Electroactive polymers have been the object of increasing academic and industrial interest and in the past ten to fifteen years substantial progress has been achieved in the development and the characterization of this important new class of conducting materials. These materials are usually classified in two large groups, according to the mode of their electric transport. One group includes polymers having transport almost exclusively of the ionic type and they are often called 'polymer electrolytes' or, in a broader way, 'polymer ionics'. The other group includes polymeric materials where the transport mechanism is mainly electronic in nature and which are commonly termed 'conducting polymers'. Ionically conducting polymers or polymer ionics may be typically described as polar macromolecular solids in which one or more of a wide range of salts has been dissolved. The most classic example is the combina tion of poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, and lithium salts, LiX. These PEO-LiX polymer ionics were first described and proposed for applications just over ten years ago. The practical relevance of these new materials was im mediately recognized and in the course of a few years the field expanded tremendously with the involvement of many academic and industrial lab oratories. Following this diversified research activity, the ionic transport mechanism in polymer ionics was soon established and this has led to the development of new host polymers of various types, new salts and advanced polymer architectures which have enabled room temperature conductivity to be raised by several orders of magnitude."

This work covers the chemistry and physics of polymeric materials and their uses in the fields of electronics, photonics, and biomedical engineering. It discusses the relationship between polymeric supermolecular structures and ferroelectric, piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties.

Modern power systems have undergone tremendous progress due to the implementation of new technologies. With these advancements, the standards for insulation materials must be enhanced and revitalized. Accelerating the Discovery of New Dielectric Properties in Polymer Insulation is a pivotal source of academic research on emerging trends in the properties, applications, and developments of polymer dielectrics. Highlighting a range of relevant perspectives on topics such as high thermal conductivity, power storage, and wind energy, this book is ideally designed for students, professionals, academics, and practitioners interested in the optimization of power system infrastructures.

Based on the Fourth Symposium on Particles on Surfaces held recently during the Annual Meeting of the Fine Particle Society in Las Vegas, Nevada, this useful reference presents the latest techniques for the detection, identification, analysis, characterization, and removal of particles found on a wide variety of surfaces. Covering the fundamental aspects of the discipline as well as the most recent developments and exploring a host of procedures, including light scattering, spectroscopic, x-ray fluorescence, sonication, spray impingement, liquid jets, fluorocarbon surfactant solutions, and laser cleaning, Particles on Surfaces examines adhesion induced particle deformation ... the use of atomic force microscopy in probing particle-particle adhesion ... particle contamination in the fields of microelectronics aerospace, and optical surfaces ... the role of air ionization in reducing surface contamination by particles in the cleanroom ... abrasive blasting media for a contamination-free deburring process ... particle generation and control in tubing and piping connection design ... focused acoustic waves for the investigation of particle behavior ... and much more. With over 900 literature citations, tables, photographs, drawings, and equations, Particles on Surfaces is an excellent resource for physical, surface, colloid, polymer and adhesion chemists; chemical and assembly engineers; material scientists; semiconductor, microelectronics, and head and disc manufacturers; cleanroom designers; contamination control technologists in the aerospace, automotive, optics, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries; and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Volume one deals primarily with the basic principles of radiation curing: UV-curing; EB-curing; microwave curing; oligomer/resin technology; chemistry of imaging science; testing methods; equipment; coatings applications and emerging trends in photopolymers for holographic recording and laser induced reactions.

Some have predicted that the coming several decades will be the decades of "biotechnology," wherein cancer, birth defects, life span increases, cosmetics, biodegradation, oil spills and exploration, solid waste disposal, and almost every aspect of our material life will be affected by this new area of science. There will also be an extension of emphasis on giant molecules: DNA, enzymes, polysaccharides, lignins, proteins, hemoglobin, and many others. Biotechnology has been defined in various ways. In one sense, this field is older than human history and references to the human use of biotechnology-derived materials can be found in the oldest human writings, such as the Bible. In this book, biotechnology refers to the direct usage of naturally occurring materials or their uses as a feedstock, including the associated biological activities and applications of these materials. Bioactive polymers, on the other hand, are polymers which exert some type of activity on living organisms. These polymers are used in agriculture, controlled release systems, medicine and many other areas. The papers in this book describe polymers which essentially combine features of biotechnology and bioactivity.

Contents:
Contributors: Ian Connell, Ann N. Crigler, James Curran, Peter Dahlgren, Klaus Jakubowicz, Todd Gitlin, Michael Gurevitch, Suzanne Hasselbach, Mark R. Levy, Paolo Mancini, John M. Phelan, Vincent Porter, Itzhak Roeh, Colin Sparks, Liesbet van Zoonen

The book is an excellent reference for scientists, researchers and students working in the field of areas of biopolymeric biomaterials, biomedical engineering, therapeutics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The book is divided into two parts: Part I will focus on the tissue engineering and Part II focuses on therapeutics, functionalization and computer-aided techniques. The book consists of 13 chapters contributed by 20 international contributors who are leading experts in the field of biopolymers and its applications. It will focus on the advancements of chitin and chitosan in regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine in tissue engineering is the process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish normal function. It is an incredibly progressive field of medicine that may, in the near future, help with the shortage of life-saving organs available through donation for transplantation vis-a-vis regenerative medicine focuses on therapeutics, functionalization and computer-aided techniques. It also covers physical and chemical aspects of chitin and chitosan, structural modifications for biomedical applications, chitosan based scaffolds and biomodelling in tissue engineering, nanomedicines and therapeutic applications. With the broad range of applications, the world is waiting for biopolymers to serve as the basis for regenerative medicine and biomedical applications.

The second edition of this reference provides comprehensive examinations of developments in the processing and applications of carbon black, including the use of new analytical tools such as scanning tunnelling microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and inverse gas chromatography.;Completely rewritten and updated by numerous experts in the field to reflect the enormous growth of the field since the publication of the previous edition, Carbon Black: discusses the mechanism of carbon black formation based on recent advances such as the discovery of fullerenes; elucidates micro- and macrostructure morphology and other physical characteristics; outlines the fractal geometry of carbon black as a new approach to characterization; reviews the effect of carbon black on the electrical and thermal conductivity of filled polymers; delineates the applications of carbon black in elastomers, plastics, and zerographic toners; and surveys possible health consequences of exposure to carbon black.;With over 1200 literature citations, tables, and figures, this resource is intended for physical, polymer, surface and colloid chemists; chemical and plastics engineers; spectroscopists; materials scientists; occupational safety and health physicians; and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

This is a complete illustrated guide and reference to today's plastic films for packaging. All significant aspects of plastic films for packaging are clearly and concisely presented: from materials, processes and machinery to applications and regulatory, social and economic considerations. More than 70 schematics illustrate materials, processes and package constructions. More than 30 tables provide important reference data in convenient form. The authors are leading authorities on plastic packaging films with first-hand experience in the R&D of many of today's widely used films. Published in cooperation with the Institute of Packaging Professionals.

Expanding Monomers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications provides a thorough discussion of expanding polymer systems and their potential applications. The scope of the book includes background information on conventional monomers, their polymeric systems, and associated shrinkage problems. Monomers that expand during polymerization are covered in detail, including their synthesis and characterization. Polymerization (homopolymerization and copolymerization) of expanding monomers is discussed, in addition to mechanisms and kinetics of several polymerization processes, such as cationic initiation and free radical ring-opening polymerization. The book also explores various applications in which expanding polymer systems have potential. These applications include coatings, casting and potting materials, composite adhesives, and electrical insulations. Expanding Monomers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications will be valuable as a reference for manufacturers, researchers, teachers, and students in polymer and materials science, in addition to industry and university libraries.

This book contains the plenary lectures from international experts, which were presented during the International Conference Polymer Networks, held in Moscow, April 1991. The book covers different areas of physics and chemistry of polymer networks, generated by the formation of chemical bonds. New theoretical and experimental results concerning the synthesis, structure and properties of such networks as recently obtained in scientific centres world-wide are extensively presented.

Saponins are glycosides of triterpenes, steroids or steroidal alkaloids. They can be found in plants and marine organisms. Very diverse biological activities are ascribed to saponins and they play important roles in food, animal feedstuffs, and pharmaceutical properties. This volume provides a selection of recent work on saponins presented at a symposium in Pulawy, Poland, in 1999. Many different aspects are treated: analysis, separation, biological activities, relevant use in human and animal nutrition, and ecological significance. This book will be of use to researchers both in universities and industry.

This is a book on one of the most fascinating and controversial areas in contemporary science of carbon, chemistry, and materials science. It concisely summarizes the state of the art in topical and critical reviews written by professionals in this and related fields.

This book presents select proceedings of the APA Bioforum International e-Conference on Polymeric Biomaterials & Bioengineering (APA Bioforum 2021). This book mainly focuses on developing innovative polymeric materials for bioengineering and human healthcare systems. This book helps in the understanding of molecular architecture and its role in governing physical characteristics which is extremely useful to understand the interactions with the biosystem. The topics covered include polymer synthesis, biopolymers, biomaterials, smart materials, nanotechnology, tissue engineering, wound care system, hydrogel, targeted drug delivery, water decontamination and purification. The book will be a valuable reference for beginners, researchers and professionals interested in polymeric materials and biomaterials.

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.

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.

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)."

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 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

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.