The use of conducting polymers for the anticorrosion protection of metals has attracted great interest during the last 30 years. The design and development of conducting polymers-based coating systems with commercial viability is expected to be advanced by applying nanotechnology and has received substantial attention recently. This book begins with corrosion fundamentals and ends with an emphasis on developments made in conducting polymer science and technology using nanotechnology. Additionally, it gives a detailed account of experimental methods of corrosion testing.

Catalyst/Polymerization: Model Silica Supported Olefin Polymerization Catalysts (J.P. Blitz). Statistical Propagation Models for ZieglerNatta Polymerization (H.N. Cheng). Supported Catalysts in Stirred Bed Gas Phase Reactors (K.D. Hungenberg, M. Kersting). Functionalization: Functional Polyolefins Prepared by Borane Research (T.C. Chung). Synthesis of PolyolefinPMMA Graft Copolymers (T.C. Chung et al.). Supported Lewis Acid Catalysts Based on Polyolefin Thermoplastics (T.C. Chung, A. Kumar). Characterization: Structure, Crystallization, and Melting of Linear, Branched, and Copolymerized Polyethylenes as Revealed by Fractionation Methods and DSC (V.B.F. Mathot). Development of High Performance TREF for Polyolefin Analysis (L. Wild, C. Blatz). NMR Analysis of Multicomponent Polyolefins (H.N. Chang). Polyolefin Blends and Composites: PolyethyleneCopolymer Blends (B. Crist, J. Rhee). Interphase Design in Cellulose Fiber/Polypropylene Composites (P. Gatenholm, J.M. Felix). 7 additional articles. Index.

An original, comprehensive survey on the complex relationship between plastics and the environment

Plastics offer a variety of environmental benefits. However, their production, applications, and disposal present many environmental concerns. Plastics and the Environment provides state-of-the-art technical and research information on the complex relationship between the plastic and polymer industry and the environment, focusing on the sustainability, environmental impact, and cost—benefit tradeoffs associated with different technologies.

Bringing together the field’s leading researchers, Anthony Andrady’s innovative collection not only covers how plastics affect the environment, but also how environmental factors affect plastics. The relative benefits of recycling, resource recovery, and energy recovery are also discussed in detail. The first of the book’s four sections represents a basic introduction to the key subject matter of plastics and the environment; the second explores several pertinent applications of plastics with environmental implications–packaging, paints and coatings, textiles, and agricultural film use. The third section discusses the behavior of plastics in some of the environments in which they are typically used, such as the outdoors, in biotic environments, or in fires. The final section consists of chapters on recycling and thermal treatment of plastics waste. Chapters include:

• Commodity Polymers
• Plastics in Transportation
• Biodegradation of Common Polymers
• Thermal Treatment of Polymer Waste
• Incineration of Plastics

The contributors also focus on the effectiveness of recent technologies in mitigating environmental impacts, particularly those for managing plastics in the solid waste stream. Plastic and design engineers, polymer chemists, material scientists, and ecologists will find Plastics and the Environment to be a vital resource to this critical industry.

Green Polymers and Environment Pollution Control examines the latest developments in the important and growing field of producing conventional polymers from sustainable sources. Presenting cutting-edge research from a group of leading international researchers from academia, government, and industrial institutions, the book explains what green polymers are, why green polymers are needed, which green polymers to use, and how manufacturing companies can integrate them into their manufacturing operations. It goes on to provide guidelines for implementing sustainable practices for traditional petroleum-based plastics, biobased plastics, and recycled plastics. With recent advancements in synthesis technologies and the discovery of new functional monomers, research shows that green polymers with better properties can be produced from renewable resources. The book describes these advances in synthesis, processing, and technology. It provides not only state-of-the-art information but also acts to stimulate research in this direction. Green Polymers and Environment Pollution Control offers an excellent resource for researchers, upper-level graduate students, brand owners, environment and sustainability managers, business development and innovation professionals, chemical engineers, plastics manufacturers, agriculture specialists, biochemists, and suppliers to the industry to debate sustainable, economic solutions for polymer synthesis.

Polymers have undoubtedly changed the world through many products that improve our lives. However, additives used to modify the overall characteristics of these materials may not be fully disclosed or understood. These additives may present possible environmental and health hazards. It is important to monitor consumer products for these compounds using high-quality reference materials and dependable analytical techniques. The Handbook for the Chemical Analysis of Plastic and Polymer Additives, Second Edition provides the necessary tools for chemists to obtain a more complete listing of additives present in a particular polymeric matrix. It is designed to serve as a valuable source for those monitoring a polymer/plastic material for regulatory or internal compliance. It also helps analysts to correctly identify the complex nature of the materials that have been added to the polymer/plastic. With 50 additional compounds, this second edition nearly doubles the number of additives in several categories, including processing aids, antistatic compounds, mould release products, and blowing agents. It includes a listing that can be cross-referenced by trade name, chemical name, CAS number, and even key mass unit ions from the GC/MS run. Addressing additives from an analytical viewpoint, this comprehensive handbook helps readers identify the additives in plastics. This information can be used to assess compliance with regulations issued by the FDA, US EPA, EU, and other agencies.

This book gives an overview of recent advances in the science and technology of polymeric and organic materials. Speciality polymers and novel polymeric catalysts have been objects of intense research during the last decade; they have had great influence in the chemical industry and have spawned a variety of new application areas. At the same time, novel investigative methods such as atomic force microscopy and computer simulation have provided new insight into some of the fundamental principles of polymer science. In a systematic and comprehensive manner, each chapter of this book gives a self-contained review of a particular aspect of recent progress. This book is the first attempt to provide a background perspective to the research field of polymeric and organic materials and it will be of great value to both professional researchers and postgraduate students.

This valuable book is devoted to problems of the synthesis, vulcanization, modification, and study of structure and properties of highly filled sealants based on polysulfide oligomers (PSO). The book summarizes information concerning chemistry, synthesis technology, structure, and properties of liquid thiokols and thiokol-containing polyesters. It also presents a literary survey on chemism and mechanisms for liquid thiokols vulcanization involving oxidants or through polyaddition. The book describes formulation principles of sealants, their properties, and application areas.

The book provides research on vulcanization and modification of thiokol sealants involving thiokol-epoxy resin copolymers, unsaturated polyesters, and various isocyanate prepolymers. It describes studies of mechanisms underlying vulcanization of polysulphide oligomers by manganese dioxide, sodium dichromate and zinc oxide, and also of the structure and properties of sealants on the basis of a liquid thiokol and commercial -2 polymer depending on a chemical nature and the ratio of constituent oligomers. The book gives information on the influence of filling materials on vulcanization kinetics, rheological, and physico mechanical properties of sealants depending on the nature of PSO.

The book will be of interest to research personnel of scientific institutes and centers developing reactive oligomers and their compositions and studying their structure and properties as well as engineers working in science centers or enterprises working in the area of development, production, and application of polysulfide oligomers and sealants."

Volume B forms one volume of a Handbook about Polymer Nanocomposites. Volume B deals with Carbon nanotube based polymer composites. The preparation, architecture, characterisation, properties and application of polymer nanocomposites are discussed within some 25 chapters. Each chapter has been authored by experts in the respective field.

Thoroughly updated, Introduction to Polymers, Third Edition presents the science underpinning the synthesis, characterization and properties of polymers. The material has been completely reorganized and expanded to include important new topics and provide a coherent platform for teaching and learning the fundamental aspects of contemporary polymer science.

New to the Third Edition

Part I

This first part covers newer developments in polymer synthesis, including ‘living’ radical polymerization, catalytic chain transfer and free-radical ring-opening polymerization, along with strategies for the synthesis of conducting polymers, dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers and block copolymers. Polymerization mechanisms have been made more explicit by showing electron movements.

Part II

In this part, the authors have added new topics on diffusion, solution behaviour of polyelectrolytes and field-flow fractionation methods. They also greatly expand coverage of spectroscopy, including UV visible, Raman, infrared, NMR and mass spectroscopy. In addition, the Flory–Huggins theory for polymer solutions and their phase separation is treated more rigorously.

Part III

A completely new, major topic in this section is multicomponent polymer systems. The book also incorporates new material on macromolecular dynamics and reptation, liquid crystalline polymers and thermal analysis. Many of the diagrams and micrographs have been updated to more clearly highlight features of polymer morphology.

Part IV

The last part of the book contains major new sections on polymer composites, such as nanocomposites, and electrical properties of polymers. Other new topics include effects of chain entanglements, swelling of elastomers, polymer fibres, impact behaviour and ductile fracture. Coverage of rubber-toughening of brittle plastics has also been revised and expanded.

While this edition adds many new concepts, the philosophy of the book remains unchanged. Largely self-contained, the text fully derives most equations and cross-references topics between chapters where appropriate. Each chapter not only includes a list of further reading to help readers expand their knowledge of the subject but also provides problem sets to test understanding, particularly of numerical aspects.

Table of Contents

CONCEPTS, NOMENCLATURE AND SYNTHESIS OF POLYMERS

Concepts and Nomenclature

The Origins of Polymer Science and the Polymer Industry

Basic Definitions and Nomenclature

Molar Mass and Degree of Polymerization

Principles of Polymerization

Introduction

Classification of Polymerization Reactions

Monomer Functionality and Polymer Skeletal Structure

Functional Group Reactivity and Molecular Size: The Principle of Equal Reactivity

Step Polymerization

Introduction

Linear Step Polymerization

Non-Linear Step Polymerization

Radical Polymerization

Introduction to Radical Polymerization

The Chemistry of Conventional Free-Radical Polymerization

Kinetics of Conventional Free-Radical Polymerization

Free-Radical Polymerization Processes

Reversible-Deactivation (‘Living’) Radical Polymerizations

Non-Linear Radical Polymerizations

Ionic Polymerization

Introduction to Ionic Polymerization

Cationic Polymerization

Anionic Polymerization

Group-Transfer Polymerization

Stereochemistry and Coordination Polymerization

Introduction to Stereochemistry of Polymerization

Tacticity of Polymers

Geometric Isomerism in Polymers Prepared from Conjugated Dienes

Ziegler–Natta Coordination Polymerization

Metallocene Coordination Polymerization

Ring-Opening Polymerization

Introduction to Ring-Opening Polymerization

Cationic Ring-Opening Polymerization

Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization

Free-Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization

Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Specialized Methods of Polymer Synthesis

Introduction

Solid-State Topochemical Polymerization

Polymerization by Oxidative Coupling

Precursor Routes to Intractable Polymers

Supramolecular Polymerization (Polyassociation)

Copolymerization

Introduction

Step Copolymerization

Chain Copolymerization

Block Copolymer Synthesis

Graft Copolymer Synthesis

CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMERS

Theoretical Description of Polymers in Solution

Introduction

Thermodynamics of Polymer Solutions

Chain Dimensions

Frictional Properties of Polymer Molecules in Dilute Solution

Number-Average Molar Mass

Introduction to Measurements of Number-Average Molar Mass

Membrane Osmometry

Vapour Pressure Osmometry

Ebulliometry and Cryoscopy

End-Group Analysis

Effects of Low Molar Mass Impurities upon Mn

Scattering Methods

Introduction

Static Light Scattering

Dynamic Light Scattering

Small-Angle X-Ray and Neutron Scattering

Frictional Properties of Polymers in Solution

Introduction

Dilute Solution Viscometry

Ultracentrifugation

Molar Mass Distribution

Introduction

Fractionation

Gel Permeation Chromatography

Field-Flow Fractionation

Mass Spectroscopy

Chemical Composition and Molecular Microstructure

Introduction

Principles of Spectroscopy

Ultraviolet and Visible Light Absorption Spectroscopy

Infrared Spectroscopy

Raman Spectroscopy

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Mass Spectroscopy

PHASE STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGY OF BULK POLYMERS

The Amorphous State

Introduction

The Glass Transition

Factors Controlling the Tg

Macromolecular Dynamics

The Crystalline State

Introduction

Determination of Crystal Structure

Polymer Single Crystals

Semi-Crystalline Polymers

Liquid Crystalline Polymers

Defects in Crystalline Polymers

Crystallization

Melting

Multicomponent Polymer Systems

Introduction

Polymer Blends

Block Copolymers

PROPERTIES OF BULK POLYMERS

Elastic Deformation

Introduction

Elastic Deformation

Elastic Deformation of Polymers

Viscoelasticity

Introduction

Viscoelastic Mechanical Models

Boltzmann Superposition Principle

Dynamic Mechanical Testing

Frequency Dependence of Viscoelastic Behaviour

Transitions and Polymer Structure

Time–Temperature Superposition

Effect of Entanglements

Non-Linear Viscoelasticity

Elastomers

Introduction

Thermodynamics of Elastomer Deformation

Statistical Theory of Elastomer Deformation

Stress–Strain Behaviour of Elastomers

Factors Affecting Mechanical Behaviour

Yield and Crazing

Introduction

Phenomenology of Yield

Yield Criteria

Deformation Mechanisms

Crazing

Fracture and Toughening

Introduction

Fundamentals of Fracture

Mechanics of Fracture

Fracture Phenomena

Toughened Polymers

Polymer Composites

Introduction to Composite Materials

Matrix Materials

Types of Reinforcement

Composite Composition

Particulate Reinforcement

Fibre Reinforcement

Nanocomposites

Electrical Properties

Introduction to Electrical Properties

Dielectric Properties

Conduction in Polymers

Polymer Electronics

Answers to Problems

Index

Problems and Further Reading appear at the end of each chapter.

Castable Polyurethane Elastomers is a practical guide to the production of castable polyurethane articles, from simple doorstops to complex items used in the military and nuclear industries. The book shows the progression from raw materials to prepolymer production, including the chemistry and functionality of the production processes. It provides a comprehensive look at various problem-solving and processing techniques, examining the selection of different types of systems on both the micro and macro levels. It also discusses curing and post-curing operations, conveying the importance of using the correct property for the application. Reorganized for better flow, this Second Edition: Describes new methods in the processing of castable polyurethanes Expands coverage of health and safety aspects Brings all standards up to date Castable Polyurethane Elastomers, Second Edition explains the production of polyurethane components, filling the gap between pure chemistry and trade information.

The book offers an in-depth review of the materials design and manufacturing processes employed in the development of multi-component or multiphase polymer material systems. This field has seen rapid growth in both academic and industrial research, as multiphase materials are increasingly replacing traditional single-component materials in commercial applications. Many obstacles can be overcome by processing and using multiphase materials in automobile, construction, aerospace, food processing, and other chemical industry applications. The comprehensive description of the processing, characterization, and application of multiphase materials presented in this book offers a world of new ideas and potential technological advantages for academics, researchers, students, and industrial manufacturers from diverse fields including rubber engineering, polymer chemistry, materials processing and chemical science. From the commercial point of view it will be of great value to those involved in processing, optimizing and manufacturing new materials for novel end-use applications. The book takes a detailed approach to the description of process parameters, process optimization, mold design, and other core manufacturing information. Details of injection, extrusion, and compression molding processes have been provided based on the most recent advances in the field. Over two comprehensive sections the book covers the entire field of multiphase polymer materials, from a detailed description of material design and processing to the cutting-edge applications of such multiphase materials. It provides both precise guidelines and general concepts for the present and future leaders in academic and industrial sectors.

Biosynthetic Polymers for Medical Applications provides the latest information on biopolymers, the polymers that have been produced from living organisms and are biodegradable in nature. These advanced materials are becoming increasingly important for medical applications due to their favorable properties, such as degradability and biocompatibility. This important book provides readers with a thorough review of the fundamentals of biosynthetic polymers and their applications. Part One covers the fundamentals of biosynthetic polymers for medical applications, while Part Two explores biosynthetic polymer coatings and surface modification. Subsequent sections discuss biosynthetic polymers for tissue engineering applications and how to conduct polymers for medical applications.

Better knowledge of polymer failure enables engineers to improve material selection, design and processing, and ultimately improve reliability of their products. Equally, this knowledge is vital for engineers to determine the root causes of failure when it occurs - particularly when considering the ramifications of product liability claims, environmental concerns and brand image.

This book is a practical guide to the science of fractography and its application in the failure analysis of plastic components. In addition to a brief background on the theory of fractography, the authors discuss the various fractographic tools and techniques in identifying key fracture characteristics. Case studies are provided for a wide range of polymer types, applications and failure modes, as well as best practice guidelines to enable engineers to apply the lessons from these case studies to their own work.

Detailed images are included for different materials and conditions, along with the appropriate context so they can be used for reference in failure investigations.
A practical guide to applied fractography, designed to improve reliability and longevity of plastic parts and products
Case studies enable engineers to improve materials selection decisions, and reduce failure rates.
Learn how to analyze the cause of material failures, and use this to improve your design and manufacturing decisions"

Revised Bestseller Offers Broad-Based Knowledge to a Wide Range of Technical Professionals The definitive guide to sealing operations in construction, this latest edition of Sealants in Construction focuses on the most current technology, methods, applications, and standards relevant to sealant performance. Providing guided direction on how to choose and apply sealants, determine the properties of those sealants, and test and establish the cause of sealant failures, it addresses the design and engineering of structurally glazed systems and the chemistry and properties of various generic types including silicones, hybrids, and urethanes. Divided into two parts, the book first covers basic topics relevant to the practical side of construction sealants, and is geared toward those interested in choosing the proper sealant. The second half introduces advanced topics that are more technical, includes historical context along with practical examples, and is directed toward anyone requiring more depth in these areas. An indispensable resource essential to your collection, this book: Explains the proper way to test sealants Evaluates standard test methods that are used with construction sealants Provides examples of emerging test methods appropriate for use with construction and highway sealants Outlines methods for calculating the required joint sizes in conventional sealing, glazing, and structural glazing Details the composition of the most popular types of sealants and hybrids Sealants in Construction covers the use of sealants in the construction industry and aims for the increased use of nondestructive test methods for all sealant applications and a more integrated quality management approach to sealing operations. This book is of interest to architects, contractors, engineers, sealant manufacturers, and students, and is relevant to a variety of technical disciplines.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics presents the rapidly evolving methodologies that are relevant to biosensors and bioelectronics fabrication and characterization. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of biosensor functionality, and is an interdisciplinary reference that includes a range of interwoven contributing subjects, including electrochemistry, nanoparticles, and conducting polymers. Authored by a team of bioinstrumentation experts, this book serves as a blueprint for performing advanced fabrication and characterization of sensor systems-arming readers with an application-based reference that enriches the implementation of the most advanced technologies in the field.

Commercially successful fully synthetic polymeric materials were pro duced in the early years of this century, the first example being Bakelite. This was made from phenol and formaldehyde by Leo Bakeland in 1909. Before the end of the 1920s, a large number of other synthetic polymers had been created, including polyvinyl chloride and urea-formaldehyde. Today, there are literally hundreds of synthetic polymers commercially available with ranges of properties making them suitable for applications in many industrial sectors, including the electrical and electronics industries. In many instances the driving force behind the development of new materials actually came from the electronics industry, and today's advanced electronics would be inconceivable without these materials. For many years polymers have been widely used in all sectors of the electronics industry. From the early days of the semiconductor industry to the current state of the art, polymers have provided the enabling technologies that have fuelled the inexorable and rapid development of advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices."

The directed self-assembly (DSA) method of patterning for microelectronics uses polymer phase-separation to generate features of less than 20nm, with the positions of self-assembling materials externally guided into the desired pattern. Directed self-assembly of Block Co-polymers for Nano-manufacturing reviews the design, production, applications and future developments needed to facilitate the widescale adoption of this promising technology. Beginning with a solid overview of the physics and chemistry of block copolymer (BCP) materials, Part 1 covers the synthesis of new materials and new processing methods for DSA. Part 2 then goes on to outline the key modelling and characterization principles of DSA, reviewing templates and patterning using topographical and chemically modified surfaces, line edge roughness and dimensional control, x-ray scattering for characterization, and nanoscale driven assembly. Finally, Part 3 discusses application areas and related issues for DSA in nano-manufacturing, including for basic logic circuit design, the inverse DSA problem, design decomposition and the modelling and analysis of large scale, template self-assembly manufacturing techniques.

This book focuses on food, non-food, and industrial packaging applications of polymers, blends, nanostructured materials, macro, micro and nanocomposites, and renewable and biodegradable materials. It details physical, thermal, and barrier properties as well as sustainability, recycling, and regulatory issues. The book emphasizes interdisciplinary research on processing, morphology, structure, and properties as well as applications in packaging of food and industrial products. It is useful for chemists, physicists, materials scientists, food technologists, and engineers.

How can a scientist or engineer synthesize and utilize polymers to solve our daily problems? This introductory text, aimed at the advanced undergraduate or graduate student, provides future scientists and engineers with the fundamental knowledge of polymer design and synthesis to achieve specific properties required in everyday applications. In the first five chapters, this book discusses the properties and characterization of polymers, since designing a polymer initially requires us to understand the effects of chemical structure on physical and chemical characteristics. Six further chapters discuss the principles of polymerization reactions including step, radical chain, ionic chain, chain copolymerization, coordination and ring opening. Finally, material is also included on how commonly known polymers are synthesized in a laboratory and a factory. This book is suitable for a one semester course in polymer chemistry and does not demand prior knowledge of polymer science.

With contributions from experts from both the industry and academia, this book presents the latest developments in polymer products and chemical processes. It incorporates appropriate case studies, explanatory notes, and schematics for more clarity and better understanding.

This new book:

Features a collection of articles that highlight some important areas of current interest in polymer products and chemical processes

Gives an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state of the art of polymer chemistry

Familiarizes readers with new aspects of the techniques used in the examination of polymers, including chemical, physicochemical, and purely physical methods of examination

Describes the types of techniques now available to the polymer chemist and technician, and discusses their capabilities, limitations, and applications

Provides a balance between materials science and mechanics aspects, basic and applied research, and high-technology and high-volume (low-cost) composite development"

During the past two decades Membrane Science and Technology has made tremendous progress and has changed from a simple laboratory tool to large scale processes with numerous applications in Medicine and Industry. In this volume are collected papers presented at the First Europe Japan Congress on Membrane and Membrane processes, held in Stresa in June 1984. Other contributions to the Conference will be published in a special issue of the Journal of Membrane Science. This Conference was organized by the European Society of Membrane Science and Technology and the Membrane Society of Japan, to bring together European Scientists and Engineers face to face with their colleagues from Japan; in both countries membrane processes will play a strategic role in many industrial areas in the 1990s, as predicted by the Japanese project for Next Generation Industries and by the EEC Project on Basic Techno logical Research (BRITE). The large number of participants, of about four hundred from twenty six countries including USA, Australia, China and Brazil, the quality of the Plenary Lectures and Scientific Communications made the Conference a significant international success."

This book covers a broad range of polymeric materials and provides industry professionals and researchers in polymer science and technology with a single, comprehensive book summarizing all aspects involved in the functional materials production chain.

This volume presents the latest developments and trends in advanced polymer materials and structures. It discusses the developments of advanced polymers and respective tools to characterize and predict the material properties and behavior. This book has an important role in advancing polymer materials in macro and nanoscale. Its aim is to provide original, theoretical, and important experimental results that use non-routine methodologies. It also includes chapters on novel applications of more familiar experimental techniques and analyses of composite problems that indicate the need for new experimental approaches.

This new book:

Provides a collection of articles that highlight some important areas of current interest in key polymeric materials and technology

Gives an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state of the art of key polymeric materials and technology

Describes the types of techniques now available to the engineers and technicians and discusses their capabilities, limitations, and applications

Provides a balance between materials science and chemical aspects, basic and applied research

Focuses on topics with more advanced methods

Emphasizes precise mathematical development and actual experimental details

Explains modification methods for changing of different materials properties"

This volume highlights the latest developments and trends in advanced polyblends and their structures. It presents the developments of advanced polyblends and respective tools to characterize and predict the material properties and behavior. The book provides important original and theoretical experimental results that use non-routine methodologies often unfamiliar to many readers. Furthermore chapters on novel applications of more familiar experimental techniques and analyses of composite problems are included, which indicate the need for the new experimental approaches that are presented. Technical and technological development demands the creation of new materials that are stronger, more reliable, and more durable-materials with new properties. Up-to-date projects in creation of new materials go along the way of nanotechnology. With contributions from experts from both the industry and academia, this book presents the latest developments in the identified areas. This book incorporates appropriate case studies, explanatory notes, and schematics for more clarity and better understanding. The book is designed as a textbook for postgraduate students, as a teaching support for the faculty, as a reference book for early research career beginners, and as a reference book for the scientific community at large for understanding the significance of modern materials and chemical engineering. This book will be useful for chemists, chemical engineers, technologists, and students interested in advanced nano-polymers with complex behavior and their applications This new book: * Gives an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state of the art of polyblends and composites * Familiarizes the reader with new aspects of the techniques used in the examination of polymers, including chemical, physicochemical, and purely physical methods of examination * Describes the types of techniques now available to the polymer chemist and technician and discusses their capabilities, limitations, and applications * Provides a balance between materials science and mechanics aspects, basic and applied research, and high-technology and high-volume (low-cost) composite development