This is a new, basic introduction to polymer science. It is both comprehensive and readable. The authors are leading educators in this field with extensive backgrounds in industrial and academic polymer research. The text starts with a description of the types of microstructures found in polymer materials. This provides an understanding of some of the key features of the various mechanisms of homopolymerization and copolymerization which are discussed in following chapters. Also discussed in these chapters are the kinetics and statistics of polymerization, with a separate chapter on the characterization of chain structure by spectroscopic methods. The next part of the text deals with chain conformation, structure and morphology, leading to a discussion of crystallization, melting and glass transition. The discussion then moves from solid state to solution properties where solution thermodynamics is introduced. This provides the basis for discussion of the measurement of molecular weight by various solution methods. The final chapter deals with mechanical and rheological properties which are discussed from a phenomenological continuum approach and then in terms of a fundamental molecular perspective. Altogether, this new text provides a comprehensive, readable introduction to and overview of polymer science. It is well illustrated with schematics prepared for this text to help in the understanding of key concepts. It will provide a basic understanding of today's polymer science for technical and engineering personnel not already familiar with the subject, and a convenient update and overview for materials scientists.

Biopolymers have the potential to cut carbon emissions and reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The carbon dioxide released when they degrade can be reabsorbed by plants, which makes them close to carbon neutral. Biopolymers are biodegradable and some are compostable, too. This book presents key topics on biopolymers, including their synthesis, characterization, and physiochemical properties, and discusses their applications in key areas such as biomedicine, agriculture, and environmental engineering. It will serve as an in-depth reference for the biopolymer industry-material suppliers and processors, producers, and fabricators-and engineers and scientists who are designing biopolymers or evaluating options for switching from traditional plastics to biopolymers.

This book provides a simplified and practical approach to designing with plastics that funda mentally relates to the load, temperature, time, and environment subjected to a product. It will provide the basic behaviors in what to consider when designing plastic products to meet performance and cost requirements. Important aspects are presented such as understanding the advantages of different shapes and how they influence designs. Information is concise, comprehensive, and practical. Review includes designing with plastics based on material and process behaviors. As de signing with any materials (plastic, steel, aluminum, wood, etc.) it is important to know their behaviors in order to maximize product performance-to-cost efficiency. Examples of many different designed products are reviewed. They range from toys to medical devices to cars to boats to underwater devices to containers to springs to pipes to buildings to aircraft to space craft. The reader's product to be designed can directly or indirectly be related to product design reviews in the book. Important are behaviors associated and interrelated with plastic materials (thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, reinforced plastics, etc.) and fabricating processes (extrusion, injec tion molding, blow molding, forming, foaming, rotational molding, etc.). They are presented so that the technical or non-technical reader can readily understand the interrelationships."

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.

- One of very few books available to cover this subject area.
- A practical book with a wealth of detail.

This book covers the major manufacturing processes for polymer matrix composites with an emphasis on continuous fibre-reinforced composites. It covers the major fabrication processes in detail.

Very few books cover the details of fabrication and assembly processes for composites. This book is intended for the engineer who wants to learn more about composite processing: any one with some experience in composites should be able to read it. The author, who has 34 years experience in the aerospace industry, has intentionally left out mathematical models for processes so the book will be readable by the general engineer.

It differs from other books on composites manufacturing in focussing almost solely on manufacturing processes, while not attempting to cover materials, test methods, mechanical properties and other areas of composites.

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.

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.

Phase morphology in multicomponent polymer-based systems represents the main physical characteristic that allows for control of the material design and implicitly the development of new plastics. Emphasizing properties of these promising new materials in both solution and solid phase, this book describes the preparation, processing, properties, and practical implications of advanced multiphase systems from macro to nanoscales. It covers a wide range of systems including copolymers, polymer blends, polymer composites, gels, interpenetrating polymers, and layered polymer/metal structures, describing aspects of polymer science, engineering, and technology. The book analyzes experimental and theoretical aspects regarding the thermal and electrical transport phenomena and magnetic properties of crucial importance in advanced technologies. It reviews the most recent advances concerning morphological, rheological, interfacial, physical, fire-resistant, thermophysical, and biomedical properties of multiphase polymer systems. Concomitantly the book deals with basic investigation techniques that are sensitive in elucidating the features of each phase. It also discusses the latest research trends that offer new solutions for advanced bio- and nanotechnologies. Introduces an overview of recent studies in the area of multiphase polymer systems, their micro- and nanostructural evolutions in advanced technologies, and provides future outlooks, new challenges and opportunities. Discusses multicomponent structures that offer enhanced physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties adapted to current requirements of modern technologies. Covers a wide range of materials, such as composites, blends, alloys, gels and interpenetrating polymer networks. Presents new strategies for controlling the micro- and nanomorphology and the mechanical properties of multiphase p

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.

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.

During the past 10 years a large variety of new multiphase polymer-based materials have been studied from a morphological point of view. Simultaneously, huge progress has been achieved in microscopy. These circumstances underline the need for a reference that delineates the differences of various types of nanostructures in multiphase polymer-based materials. Multiphase Polymer-Based Materials: An Atlas of Phase Morphology at the Nano and Micro Scale presents up-to-date coverage of developments in this field in a practical and easy to use format. Illustrates Microscopic Tools for Phase Morphology Investigation The author sifted through an encyclopedic amount of information to provide a selection of more than 550 microscopy pictures resulting from the observation of multiphase polymer-based materials. These illustrations include micro and nanopolymer blends, micro and nanocomposites, micro and nano phases in copolymers, thermosets, and thermoplastic blends that were intensively developed over the past decade. Each picture includes a detailed explanation of how to attain these materials, how the samples were prepared, and how the observations were conducted. A Practical Straightforward Approach to Microscopic Observation The book examines the various microscopic tools employed for the investigation of the phase morphology, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. It provides a practical, straightforward approach for dealing with the microscopic observation of phase morphology in multicomponent polymer blends and nanocomposites.

Derived from the fourth edition of the well-known Plastics Technology Handbook, Industrial Polymers, Specialty Polymers, and Their Applications covers a wide range of general and special types of polymers, along with a wealth of information about their applications. The book first focuses on commonly used industrial polymers, including polypropylenes, low- and high-density polyethylenes, and poly(vinyl chloride), as well as less widely used polymer types, such as acrylics, ether polymers, cellulosics, sulfide polymers, silicones, polysulfones, polyether ether ketones, and polybenzimidazoles. It then explores polymer derivatives and polymeric combinations that play special and often critical roles in diverse fields of human activities. The polymers covered include liquid crystal, electroactive, ionic, and shape memory polymers; hydrogels; and nanocomposites. The volume concludes with a comprehensive overview of new developments in the use of polymers in a variety of areas.

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.

Details laboratory and industrial synthesis and applications of oligomers-suggesting practical solutions to the on-the-job problems as well as exploring processing devices and techniques for industrial-scale production of new oligomer types.

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.

Hydrophilic polyurethanes have the unique property of being able to absorb or otherwise manage moisture-and this makes them valuable in medical and a number of other important commercial applications. This new book provides a concise, unified presentation of hydrophilic polyurethanes technology and applications. All important topics from chemistry, analysis, processing and quality systems to product development and applications are covered clearly and systematically. The text is well illustrated by more than 45 flowcharts and diagrams and supplemented by more than 20 data tables. A special feature of this new book is its inclusion of case studies of recent development of commercially valuable products using hydrophilic polyurethanes. These case studies illustrate how these unique materials can be tailored to specific application needs. The information in this new book will be useful to all those involved in the research, development and applications of polymers, biomaterials, and other materials whose utility requires the special properties of hydrophilic polyurethanes. To receive your copy promptly, please order now. Information on ordering - by mail, fax, telephone or the publisher's secure website - follows the complete table of contents on the reverse. The Author Tim Thomson is the director of Main Street Technologies, an independent research organization specializing in the development of advanced medical materials and devices. Previously he was technical manager of the Hypol Group, W. R. Grace & Co. He is recognized as an authority on hydrophilic polyurethanes and their use in medical device and other applications. He has an M.S. in Physical Chemistry from Michigan Technological University and has been awarded six patents in synthetic chemistry and process control.

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.

"Provides in-depth coverage of the entire thermoforming molding process from market domain and materials options to manufacturing methods and peripheral support. Second Edition furnishes entirely new information on twin sheet forming, corrugated tubing and pipe manufacturin gtechniques, plastics recycling, forthcoming equipment, and energy and labor costs."

When combined with reinforcing agents, plastics can be used for a number of high-temperature applications. Plastics Reinforcement and Industrial Applications provides a detailed discussion on plastics, polymers, and reinforcing agents (including organic and natural biomaterials). Focused specifically on improving the mechanical, thermal, and electrical stability of plastics by combining them with reinforcing agents, this book explains the background of reinforced plastics and describes how they work. The book examines reinforcing agents that include glass fibers, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, graphite, talc, and minerals, and commonly used plastics such as polyamides, polyesters, polyethylene terephthalate, and epoxy resins. It also introduces newer plastics such as polyimides, polysulfones, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, and polyether ether ketones. It highlights recent developments in the field that include the use of nanocomposites for manufacturing sports equipment, and other applications of nanoparticles in polymer reinforcement. In addition, use of this material can aid in the production of plastics utilized in the construction of aircraft and light weight automobiles. The author covers a wide range of applications that may be applied in general engineering, automotive, aerospace, building materials, electronics and microelectronics, power sources, medical, and bioengineering. He also includes material on natural fibers used for reinforcement and green chemistry applications. Suitable for use in the metals and plastics industries, Plastics Reinforcement and Industrial Applications is an ideal resource for polymer and material scientists, and chemical and mechanical engineers.

Inorganic-Whisker-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications gives a comprehensive presentation of inorganic microcrystalline fibers, or whiskers, a polymer composite filler. It covers whisker synthesis, surface modification, applications for reinforcing polymer-matrix composites, and analysis of resulting filled polymer composites. It focuses on calcium carbonate whiskers as a primary case study, introducing surface treatment methods for calcium carbonate whiskers and factors that influence them. Along with calcium carbonate, the book discusses potassium titanate and aluminum borate whiskers, which also comprise the new generation of inorganic whiskers. According to research results, composites filled by inorganic whiskers show improved strength, wear-resistance, thermal conductivity, and antistatic properties. It explains the importance of modifying polymer materials for use with inorganic whiskers and describes preparation and evaluation methods of polymers filled with inorganic whiskers. The book also considers possible challenges and solutions in synthesis and applications of polymers filled with inorganic whiskers. It summarizes the latest practices and research progress in China and elsewhere. With much of its information being new outside of China, Inorganic-Whisker-Reinforced Polymer Composites calls attention to the excellent promise displayed by applications of inorganic whiskers. They have the potential for wide and durable application and also for further development. This book demonstrates their potential and presents current and future directions in polymer science and inorganic whiskers.

Representing the collective effort of over 30 leading scientists in Russia and the United States, this is the first book written solely on the subject of nuclear batteries. It presents a rich historical discussion and original research on the conversion of nuclear materials into electrical power, which can then be harvested to make long-lasting, more energy efficient batteries. With this technology, power-matched supplies would last decades - even centuries - using safe, direct, long-life, stable, integrated electric power from the highest energy density source available. Polymers, Phosphors, and Voltaics for Radioisotope Microbatteries presents the state-of-the-art in interdisciplinary research in radiochemistry, tritium storage, semiconductor fabrication and characterization, nuclear battery fabrication and testing, integration into MEMS and other electronic devices, and much more. A key feature of this book is its discussion of construction materials for miniaturized radioisotope power supplies, since progress in nuclear battery technology depends on characterization of functionally radiation-stable components. Though substantial progress has been made to solve problems of using integrated radioisotope batteries for micro- and nanoelectronics, each author has provided an authoritative assessment and has indicated where development is needed. Research in this area has the potential to revolutionize the microelectronics industry by enabling MEMS and nanotechnology. Significant technological progress depends today on coordinated interdisciplinary research. Polymers, Phosphors, and Voltaics for Radioisotope Microbatteries contains diverse discussions of the problems of using radioactive material for microelectronic power needs and guides readers to future research in the area of long-life, high energy-density batteries.

This work examines the science and technology used in the manufacture of acrylic fibre for both mass-produced commodity products and premium products. It elucidates the chemistry and fibre production techniques of speciality acrylics such as flame-retardant, water-reversible bicomponent, producer dyed and others. Capacity figures for developing countries are published here.;This work is intended for: polymer, fibre and textile scientists, chemists and engineers; physical and dye chemists; textile company managers; and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Comprising one volume ofFunctional and Modified Polymeric Materials, Two-Volume Set, this curated collection of papers by Professor Eli Ruckenstein and co-workers discusses the merits of concentrated emulsion polymerization systems, as well as their ability to yield a broad variety of products with high synthetic efficiency. Comprised of carefully curated chapters previously published by these pioneering scientists in the field, this volume offers a comprehensive view of the subject and presents functional and modified polymeric materials prepared by concentrated emulsion polymerization approaches. It covers conductive polymer composites, core-shell latex particles, enzyme/catalyst carriers, and plastics toughening and compatibilization polymerization. The authors have performed seminal studies on the preparation of functional and modified polymeric materials via concentrated emulsion polymerization. The corresponding research papers, after further selection and classification, are collected in the four chapters of this book.

Comprising one volume of Functional and Modified Polymeric Materials, Two-Volume Set, this well-organized collection of papers by Professor Eli Ruckenstein and co-workers focuses on functional and modified polymeric materials prepared mainly through solution polymerization and surface polymerization. Although solution polymerization has been broadly utilized for the preparation of polymeric materials, the book shows significant approaches to special classes of polymeric materials including functional polymers by living ionic polymerization, degradable and decrosslinkable polymers, semi- and interpenetrating polymer network pervaporation membranes, and soluble conducting polymers. It also focuses on preparing and modifying conductive surface of polymer or polymer-based materials.