The third volume of the Handbook of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) focusses on the production of functionalized PHA bio-polyesters, the post-synthetic modification of PHA, processing and additive manufacturing of PHA, development and properties of PHA-based (bio)composites and blends, the market potential of PHA and follow-up materials, different bulk- and niche applications of PHA, and the fate and use of spent PHA items. Divided into fourteen chapters, it describes functionalized PHA and PHA modification, processing and their application including degradation of spent PHA-based products and fate of these bio-polyesters during compositing and other disposal strategies. Aimed at graduate students and professionals in Polymer science, chemical engineering and bioprocessing, it: Covers current state of the art in the development of chemically modifiable PHA including mult-istep modifications of isolated biopolyesters, short syntheses of monomer feedstocks and so forth. Describes design of functionalized PHA-based polymeric materials by chemical modification . Illustrates preparation of bioactive oligomers derived from microbial PHA and synthetic analogues of natural PHA oligomers. Discusses processing and thermomechanical properties of PHA. Reviews advantages of PHA against other bio-based and conventional polymers with current applications and potential uses of PHA-based polymers highlighting innovative products.

This book is divided into 5 sections starting with an historic perspective and fundamental aspects on the synthesis and recognition by imprinted polymers. The second section contains 8 up-to-date overview chapters on current approaches to molecular and ion imprinting. This is followed by two chapters on new material morphologies and in the last two sections various analytical applications of imprinted polymers are given, with the last four chapters devoted to the promising field of imprinted polymers in chemical sensors.
The authors of this volume have widely different backgrounds; mainly polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and analytical chemistry, which means that this book has an interdisciplinary character and should appeal to a broad audience.

This practical guide for managers and engineers in the plastics industry shows how to reduce high noise levels which often occur in the workplace and reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing damage to employees. Practical methods for reducing noise from industrial machinery are described and illustrated with about twenty-five case studies relating to plastics processing machines such as granulators, shredders, extruders and injection moulders. Noise-control techniques include standard noise-control measures: enclosures, silencers and the use of sound insulating, sound-absorbing materials, vibration isolation and damping; and now the use of active noise control methods. Along with fresh case studies this new edition adds chapters on environmental noise, on European Union machinery noise emission regulations, hearing protection, prediction of noise levels, and the design of quieter workplaces.

The Role of Surface Modification on Bacterial Adhesion of Bio-implant Materials: Machining, Characterization, and Applications, explores the relationship between the surface roughness of artificial implants used for hard tissue replacement and their bacterial adhesion. It summarizes the reason for the failure of implants, the mechanisms of bacterial formation on implant surfaces, and the fundamental and established methods of implant surface modification techniques. It provides readers with an organized and rational representation about implant manufacturing and mechanical surface modification. It also explores the use of developed unidirectional abrasive flow finishing processes to finish biomaterials at the nano-level. It is an invaluable guide for academics, graduate students, biomaterial scientists, and manufacturing engineers researching implants, related infections, and implant manufacturing. Key Features: Explores implant related infections Discusses surface modification techniques Contains information on the mechanical finishing processes and complete guide on developed cutting edge unidirectional abrasive flow finishing technology

Increasing attention is being given to the use of concrete-polymer composites as high performance and multi-functional materials in the construction industry, as well as in mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering. Particular interest is being given to these materials in Japan and other East Asian countries. This book forms the proceedings of the Second East Asia Symposium on Polymers in Concrete (II-EASPIC) held under the auspices of the Japan Charter of ICPIC (the International Congress on Polymers in Concrete). Papers are presented by international experts from thirteen different countries. Many aspects of the subject are discussed, including: new developments in the theory and practice of polymer composites; studies of their performance; appropriate manufacturing techniques and materials selection processes; their structural design; various types of concrete using polymers; methods of restoration and conservation using composites; overlays; adhesives and coating used in concrete works, special innovative developments and techniques for recycling.

The modern tire is the most complex, composite product in mass production. Yet given its complexity and required performance, there is little information in the public domain regarding its development. This book provides an introduction to tire design, construction, and manufacturing in the context of materials technologies used today, along with future trends and disrupting technologies. Focuses on design and construction Discusses the relationship between materials and performance Reviews tire uniformity as a key differentiator among manufacturers Evaluates design and construction features versus performance Written for engineers in the polymer, industrial, chemical, mechanical, and automotive industries, this book offers a comprehensive view of tire design, including materials selection, construction, manufacturing, quality control, and future trends.

An in-depth review of important preparative methods for the synthesis and chemical modification of polymers, this authoritative second edition examines the advantages and limitations of various polymerization applications and procedures. It features new approaches and innovative strategies from the most prominent industry and academic laboratories, reflecting the burgeoning role of polymers in modern science and technology. The book analyzes biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications; investigates the use of polyolefins, polymeric dienes, aromatic polyethers, polymides, and metal-containing macromolecules; and covers polymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and maleic acid.

This revised and expanded single-source reference analyzes all compounding material classes of dry rubber compounds, such as carbon blacks, platicizers and age resisters, integrating detailed information on how elastomers are built up. The work provides practical compounding tips on how to avoid oil or antioxidant bloom, how to adjust electrical conductivity and how to meet volume swell requirements.;This second edition: provides material on government regulations regarding rubber waste; presents current insights into the fast-growing polymer technology of thermoplastic elastomers; discusses the ramifications of the commercial availability of epoxidized natural rubber; and offers a comprehensive tabular chart on the properties of polymers.

Polymer Processing Instabilities: Control and Understanding offers a practical understanding of the various flows that occur during the processing of polymer melts. The book pays particular attention to flow instabilities that affect the rate of production and the methods used to prevent and eliminate flow instabilities in order to increase production rates and enhance manufacturing efficiency. Polymer Processing Instabilities: Control and Understanding summarizes experimental observations of flow instabilities that occur in numerous processing operations such as extrusion, injection molding, fiber spinning, film casting, and film blowing for a wide range of materials, including most commodity polymers that are processed as melts at temperatures above their melting point or as concentrated solutions at lower temperatures. The book first presents the fundamental principles in rheology and flow instabilities. It relates the operating conditions with flow curves, the critical wall shear stress for the onset of the instabilities, and new visualization techniques with numerical modeling and molecular structure. It reviews one-dimensional phenomenological relaxation/oscillation models describing the experimental pressure and flow rate oscillations, analyzes the gross melt fracture (GMF) instability, and examines how traditional and non-traditional processing aids eliminate melt fracture and improve polymer processability. It supplies a numerical approach for the investigation of the linear viscoelastic stability behavior of simplified injection molding flows and examines a newly discovered family of instabilities that occur in co-extrusion. Polymer Processing Instabilities: Control and Understanding is unique in that it fills a gap in the polymer processing literature where polymer flow instabilities are not treated in-depth in any book. It summarizes state-of-the-art developments in the field, particularly those of the last ten years, and contains significant data based on this research.

From Reports in Volume 5: "Recently polymer blends have emerged as one of the most important areas of research activity in the field of polymer science and technology. Because of their satisfactory performance in meeting specific needs of the polymer industry, they have drawn considerable attention in replacing not only many conventional materials, but also some of the polymers that are in vogue. By suitably varying the blend compositions and manipulating the processing conditions, tailor-made products with a unique set of end use properties can be achieved at a much lower cost and within a shorter time than would have been necessary for the development of a new polymer. The usefulness of such blends increases with the increasing range of applications of this type of materials." (Chapter 4) "New and growing demands on polymeric materials cannot be satisfied in future by an assortment extension of basic polymers. Although the introduction of new major-use basic polymer is possible, it seems unlikely in view of current projected economic and technical considerations. On the other hand, new products based on the modification of existing polymers have and will continue to be fruitful areas for both scientific and commercial developments. The driving forces for these developments are: 1. Improved performance, 2. Reduced cost, 3. Present, pending and future legislation dealing with health and environmental issues." (Chapter 11)

Since the early 1970s the subject of biodegradable plastics has acquired a rapidly growing literature of academic research papers. It has also acquired a formidable volume of patent documentation and all this has been over whelmed by an astonishing quantity of serious media and political com ment. A new entrant into any technical arena w. ould, in most technologies, simply visit their technical library and pick up a text book on the subject in the expectation of absorbing the basic facts before launching into the daily task of updating and evaluating. Scientific conferences have produced many substantial volumes carrying the word 'biodegradable' on their covers, and there has even been a specialist monograph on the topic of bacterially produced polymers but, surprisingly, no book has yet emerged providing a general survey of the subject. Having devoted half my pro fessional career to the subject of biodegradable plastics I agreed to take on the editorial job of producing such a book when asked by the publisher. I knew that the task of finding expert specialists and persuading them to contribute dispassionate accounts of their specialisms would not be easy, but the difficulties that I have encountered were far greater than I expected. Some were simply too busy, others were involved in patent disputes or commercial negotiations. In giving an account of the work that I and my students carried out at BruneI University I believe that I have written in a manner that displays enthusiasm without prejudice."

Electrical Properties of Polymers describes the electric phenomena responsible for determining the chemical and supramolecular structure of polymers and polymeric materials. The authors explore the properties of quasi-static dipoles, reviewing Brownian motion, Debye theory, Langevin and Smoluchowski equations, and the Onsager model. This reference displays Maxwell and entropy equations, along with several others, that depict the thermodynamics of dielectric relaxation. Featuring end-of-chapter problems and useful appendices, the book reviews molecular dynamics simulations of dynamic dielectric properties and inspects mean-square dipole moments of gases, liquids, polymers, and fixed conformations.

New synthetic techniques allow chemists to modify polymer microstructures more precisely than ever, making it possible to design materials that meet increasingly demanding performance requirements. Written and edited by experts in the field, Stereoselective Polymerization with Single-Site Catalysts reviews how the relative stereochemistry of polymer chains affects polymer properties and presents the latest strategies for developing tactic polymers using single-site catalysis. This unified volume explains the mechanistic basics of tactic polymerizations, beginning with an extensive survey of the most important classes of metallocene and post-metallocene catalysts used to make polypropylenes. It also focuses on tactic stereoblock and ethylene/propylene copolymers and catalyst active site models, followed by chapters discussing the structure of more stereochemically complex polymers and polymerizations that proceed via non-vinyl-addition mechanisms. Individual chapters thoroughly describe tactic polymerizations of -olefins, styrene, dienes, acetylenes, lactides, epoxides, acrylates, and cyclic monomers, as well as cyclopolymerizations and ditactic structures, olefin/CO polymers, and metathesis polyalkenamers. An ideal reference and supplementary text, Stereoselective Polymerization with Single-Site Catalysts enables both new and experienced chemists to better understand tactic polymers and select appropriate catalyst systems for their preparation.

Polyurethane sealants are used in many high-volume applications such as construction and automotive. This volume provides an in-depth, illustrated survey of both the technology and applications. The detailed information will be useful to all those involved in the research, development, processing, evaluation and use of sealants for high-volume applications.

The basic problem of polymer physics is obtaining aEURO~structure-propertiesaEURO (TM) correlations for their future application for practical purposes. However, these cannot be obtained without the development of a quantitative model of the polymer structure. This problem has been actively investigated during the last 45 years, which resulted in obtaining a great amount of experimental (mostly indirect) proofs of existence of the local order in the polymer amorphous state. Now, the time has come for creating a structural model of polymer basing based on the local order ideas. The cluster model, as presented in this monograph, of the polymer amorphous state structure represents the realization of such attempts. The development of this cluster model is based on well-known experimental observation: the behavior of glassy polymers in the area of stimulated high-elasticity plateau is described in the framework of rubber elasticity concepts. This gives an opportunity to present the local order (cluster) zone as a multifunctional entanglement of the physical network consisting of several collinear closely packed segments of different macromolecules (the amorphous analogue of crystallite with extended chains) and surrounded by a packless matrix. An independent method for assessing local order zone fraction in the structure has been elaborated. Segment length in the cluster equals the length of the chain statistical segment that gives a correlation between molecular and structural parameters of the polymer. Application of the cluster model allowed description and obtaining of analytical aEURO~structure-propertiesaEURO (TM) correlations for many processes proceeding in polymers: elasticity, yielding, degradation, transport, some thermodynamic processes, structural relaxation, plasticization, structural stabilization at thermo-oxidative degradation, etc. The relation between the cluster model and some modern physical concepts, for instance fractal analysis, fluctuation free volume kinetic

Science and Applications of Conducting Polymers emphasizes potential industrial applications of conducting polymers. The papers presented discuss the basic physics and chemistry of conducting polymers, followed by an in-depth examination of applications. The book is ideal for researchers in polymer physics, electronics, optics, and semiconductor physics.

Written and edited by experts on specialty elastomers applications in the mechanical and automotive products industries, the Handbook of Specialty Elastomers provides a single source reference for the design of compounds using specialty elastomers. This book defines specialty elastomers as heat-, oil-, fuel-, and solvent-resistant polymers. Each chapter examines individual elastomers in terms of development history, chemical composition, structure, and properties as well as processing methods, applications, and commercially available products. Covering their applications in the rubber, energy, chemicals, and oil industries, the book also discusses the use of antioxidants, antiozonants, vulcanization agents, plasticizers, and process aids for specialty elastomers. The concluding chapter details considerations and relevant processes-such as molding operations-involved in designing application-specific rubber components. The Handbook of Specialty Elastomers provides comprehensive insight into the processes and challenges of designing rubber formulations and specialty elastomeric components.

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.

Together, the nano explosion and the genomic revolution are ushering in a new frontier in drug delivery. In recent years we've seen how polymers can play a crucial role in controlling the rate of drug release, enhancing solubility and uptake, and limiting degradation and toxicity. In the very near future, they may well be used to deliver gene therapy. While Polymers in Drug Delivery offers much new insight for the veteran specialist, this work has been compiled with the non-specialist in mind. It includes contributions from many of the world's leading drug delivery specialists, yet avoids jargon and presents background information that initiates the next generation of scientists into the amazing work going on at the frontiers of this rapidly evolving science. Targeting specific issues at the forefront of drug delivery today, this engaging volume- * Outlines the issues that must be considered when selecting a polymer for fabricating a drug delivery agent or other medical devices * Explains the more commonly used methods by which polymers may be characterized prior to use * Profiles polymer matrices that have been used in the formulation of solid oral dosage forms, drug delivery scaffolds, and hydrogels * Examines the issues surrounding the encapsulation of biologics within microspheres * Explores the use of nanoparticulates, especially solid nanoparticles and nanocapsules prepared from largely-water-insoluble cyanoacrylate polymers * Discusses polymeric micelles and investigates the potential of soluble polymer prodrugs and polymer nanomedicines * Details the contribution made by polymers and dendrimers to the gene delivery effort, which may one day lead to effective treatments for largely incurable diseases Noting a dramatic paradigm shift that is bridging the gap between materials science and life science, the editor's have compiled this volume to paint an interdisciplinary portrait of drug delivery that will challenge young scientists to turn their attention and effort towards this critical branch of biomedicine. Containing state-of-the-art information for drug delivery scientists, it is also a great choice for medical and pharmaceutical students and others seeking an in-depth introduction to the field.

Polymer translocation occurs in many biological and biotechnological phenomena where electrically charged polymer molecules move through narrow spaces in crowded environments. Unraveling the rich phenomenology of polymer translocation requires a grasp of modern concepts of polymer physics and polyelectrolyte behavior. Polymer Translocation discusses universal features of polymer translocations and summarizes the key concepts of polyelectrolyte structures, electrolyte solutions, ionic flow, mobility of charged macromolecules, polymer capture by pores, and threading of macromolecules through pores. With approximately 150 illustrations and 850 equations, the book: Avoids heavy mathematics Uses examples to illustrate the richness of the phenomenon Introduces the entropic barrier idea behind polymer translocation Outlines conceptual components necessary for a molecular understanding of polymer translocation Provides mathematical formulas for the various quantities pertinent to polymer translocation The challenge in understanding the complex behavior of translocation of polyelectrolyte molecules arises from three long-range forces due to chain connectivity, electrostatic interactions, and hydrodynamic interactions. Polymer Translocation provides an overview of fundamentals, established experimental facts, and important concepts necessary to understand polymer translocation. Readers will gain detailed strategies for applying these concepts and formulas to the design of new experiments.

With the advent of polymer nanocomposites, research on polyolefin nanocomposites has grown exponentially. Correcting the deficiency of a meaningful text on these important materials, Advances in Polyolefin Nanocomposites: Sums up recent advances in nanoscale dispersion of filler in polyolefins Presents a basic introduction to polyolefin nanocomposite technology for the readers new to this field Provides insights on the use of technologies for polyolefins nanocomposites for commercial application Includes contributions from the most experienced researchers in the field Offers insights into the commercial usage of techniques The text uses theoretical models to illustrate the organic-inorganic interfaces in polyolefins and also provides a detailed description of the recently developed models for property prediction of these nanocomposites. It concentrates on developments with not only aluminosilicate fillers, but also with equally important fillers like layer double hydroxides and nanotubes. The authors review polyolefin nanocomposite technology and methodologies of generation, properties and generation of composite blends, and advances in synthesis of nanocomposites using solution blending methods. The book covers theoretical and experimental considerations of clay surface modification and the importance and effect of various prominent filler categories.

An analysis of polymer and composite rheology. This second edition covers flow properties of thermoplastic and thermoset polymers, and general principles and applications of all phases of polymer rheology, with new chapters on the rheology of particulate and fibre composites. It also includes new and expanded detail on polymer blends and emulsions, foams, reacting systems, and flow through porous media as well as composite processing operations.

Basic concepts on biodegradable biopolymer science are presented in this book, as well as techniques, analyses, standards, and essential criteria for the characterization of biodegradable materials obtained from biopolymers. The development and innovation of products and processes considering the environment are highlighted in this book. All of the applications described have been discussed from the point of view of sustainability. Additionally, this book highlights that biodegradability is a great burden when trying to replace, modify, and/or design existing products, and processes that are highly polluting. Finally, the present book concludes with reflections on the development of biopolymers in different areas, and some of their consequences depending on their biodegradability.

Independent, practical guidance on the structural design of polymer composites is provided for the first time in this book. Structural designers familiar with design of conventional structural materials such as steel and concrete will be able to use it to design a broad range of polymeric composites for structural applications, using glass fibre reinforced plastic materials, components, connections and assemblies.

FROM THE PREFACE The surface modification of polymeric materials has been the object of a large number of investigations, but little attention has been paid to making a polymer surface frictionless or slippery, and lubricating surfaces are practically unmentioned in any books so far published, probably because of the relatively minor importance of polymer friction in industrial applications. A lubricating polymer surface is important, especially in marine and biomedical technologies. For instance, biomaterials to be used for catheterization on the urinary, tracheal, and cardiovascular tracts, or for endoscopy, should have a surface with good handling characteristics when dry and which preferably becomes slippery upon contact with body liquids. Such a low-friction surface must enable easy insertion and removal of the device from a patient. It would further prevent mechanical injury to the mucous membranes and minimize discomfort to the patient. Earlier approaches to providing a low-friction surface were mostly simple applications involving lubricants such as lidocaine jelly, silicone oil, or non-permanent coating with low-friction materials such as polyethylene or fluoroplastics. However, these substances cannot maintain a high degree of slipperiness for the required duration of time, due to the fact that they leach or disperse into the surrounding body fluids. The aim of this book is to describe the principle of lubrication, to outline a variety of methods for attaining a lubricous surface, and to describe the characteristics and properties of such lubricous surfaces. The technology for surface modification of polymers by grafting will find other applications than for lubrication, such as for improvement of the interfacial adhesion in polymer composites.