This book summarizes the state ofthe art research presented at the Fourth International Conference on Frontiers of Polymersand Advanced Materialsheld in Cairo, Egypt in January 4-9, 1997. This conference follows the successful conferences held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1995, in Jakarta, Indonesia in 1993 andin New Delhi, India in 1991. These conferences focussed on the most recent and important advances in a wide range of carefully chosen subject areas dealing with advanced materials, their science and technology and new business opportunities resulting from recent technological advances. As its predecessors, the conference held in Cairo was truly international with strong participation of 488 deiegales representing 37 countries from the USA and Egypt, as weil as Europe, South East Asia, Japan, South Africa and the Middle East. The conference was organized by the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology, The Arab Society ofMaterials Science and the State University ofNew Y ork at Butfalo. The stated goals ofthe conference were: * To highlight advances and new. findings in the general area of polymers and advanced materials. - * T o foster global collaboration between the USA, Egypt and other nations in the general field of polymers and advanced materials. * To promote the development of scientific ilifrastructure in this field among the different participating countries, especially in the Middle East. * To create a basisforfuture long-term scientific exchanges between the USA and Egypt, and/or other countries.

Synthetic and Natural Nanofillers in Polymer Composites: Properties and Applications provides a detailed review of nanofiller-based composite materials and structures and discusses their current and potential applications in industrial sectors. The book covers the mechanisms of using nanofillers as reinforcement, materials selection, properties and performance, structures, design solutions, and manufacturing techniques. A broad range of different material classes are also discussed, with an emphasis on advanced materials. Other topics covered include the development and performance analysis of hybrid composites, their lifecycle analysis, the effects of different fiber loadings, and mechanical, thermal and electrical performance. This book will be a valuable reference resource for materials scientists, engineers and academic and industrial researchers working in the field of polymer composites, specifically nanocomposites and applications based on synthetic and nanofiller-reinforced composites.

This series presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics and materials science. It is addressed to all scientists at universities and in industry who wish to keep abreast of advances in the topics covered.

Impact Factor Ranking: Always number one in Polymer Science. More information as well as the electronic version of the whole content available at: www.springerlink.com

3 In 1992 the annual world production of plastics reached 102 x 1()6m at a value of 3 over US$300 billion, while that of steel was 50 x1()6m ata value ofUS$l25 billion (Table 1. 1). Furthermore, from 1980 to 1990, plastics production increased by 62%, while thatofsteeldecreasedby 21%. Considering theunevenpolymerconsumption around theworld, polymerproductionwillhave toincreasebya factor often before currently recorded levels ofplastics sales in developed countries willbe universally reached. Polymers are the fastest growing structural materials. In addition, the polymer blend segment of the plastics industry increases at a rate about three times higher than thewhole. The aim of thisbook is to trace the historicalevolution of the polymer blends industry. Table 1. 1 World production of steel and plastics for 1992 Production Steel Plastics 410 102. Production volume (Mt/year) 3 Production volume (M(m )/year) 51 102 Production value (billion US$/year) 125 310 Growth from 1980to 1990 (%) -21 -1;62, . 121 Mt/year in 1996 A polymer (from the Greek poly = manyand meros = units) is a substancecomposed ofmacromoleculesbuiltby covalentlyjoiningatleast50 molecular segments, called mel'S. The word polymer was introduced in 1832 by Jons Jacob Berzelius for sub stances thatmayhaveidenticalchemicalcompositionbutdifferinmolecularweight (e. g., acetylene, benzene and styrene, having the formula CnH with n == 2,6and 8, n respectively). During the years 1859-1863, Louren o reported that condensation of ethylene glycol with ethylene dibromide resulted in a mixture of ethers, whose members, separated by distillation, were identified as HD-(C2l4D-)n-H with n == 2 to 6 (Stahl, 1981)."

CO2-philic Polymers, Nanocomposites and Chemical Solvents: Capture, Conversion and Industrial Products is a multidisciplinary book that provides a compilation of concrete information on various polymers, porous materials hydrogels, membranes, nanoparticles, biochar metal-organic frameworks, bioinspired surfaces, polysaccharides, organic solvents, chemicals, eutectic solvents, amine-based chemical compounds, porphyrins, ionic liquids, ceramics and cutting-edge technologies for CO2 sequestration and conversion. Each chapter covers the latest developments and methods of synthesis and applications in the area. The book discusses, in detail, valuable commercial products from CO2, such as ethanol, methanol, formic acid, and precursors of other fine chemicals. The book covers the scientific, technological and practical concepts concerning the research, development and realization of CO2-philic polymers, nanocomposites and chemical solvents. This makes it a valuable resource for academic researchers and graduate students in chemical engineering, materials science and chemical engineers/engineers working in the industry.

Nanocomposites-Advanced Materials for Energy and Environmental Aspects provides a brief introduction to metal oxides. The book then discusses novel fabrication methodologies and eco-friendly methods for using a broad range of metal oxide-based nanocomposites in innovative ways. Key aspects include fundamental characteristics of environmentally sustainable fabrication of materials for solar power, power generation and the textiles industries. Commercialization and economic aspects that are currently of major significance are also discussed in detail. The book represents an important information resource for material scientists and engineers to create the next generation of products and devices for energy and environmental applications. Metal and metal oxide-based nanocomposites are at the heart of some of the most exciting developments in the field of energy and environmental research. They have exceptional properties and are utilized in electronic and environmental sensing devices, for energy storage, electrode materials, fuel cells, membranes, and more.

This highlights ongoing research efforts on different aspects of polymer nanocomposites and explores their potentials to exhibit multi-functional properties. In this context, it addresses both fundamental and advanced concepts, while delineating the parameters and mechanisms responsible for these potentials. Aspects considered include embrittlement/toughness; wear/scratch behaviour; thermal stability and flame retardancy; barrier, electrical and thermal conductivity; and optical and magnetic properties. Further, the book was written as a coherent unit rather than a collection of chapters on different topics. As such, the results, analyses and discussions presented herein provide a guide for the development of a new class of multi-functional nanocomposites. Offering an invaluable resource for materials researchers and postgraduate students in the polymer composites field, they will also greatly benefit materials

Although plastics are extremely successful commercially, they would never reach acceptable performance standards either in properties or processing without the incorporation of additives. With the inclusion of additives, plastics can be used in a variety of areas competing directly with other materials, but there are still many challenges to overcome. Some additives are severely restricted by legislation, others interfere with each other-in short their effectiveness varies with circumstances. Plastics Additives explains these issues in an alphabetical format making them easily accessible to readers, enabling them to find specific information on a specific topic. Each additive is the subject of one or more articles, providing a suffinct account of each given topic. An international group of experts in additive and polymer science, from many world class companies and institutes, explain the recent rapid changes in additive technology. They cover novel additives (scorch inhibitors, compatibilizers, surface-modified particulates etc.), the established varieties (antioxidants, biocides, antistatic agents, nucleating agents, fillers, fibres, impact modifiers, plasticizers) and many others, the articles also consider environmental concerns, interactions between additives and legislative change. With a quick reference guide and introductory articles that provide the non-specialist and newcomer with relevant information, this reference book is essential reading for anyone concerned with plastics and additives.

This volume describes new insights into the main aspects of rubber degradation by material's fatigue, wear and aging evolution, as well as their impact on mechanical rubber properties. It provides a thorough state-of-art explanation of the essential chemical, physical and mechanical principles as well as practices of material characterization for wear prediction, and to convey or define novel strategies and procedures of planning effective wear test programs. The initiating factors of abrasion, the development of surface abrasion on sharp and blunt tracks (so called cutting and chipping) and the influence of smear and lubricants is also summarized. The volume is of interest to research scientists in related fields from academia and industry.

This book should be of interest to manufacturers of plastics products and fillers, plastics designers, engineers and polymer chemists.

In this book, the authors have assembled a systematic set of design parameters describing short and long term mechanical, thermal, electrical, fire and environmental performance, etc. for composites based primarily on continuous glass, aramid and carbon fibres in thermosetting and thermoplastic matrices.

The applications of biocomposite materials are increasing in aerospace, automobile, and household items due to their biodegradable, renewable, non-corrosion, and high strength to weight ratio properties. The processing and characterization of biofiber-reinforced biocomposite materials are vital for their strength and performance. This book discusses the properties, chemical treatment, and compatibility of biofibers with materials.

Although polypropylene has been marketed since the 1950s, research and development in this area is still vigorous. The consumption of polypropylene over the years has been relatively high, mainly due to the steady improvement of its property profile. Polypropylene: Structures, Blends and Composites, in three separate volumes, reflects on the key factors which have contributed to the success of polypropylene, dealing with all aspects of structure-performance relationships relevant to thermoplastic polymers and related composites. Volume 1, Structure and Morphology, deals with polymorphism in polypropylene homo- and copolymers, where molecular and supermolecular structures are covered, and the processing-induced structure development of polypropylene, showing the interrelation between the processing-induced morphology and mechanical performance. Volume 2, Copolymers and Blends, contains comprehensive surveys of the nucleation and crystallisation behaviour of the related systems. It includes the development of morphology and its effects on rheological and mechanical properties of polypropylene-based alloys and blends and a review of polypropylene-based thermoplastic elastomers. Volume 3, Composites, gives a comprehensive overview of filled and reinforced systems with polypropylene as a matrix material, with the main emphasis on processing-structure-property-interrelationships. Chapters cover all aspects of particulate filled, chopped fibre-, fibre mat- and continuous fibre-reinforced composites. Interfacial phenomena, such as adhesion, wetting and interfacial crystallisation, are also included as important aspects of this subject.

The Science and Technology of Flexible Packaging: Multilayer Films from Resin and Process to End Use, Second Edition provides a comprehensive guide on plastic films in flexible packaging, covering scientific principles, materials properties, processes and end use considerations. Sections discuss the science of multilayer films in a concise and impactful way, presenting the fundamental understanding required to improve product design, material selection and processes. In addition, the book includes information on why one material is favored over another and how film or coating affects material properties. Descriptions and analysis of key properties of packaging films are provided from engineering and scientific perspectives. With essential scientific insights, best practice techniques, environmental sustainability information and key principles of structure design, this book provides information aids in material selection and processing, how to shorten development times and deliver stronger products, and ways to enable engineers and scientists to deliver superior products with reduced development time and cost.

In August, 1996, the ACS Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering hosted a symposium on Interfacial Aspects of Multicomponent Polymer Materials at the Orlando, Florida, American Chemical Society meeting. Over 50 papers and posters were presented. The symposium proper was preceded by a one-day workshop, where the. basics of this relatively new field were developed. This edited book is a direct outcome of the symposium and workshop. Every object in the universe has surfaces and interfaces. A surface is defined as that part of a material in contact with either a gas or a vacuum. An interface is defined as that part of a material in contact with a condensed phase, be it liquid or solid. Surfaces of any substance are different from their interior. The appearance of surface or interfacial tension is one simple manifestation. Polymer blends and composites usually contain very finely divided phases, which are literally full of interfaces. Because interfaces are frequently weak mechanically, they pose special problems in the manufacture of strong, tough plastics, adhesives, elastomers, coatings, and fibers. This book provides a series of papers addressing this issue. Some papers delineate the nature of the interface both chemically and physically. The use of newer instrumental methods and new theories are described. Concepts of interdiffusion and entanglement are developed. Other papers describe state-of-the-art approaches to improving the interface, via graft and block copolymers, direct covalent bonding, hydrogen bonding, and more.

There has been growing interest in heterogeneous systems as the contribution they make to polymer science and technology increases. Under heterogeneous conditions, the preparation and modification of polymers may yield products very different in structure, properties and chemistry from those formed in solution under analogous conditions. Heterogeneous Modification of Polymers covers the basic principles relevant to such systems, outlines the prospective developments leading to novel products and technologies and discusses both surface as well as the heterogeneously conducted bulk modifications of polymeric materials. A need has arisen for a volume which makes the distinction between homogeneous systems and is devoted entirely to heterogeneity and the specific characterizations of these reactions. Professor Jagur-Grodzinski's book meets this need and will be invaluable to researchers and postgraduate students in this area of polymer science.

The progress in polymer science is revealed in the chapters of "Polymer Science: A Comprehensive Reference." In Volume 1, this is reflected in the improved understanding of the properties of polymers in solution, in bulk and in confined situations such as in thin films. Volume 2 addresses new characterization techniques, such as high resolution optical microscopy, scanning probe microscopy and other procedures for surface and interface characterization. Volume 3 presents the great progress achieved in precise synthetic polymerization techniques for vinyl monomers to control macromolecular architecture: the development of metallocene and post-metallocene catalysis for olefin polymerization, new ionic polymerization procedures, and atom transfer radical polymerization, nitroxide mediated polymerization, and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer systems as the most often used controlled/living radical polymerization methods. Volume 4 is devoted to kinetics, mechanisms and applications of ring opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers and cycloolefins (ROMP), as well as to various less common polymerization techniques. Polycondensation and non-chain polymerizations, including dendrimer synthesis and various "click" procedures, are covered in Volume 5. Volume 6 focuses on several aspects of controlled macromolecular architectures and soft nano-objects including hybrids and bioconjugates. Many of the achievements would have not been possible without new characterization techniques like AFM that allowed direct imaging of single molecules and nano-objects with a precision available only recently. An entirely new aspect in polymer science is based on the combination of bottom-up methods such as polymer synthesis and molecularly programmed self-assembly with top-down structuring such as lithography and surface templating, as presented in Volume 7. It encompasses polymer and nanoparticle assembly in bulk and under confined conditions or influenced by an external field, including thin films, inorganic-organic hybrids, or nanofibers. Volume 8 expands these concepts focusing on applications in advanced technologies, e.g. in electronic industry and centers on combination with top down approach and functional properties like conductivity. Another type of functionality that is of rapidly increasing importance in polymer science is introduced in volume 9. It deals with various aspects of polymers in biology and medicine, including the response of living cells and tissue to the contact with biofunctional particles and surfaces. The last volume is devoted to the scope and potential provided by environmentally benign and green polymers, as well as energy-related polymers. They discuss new technologies needed for a sustainable economy in our world of limited resources.
Provides broad and in-depth coverage of all aspects of polymer science from synthesis/polymerization, properties, and characterization methods and techniques to nanostructures, sustainability and energy, and biomedical uses of polymersProvides a definitive source for those entering or researching in this area by integrating the multidisciplinary aspects of the science into one unique, up-to-date reference workElectronic version has complete cross-referencing and multi-media componentsVolume editors are world experts in their field (including a Nobel Prize winner)

This first comprehensive overview of reactive extrusion technology for over a decade combines the views of contributors from both academia and industry who share their experiences and highlight possible applications and markets. They also provide updated information on the underlying chemical and physical concepts, summarizing recent developments in terms of the material and machinery used. As a result, readers will find here a compilation of potential applications for reactive extrusion to access new and cost-effective polymeric materials, while using existing compounding machines.

This volume discusses the role of ZIF-8 composites in water decontamination as an adsorbent and photocatalyst. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are advanced porous materials and are promising adsorbents with facile modifications, high specific surface area, controllable porosity, and tailored surface properties. Water pollution is a major concern and has endangered human health. Recently, researchers have designed MOFs for use in remediation.

With conventional materials contributing greatly to environmental waste, biodegradable and natural composites have grown in interest and display low environmental impact at low cost across a wide range of applications. This book provides an overview of different biodegradable and natural composites and focuses on efforts into increasing their mechanical performance to extend their capabilities and applications.

Polymers are permeable, whilst ceramics, glasses and metals are gener ally impermeable. This may seem a disadvantage in that polymeric containers may allow loss or contamination of their contents and aggressive substances such as water will diffuse into polymeric struc tures such as adhesive joints or fibre-reinforced composites and cause weakening. However, in some cases permeability is an advantage, and one particular area where this is so is in the use of polymers in drug delivery systems. Also, without permeable polymers, we would not enjoy the wide range of dyed fabrics used in clothing and furnishing. The fundamental reason for the permeability of polymers is their relatively high level of molecular motion, a factor which also leads to their high levels of creep in comparison with ceramics, glasses and metals. The aim of this volume is to examine some timely applied aspects of polymer permeability. In the first chapter basic issues in the mathema tics of diffusion are introduced, and this is followed by two chapters where the fundamental aspects of diffusion in polymers are presented. The following chapters, then, each examine some area of applied science where permeability is a key issue. Each chapter is reasonably self-contained and intended to be informative without frequent outside reference. This inevitably leads to some repetition, but it is hoped that this is not excessive."