As semiconductor manufacturers implement copper conductors in advanced interconnect schemes, research and development efforts shift toward the selection of an insulator that can take maximum advantage of the lower power and faster signal propagation allowed by copper interconnects. One of the main challenges to integrating a low-dielectric constant (low-kappa) insulator as a replacement for silicon dioxide is the behavior of such materials during the chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) process used in Damascene patterning. Low-kappa dielectrics tend to be softer and less chemically reactive than silicon dioxide, providing significant challenges to successful removal and planarization of such materials.

The focus of this book is to merge the complex CMP models and mechanisms that have evolved in the past decade with recent experimental results with copper and low-kappa CMP to develop a comprehensive mechanism for low- and high-removal-rate processes. The result is a more in-depth look into the fundamental reaction kinetics that alter, selectively consume, and ultimately planarize a multi-material structure during Damascene patterning.

The emphasis in degradable polymers has changed since the first edition of this book. Biomedical and agricultural applications remain important topics of scientific and commercial interest in the second edition. However, an increased emphasis on composting as a means of recovering value from wastes has led to a new impetus to understand how plastics degrade in the environment and the implication of this for international standards. Polymers based on renewable resources are also a major topic in this edition but the debate continues about their long-term sustainability and ecological advantages over degradable man-made polymers.

Degradable Polymers will be of interest not only to academic and industrial scientists working on packaging, agricultural and medical applications of plastics but also to students of environmental science and legislators concerned with the effects of man-made materials in the environment.

This book covers fundamental principles and numerical methods relevant to the modeling of the injection molding process. As injection molding processing is related to rheology, mechanical and chemical engineering, polymer science and computational methods, and is a rapidly growing field, the book provides a multidisciplinary and comprehensive introduction to the subjects required for an understanding of the complex process. It addresses the up-to-date status of fundamental understanding and simulation technologies, without losing sight of still useful classical approaches. The main chapters of the book are devoted to the currently active fields of flow-induced crystallization and orientation evolution of fiber suspensions, respectively, followed by detailed discussion of their effects on mechanical property, shrinkage and warpage of injection-molded products. The level of the proposed book will be suitable for interested scientists, R&D engineers, application engineers, and graduate students in engineering.

Chemical Vapor Deposition Polymerization - The Growth and Properties of Parylene Thin Films is intended to be valuable to both users and researchers of parylene thin films. It should be particularly useful for those setting up and characterizing their first research deposition system. It provides a good picture of the deposition process and equipment, as well as information on system-to-system variations that is important to consider when designing a deposition system or making modifications to an existing one. Also included are methods to characterizae a deposition system's pumping properties as well as monitor the deposition process via mass spectrometry. There are many references that will lead the reader to further information on the topic being discussed.
This text should serve as a useful reference source and handbook for scientists and engineers interested in depositing high quality parylene thin films.

A huge variety of biopolymers - such as polysaccharides, polyesters, and polyamides - are naturally produced by microorganisms. These range from viscous solutions to plastics. Their physical properties are dependent on the composition and molecular weight of the polymer. The genetic manipulation of microorganisms opens up an enormous potential for the biotechnological production of biopolymers with tailored properties suitable for high-value medical application such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. Written by expert, internationally renowned scientists, this comprehensive volume describes in detail the use of microorganisms for the production of the most important biopolymers and polymer precursors. The contributors describe in depth the biosynthetic pathways, physical properties, and industrial production processes; and they discuss in detail the genetic and metabolic engineering of microorganisms for biopolymer production. Also highlighted are the applications and potential applications of the biopolymers and microbial biotechnology. Topics include the biochemistry and genetics of biosynthesis of xanthan, alginate, cellulose, cyanophycin, poly(gamma-glutamic acid), levan, hyaluronic acid, organic acids, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, and polyhydroxyalkanoates. This book is recommended book for all biotechnology and microbiology laboratories.

This book contains analysis of reasons that cause products to fail. General methods of product failure evaluation give powerful tools in product improvement. Such methods, discussed in the book, include practical risk analysis, failure mode and effect analysis, preliminary hazard analysis, progressive failure analysis, fault tree analysis, mean time between failures, Wohler curves, finite element analysis, cohesive zone model, crack propagation kinetics, time-temperature collectives, quantitative characterization of fatigue damage, and fracture maps.

Methods of failure analysis are critical to for material improvement and they are broadly discussed in this book. Fractography of plastics is relatively a new field which has many commonalities with fractography of metals. Here various aspects of fractography of plastics and metals are compared and contrasted. Fractography application in studies of static and cycling loading of ABS is also discussed. Other methods include SEM, SAXS, FTIR, DSC, DMA, GC/MS, optical microscopy, fatigue behavior, multi-axial stress, residual stress analysis, punch resistance, creep-rupture, impact, oxidative induction time, craze testing, defect analysis, fracture toughness, activation energy of degradation.

Many references are given in this book to real products and real cases of their failure. The products discussed include office equipment, automotive compressed fuel gas system, pipes, polymer blends, blow molded parts, layered, cross-ply and continuous fiber composites, printed circuits, electronic packages, hip implants, blown and multi-layered films, construction materials, component housings, brake cups, composite pressure vessels, swampcoolers, electrical cables, plumbing fittings, medical devices, medical packaging, strapping tapes, balloons, marine coatings, thermal switches, pressure relief membranes, pharmaceutical products, window profiles, and bone cements.

Fluid Effects in Polymers and Polymeric Composites, written by the late Dr. Y. Jack Weitsman, addresses the wide range of parameters that affect the interaction of fluids with polymers and polymeric composites. The book aims at broadening the scope of available data, mostly limited up to this time to weight-gain recordings of fluid ingress into polymers and composites, to the practical circumstances of fluctuating exposure. Various forms of experimental data are given, in conjunction with theoretical models derived from basic scientific principles, and correlated with severity of exposure conditions and interpreted by means of rationally based theoretical models. The practical implications of the effects of fluids are discussed. The issue of fluid effects on polymers and polymeric composites is of concern to engineers and scientists active in aerospace and naval structures, as an increasing portion of these structures are made of polymeric composites and employ polymeric adhesives as a joining device. While the book is intended for this audience, it will also interest researchers and graduate students interested in the mechanics and materials aspects of this matter.

"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

Proceedings of The 7th World Conference on Biodegradable Polymers & Plastics organized by the European Degradable Polymer Society in conjunction with the Bioenvironmental Polymer Society and the Biodegradale Plastics Society, under the auspices of ICS-UNIDO (Italy) and INSTM Consortium (Italy) and under the patronage of IUPAC - International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (USA) and Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio (Italy), held in Tirrenia (Pisa), Italy, on June 4-8, 2002.
Synthetic and semi-synthetic polymeric materials were originally developed for their durability and resistance to all forms of degradation including biodegradation. Such materials are currently widely accepted because of their ease of processability and amenability to provide a large variety of cost effective items that help to enhance the comfort and quality of life in the modern industrial society. However, this widespread utilization of plastics has contributed to a serious plastic waste burden, and the expectation for the 21st century is for an increased demand for polymeric material.
This volume focuses on a more rational utilization of resources in the fabrication, consumption and disposal of plastic items, specifically:

-Environmentally Degradable Polymeric Materials (EDPs);
-Water-soluble/Swellable Biodegradable Polymers;
-EDPs from Renewable Resources;
-Biopolymers;
-Bioresorbable Materials for Biomedical Applications;
-Biorelated Polymers;
-Standards and Regulations on EDPs.

Innovative textile materials are used for numerous applications. Understanding the properties of such materials is imperative to ensure proper utilization. Emergent Research on Polymeric and Composite Materials is an essential reference work featuring the latest scholarly research on the synthesis, characterizations, and physico-chemical properties of textile materials. Including coverage on a range of topics such as nanomaterials, ceramics, and clays, this book is ideally designed for researchers, academicians, industries, and students seeking current research on emerging developments and applications of polymeric and composite materials.

This doctoral thesis explains the synthesis and characterization of novel, smart hybrid nanomaterials. Bastian Ebeling combines in this work synthetic polymers with inorganic nanoparticles from silica or gold. The first chapters offer a comprehensive introduction to basics of polymer science and the applied methodologies. In following chapters, the author describes in detail how he systematically tailored the polymers using reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) for combination with inorganic nanoparticles. This work also unravels mechanistic, thermodynamic, and structural aspects of all building blocks and reaction steps. The method described here is simple to perform and opens up pathways to new sets of nanohybrid materials with potential applications as sensors, in energy conversion, or catalysis. Readers will find a unique picture of the step-by step formation of new complex nanomaterials. It offers polymer scientists a systematic guide to the formation and synthesis of a new class of responsive nanomaterials.

Fullerene Polymers and Fullerene Polymer Composites is an in-depth experimental and theoretical account of polymers and composites whose unusual properties, such as, photophysical phenomena, electrical transport, phase transitions and magnetic properties, stem from the incorporation of C60 in the material. Each chapter is written by an internationally renowned expert who has published extensively in this sub-field of fullerene materials. Introductory chapters on the fundamental properties of fullerenes (C60, C70) and photophysical phenomena in fullerenes and polymers are also included.

The broad collection of techniques gathered in this book help illustrate material/process/property relationships for a wide selection of materials and processes in the plastics industry. With the recent increases in computing power and scope, as well as advances in software engineering, imaging has already become a universal tool. Image processing and image analysis have become common expressions are widely recognized within the scientific community.

The imaging techniques employed range from visible optical methods to scanning and transmission electron microscopy, x-ray, thermal wave infrared and atomic force microscopy. Image analysis is used to monitor/ characterize a variety of processes.

Processes included within this book are: extrusion, injection molding, foam production, film manufacture, compression molding, blow molding, vulcanization, melt spinning, reactive blending, welding, conveying, composite manufacture, compounding, and thermosetting.

Imaging techniques are also employed to characterize/quantify a number of important material properties. These include: fiber orientation distribution, homogeneity of mixing, the rate of spherulites growth, polymer crystallization rate, melt flow index, pore size and shape in foam, cell density in foam, void content, particle analysis in polymer blends, morphology, interparticle distance, fiber diameter, fatigue crack, crazing, scratching, surface roughness, fiber-length distribution, nucleation, oil penetration, peel adhesion, chemical resistance, droplet-fiber transition, electrical conductivity, dispersion and impurity content.

This volume explores the latest developments in the area of polymer electrolyte membranes (PEMs) used for high-temperature fuel cells. Featuring contributions from an international array of researchers, it presents a unified viewpoint on the operating principles of fuel cells, various methodologies used for the fabrication of PEMs, and issues related to the chemical and mechanical stabilities of the membranes. Special attention is given to the fabrication of electrospun nanocomposite membranes. The editors have consciously placed an emphasis on developments in the area of fast-growing and promising PEM materials obtained via hygroscopic inorganic fillers, solid proton conductors, heterocyclic solvents, ionic liquids, anhydrous H3PO4 blends, and heteropolyacids. This book is intended for fuel cell researchers and students who are interested in a deeper understanding of the organic-inorganic membranes used in fuel cells, membrane fabrication methodologies, properties and clean energy applications.

Second in the Metallocene series from PDL, this book focuses on the commercial use and process improvements of resins produced with metallocene, single site, and other modern catalytic methods. Research to broaden the scope of applications and shorten production cycles is presented. New and improved polymer blends resulting from the use of new catalysts and improved polymer compatibility are explored as well as new applications becoming possible due to improved and balanced properties. Current trends and the latest research from the international scientific and industrial community are presented in this volume. Chapters cover use in extrusion, film manufacture, injection molding, foam production, fiber spinning, composites and new applications. Precise testing methods, material characterization, polymer morphology and crystallization are the focus of another section of the book.

This book examines current issues of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites in civil infrastructure. The contents of this book are divided into two parts. The first part engages topics related to durability and service life of FRP composites and how they contribute to sustainability. The second part highlights implementation and applications of the FRP composites with an emphasis on bridge structures. An introductory chapter provides an overview of FRP composites and its role in a sustainable built environment highlighting the issues of durability and service life followed by a current review of sustainability in infrastructure design. "

Cyclic Polymers (Second Edition) reviews the many recent advances in this rapidly expanding subject since the publication of the first edition in 1986. The preparation, characterisation, properties and applications of a wide range of organic and inorganic cyclic oligomers and polymers are described in detail, together with many examples of catenanes and rotaxanes. The importance of large cyclics in biological chemistry and molecular biology is emphasised by a wide coverage of circular DNA, cyclic peptides and cyclic oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. Experimental techniques and theoretical aspects of cyclic polymers are included, as well as examples of their uses such as ring opening polymerisation reactions to give commercially important materials. This book covers a wide range of topics which should be of interest to many scientific research workers (for example, in polymer science, chemistry and molecular biology), as well as providing a reference text for undergraduate and graduate students.

It has been estimated that within just ten years, over half of all polyolefins will be made by using metallocene catalysts. This ground-breaking volume from PDL brings together- for the first time- work from dozens of world-renowned experts on the subject. Fifty chapters of peer-reviewed content offer insights into applications in automotive components, food packaging, insulating films, non-woven fabrics and medical markets, among others.

Reinforced plastics composites are increasingly in demand for the huge range of long-term applications - not surprisingly, as they are amongst the best materials in the world for durability. This exceptionally user-friendly guide has been written for engineers, designers and managers who are considering using reinforced plastics in applications
where a long product life is essential, including buildings, bridges, boats, tanks, pipes and swimming pools.
The book is clearly written and easily accessible to those with no background in composite science, although detailed references are provided for those wishing to pursue any area in more depth. After introducing the key concepts, there are chapters focusing on the effects of outdoor weathering, solvent and water attack, high temperature and repetitive stress. Experience with specific applications over time is discussed, and repair is considered. The use of computer techniques in predicting durability is outlined and there are some case histories.

A collection of infrared and Raman spectra of 500 natural and synthetic polymers of industrial importance is presented in this book. A large variety of compounds are included, starting with linear polyolefins and finishing with complex biopolymers and related compounds. The spectra were registered using Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometers in the laboratory of the All-Russia Institute of Forensic Sciences. The IR and Raman spectra are presented together on the same sheet. The accompanying data include general and structure formulae, CAS register numbers, and sample preparation conditions.

Features of this book:

Continues the long tradition of publishing specific and standard data of new chemical compounds.

For low-molecular weight substances, complementary IR and Raman spectra are featured on the same sample and printed on the same page. This "fingerprint" data allows the substance of the sample to be identified without doubt.

An important feature of this unique collection of data is the increase in the identification precision of unknown substances.

Peak tables are available in digital (ASCII) format, on a diskette delivered with the book. This allows the user to search for unknowns.

All the spectra in the collection are base-line corrected.

This book will be of interest to scientists involved in the synthesis of new polymeric materials, polymer identification, and quality control. Libraries of scientific institutes, research centers, and universities involved in vibrational spectroscopy will also find this collection invaluable."

Salen Metal Complexes as Catalysts for the Synthesis of Polycarbonates from Cyclic Ethers and Carbon Dioxide, by Donald J. Darensbourg.- Material Properties of Poly(Propylene Carbonates), by Gerrit. A. Luinstra and Endres Borchardt.- Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) from Carbon Monoxide, by Robert Reichardt and Bernhard Rieger. - Ecoflex(r) and Ecovio(r): Biodegradable, Performance-Enabling Plastics, by K. O. Siegenthaler, A. Kunkel, G. Skupin and M. Yamamoto.- Biodegradability of Poly(Vinyl Acetate) and Related Polymers, by Manfred Amann and Oliver Minge.- Recent Developments in Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactones, by P. Lecomte and C. Jerome.- Recent Developments in Metal-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactides and Glycolides: Preparation of Polylactides, Polyglycolide, and Poly(lactide-co-glycolide), by Saikat Dutta, Wen-Chou Hung, Bor-Hunn Huang and Chu-Chieh Lin.- Bionolle (Polybutylenesuccinate), by Yasushi Ichikawa, Tatsuya Mizukoshi.- Polyurethanes from Renewable Resources, by David A. Babb.-"

Surfaces and interfaces of polymers play an important role in most of the application areas of polymers, e.g. moulds, foils, thin films, coatings, adhesive joints, blends, composites, biomaterials or applications in micro- and nanotechnology. Therefore it is very important to be able to characterize these surfaces and interfaces in detail. In Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces, experts provide concise explanations, with examples and illustrations, of the key techniques. In each case, after basic principles have been reviewed, applications of the experimental techniques are discussed and illustrated with specific examples. Scientists and engineers in research and development will benefit from an application-oriented book that helps them to find solutions to both fundamental and applied problems.

Sensors and Actuators using polymeric systems is one of the most promising fields of "Intelligent Polymers", which is becoming more and more important associating with artificial sensing and actuating systems in living organisms. Some practical applications have now started to test in industry. The book covers optical, gas, taste, and other sensing systems using various kinds of polymers. Soft and wet actuating systems using polymer gels and networks are another field which caused excitation in the last year. The contributors are all pioneers in the field, and were selected from world-wide level. They provide the necessary background information and science to develop a basic understanding of the field, its supporting technologies and current applications. Besides, the overviews will provide a sense of how these supporting technologies can be combined to meet the requirements of advanced systems. Finally, the readers will learn about potential future developments.

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

This book is aimed at scientists and practicing engineers who are currently exploring or would like to explore the complexity of fabrication processes of polymer composites. It deals with the mechanics and modeling aspects of discontinuous and continuous fiber composites and familarizes the engineer with the critical and fundamental issues of material processing and transport phenomena in polymeric composites and their applications in modeling and simulating specific composite manufacturing processes.

Divided into three parts, Part A deals with the deformation science or rheology of these filled materials. It clearly shows the need to characterize their flow behavior before one can draw any conclusions about its processibility during manufacturing. Part B focuses on development of constitutive equations to describe the flow and deformation behavior of such materials under external processing conditions. Part C discusses the mathematical models for selected composite processes and their implementation into a computer simulation to analyze the process behavior. The processes represented in Part C cover a cross-section of important manufacturing processes and maintain a balance between processes that use short fibers and continuous fibrous materials.