated polymer based novel composite coating formulations, including aniline and o-toluidine, o-anisidine, phenetidine and pentafluoroaniline with appropriate fillers like SiO2, flyash, ZrO2 nanoparticles, and chitosan for the protection of metallic substrates. A general discussion on the self healing mechanism of epoxy-polypyrrole based biopolymer hybrid composite coatings is included in this book. This book provides a critical review on the conjugated polymer based composite coatings with superior corrosion resistance, good mechanical integrity, better adhesion properties and self healing ability under highly aggressive conditions which can be commercially used for the protection of metal substrates from corrosion.

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.

Plastics may undergo an industrial treatment for many reasons including strength, chemical inertness, biodegradability, and heat resistance.?Providing an overview of the various treatments utilized in the plastics industry, this title examines?the numerous treatments in use as well as the differences in treatments based on the type of plastic and the type of component being treated.?

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

State-of-the-art techniques for tapping the vast potential of polymers

The use of specific non-covalent interactions to control polymer structure and properties is a rapidly emerging field with applications in diverse disciplines. Molecular Recognition and Polymers covers the fundamental aspects and applications of molecular recognition?in the creation of novel polymeric materials for use in drug delivery, sensors, tissue engineering, molecular imprinting, and other areas. This reference begins by explaining the fundamentals of supramolecular polymers; it progresses to cover polymer formation and self-assembly with a wide variety of examples, and then includes discussions of biomolecular recognition using polymers. With chapters contributed by the foremost experts in their fields, this resource:

Provides an integrated resource for supramolecular chemistry, polymer science, and interfacial science

Covers advanced, state-of-the-art techniques used in the design and characterization of non-covalent interactions in polymers

Illustrates how to tailor the properties of polymeric materials for various applications

Stand-alone chapters address specific applications independently for easy reference. This is a premier resource for graduate students and researchers in polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, materials science, and physical organic chemistry.

The chemicals manufacturing industry is a vibrant, global business that encompasses many important sectors: from commodity chemicals, to specialty chemicals, to custom manufacturing. Key topics include global trade, finance and acquisitions, biochemicals, nanochemicals, polymers, petrochemicals, fertilizers, plastics, coatings, ceramics, solvents, additives, dyes and many other products basic to home and business needs. In addition, the pharmaceuticals industry is included when discussing chemicals. Plunkett's Chemicals, Plastics & Coatings Industry Almanac provides a market research tool for competitive intelligence, strategic planning, business analysis and employment searches. Our coverage includes business trends analysis and industry statistics. The almanac also contains a chemicals, plastics and coatings business glossary and a listing of industry contacts, such as industry associations and government agencies. Next, we profile hundreds of leading companies. Our 400 company profiles include complete business descriptions and up to 27 executives by name and title. This companies database includes petrochemicals firms, major drug makers and specialty chemicals firms, public and private, on a global basis. You'll find a complete overview, industry analysis and market research report in one superb, value-priced package.

Plastic pollution has been a growing concern globally, especially under the COVID-19 pandemic due to the use of personal protective equipment. While many engineers and environmental scientists have been addressing global plastic pollution, special attention must also be paid to smaller plastics such as micro- and nano-plastics. These smaller plastics pollute and affect the health of the public, environment, and marine life. Risk assessment of plastics is required to evaluate currently available treatment technologies and identify the significance of plastic pollution. Assessing the Effects of Emerging Plastics on the Environment and Public Health assesses the harmful effects of plastics on the environment and public health. It evaluates the potential risks of micro- and nano-plastics and reviews applications of modeling tools and prevention approaches using technologies to minimize plastic pollution through the development of biodegradable plastics or recycling and reusing plastics in environmentally friendly ways. Covering topics such as agroecosystems, preventive measures, and bioplastics, this book is an indispensable resource for environmentalists, environmental engineers, government officials, libraries, business leaders, students and educators of higher education, academicians, and researchers.

Biodegradable Polymers in the Circular Plastics Economy A comprehensive overview of the burgeoning field of biodegradable plastics As the lasting impact of humanity's reliance on plastics comes into focus, scholars have begun to seek out solutions to plastic litter. In Biodegradable Polymers in the Circular Plastics Economy, an accomplished team of researchers delivers a focused guide (1) to understand plastic degradation and its role in waste hierarchy besides recycling, and (2) to create and use biodegradable plastics where appropriate. Created preferably from renewable resources, these eco-friendly polymers provide an opportunity to create sustainable and lasting solutions to the growing plastic-driven pollution problem. The broad approach to this handbook allows the authors to cover all aspects of these emerging materials, ranging from the problems present in the current plastics cycle, to the differences in type, production, and chemistry available within these systems, to end-of-life via recycling or degradation, and to life-cycle assessments. It also delves into potential commercial and policy issues to be addressed to successfully deploy this technology. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to biodegradable polymers, focusing not only on the scientific aspects, but also addressing the larger political, commercial, and consumer concerns Mechanisms of biodegradation and the environmental impact of persistent polymers An in-depth discussion of degradable/hydrolysable polyesters, polysaccharides, lignin-based polymers, and vitrimers Management of plastic waste and life cycle assessment of bio-based plastics Biodegradable Polymers in the Circular Plastics Economy is the perfect overview of this complicated but essential research field and will appeal to polymer chemists, environmental chemists, chemical engineers, and bioengineers in academia and industry. The book is intended as a step towards a circular plastics economy that relies heavily on degradable plastics to sustain it.

In this book, the self-healing of composite structures with shape memory polymer as either matrix or embedded suture is systematically discussed. Self-healing has been well known in biological systems for many years: a typical example is the self-healing of human skin. Whilst a minor wound can be self-closed by blood clotting, a deep and wide cut needs external help by suturing. Inspired by this observation, this book proposes a two-step close-then-heal (CTH) scheme for healing wide-opened cracks in composite structures-by constrained shape recovery first, followed by molecular healing. It is demonstrated that the CTH scheme can heal wide-opened structural cracks repeatedly, efficiently, timely, and molecularly. It is believed that self-healing represents the next-generation technology and will become an engineering reality in the near future.

The book consists of both fundamental background and practical skills for implementing the CTH scheme, with additional focus on understanding strain memory versus stress memory and healing efficiency evaluation under various fracture modes. Potential applications to civil engineering structures, including sealant for bridge decks and concrete pavements, and rutting resistant asphalt pavements, are also explored. This book will help readers to understand this emerging field, and to establish a framework for new innovation in this direction.

Key features: explores potential applications of shape memory polymers in civil engineering structures, which is believed to be unique within the literaturebalanced testing and mathematical modeling, useful for both academic researchers and practitionersthe self-healing scheme is based on physical change of polymers and is written in an easy to understand style for engineering professionals without a strong background in chemistry

This volume documents the proceedings of the "Second International Symposium on Polyimides and Other High Temperature Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications, held in Newark, New Jersey, December 3-6, 2001.
Polyimides possess many desirable attributes, so this class of materials has found applications in many technologies ranging from microelectronics to high temperature adhesives to membranes.
This volume contains a total of 32 papers, all rigorously peer reviewed and revised before inclusion, addressing many aspects and new developments in polyimides and other high temperature polymers. The book is divided into two parts: Synthesis, Properties and Bulk Characterization and Surface Modification, Interfacial or Adhesion Aspects and Applications. The topics covered include: synthesis and characterization of a variety of polyimides; photoalignable polyimides; high-modulus poly(p-phenylenepyromellitimide) films; structure-property relationships in polyimides; aromatic benzoxazole polymers; polybenzobisthiazoles; polyimide L-B films; transport of water in high Tg polymers; surface modification of polyimides; adhesion of metal films to polyimide and other polymers; investigation of interfacial interactions between metals and polymers; polyimide film surface properties; applications of polyimides in microelectronics, as membranes for gas separation, as composite films; fabrication of thin-film transistors on polyimide films; polyimide modified with fullerenes; semicrystalline polyimides for advanced composites; and wear performance of polyetherimide composite.

Looking beyond the traditional applications of polyurethanes (PUR), Polyurethanes as Specialty Chemicals presents a different approach to polyurethane chemistry by examining a range of new products and new research for both environmental and medical applications. This book is also the first in its field to provide useful design tools for product designers to customize the foam surface. The author examines extraction methods and biodegradability of polyurethanes for removing pollutants from air and groundwater and for sanitation/wastewater treatment. Thomson also explores the behavior of polyurethanes in a biological environment, covering a broad spectrum of applications that includes artificial organs, chelating agents for pharmaceuticals, and delivery systems for skin care products and cosmetics. The in-depth treatment of biochemical processes and cellular interaction includes tissue response, cell adhesion, 3D cell scaffolding for cell propagation, the immobilization of enzymes, and the production of proteins. Other topics of interest include agricultural applications and the use of PUR as an analytical/diagnostic system for testing toxicity without the use of animals. Destined to become indispensable in its field, Polyurethanes as Specialty Chemicals explores conventional PUR and its composites - emphasizing formulations, reticulated foams and hydrophilics - as versatile structures that can be used for specific design objectives in environmental and medical applications.

The decoration of packaging for the "fast moving consumer goods" market plays a vital role in promoting the product to the customer, as well as in carrying informative and legislative detail. Combining these roles requires commercial awareness, detailed knowledge of the relevant technologies, creative care and consideration of the effects of colours, typefaces and images which must support the brand, position the product and provide the required product "stand--out" at the point of sale. This practical handbook, written by a team of experienced industrialists and those involved in relevant, applied research, details and discusses the printing technologies and decoration formats used on the mainstream structural packaging that is found in consumer markets worldwide. The emphasis is on the technology. The volume is directed at packaging technologists and those involved in the design and development of packaging. It will also be of interest to those responsible for specifying or purchasing the decoration of packaging. This practical handbook, written by a team of experienced industrialists and those involved in relevant, applied research, details and discusses the printing technologies and decoration formats used on the mainstream structural packaging that is found in consumer markets worldwide. The emphasis is on the technology.

This volume documents the proceedings of the "Second International Symposium on Adhesion Aspects of Polymeric Coatings held in Newark, New Jersey, May 25-26, 2000. Since the first symposium, held in 1981, there had been tremendous research activity relative to the adhesion aspects of polymeric coatings.
Polymeric coatings are used for a variety of purposes. Irrespective of the intended purpose of the coating, it must adequately adhere to the underlying substrate, otherwise delamination and other undesirable phenomena occur. So the need to understand the factors which influence adhesion of polymeric coatings and to control it to a desirable level is quite patent.
This volume contains a total of 13 papers, which were all properly peer reviewed, revised and edited before inclusion. Furthermore, the authors were asked to update their manuscripts, so the information contained in this book should be current and fresh.
The topics covered in this book include: factors influencing adhesion of polymeric coatings; ways to improve adhesion; formation and relevance of interphase in practical adhesion; adhesion/cohesion in painted plastics; imaging of polymer surfaces; effect of substrate residue (smut) on coating process; surface treatment of metals and glass by silanes; surface modification of polyphenylene sulfide plastics; resin bonding in dentistry; measurement of internal stresses in polymeric coatings; effect of steel surface composition on adhesion of paint; wet adhesion of coatings on wood; and modified tape test to measure adhesion of coatings.