First Published in 2006. This volume introduces and provides a semantic analysis of Discourse Adjectives, a natural class of adjectives that the author argues includes apparent, clear, evident, and obvious among its prototypical members. With a main claim that Discourse Adjectives do not provide information about the facts of the world. Rather, they are used by interlocutors to negotiate the status of propositions in a discourse.

International law is often manipulated in the debate about humanitarian intervention. The Liberian case provides an opportunity to challenge UN and the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS') new approach. ECOWAS and the UN's justifications for moving away from the current norms are flawed. No enlightened person would disagree with the values of peace, democracy, human rights, and economic development. But should these goals be pursued within the current framework or outside it? Deme is an international lawyer educated at the University of Bordeaux, France. He received his Ph.D at Boston University. Deme teaches at the university of Rhodes Island and is a research fellow for the International Consortium for Law and Development at Boston University. He currently is an independent consultant for various international agencies in Washington DC and New York.

PVC Formulary, Third Edition, contains invaluable information for PVC manufacturers, processors and users. It discusses new product development and product engineering tools and the current state of the market for PVC products. This provides the reader with the critical data they need to formulate successful and durable products, and to evaluate formulations on the background of compositions used by others. Commercial types and grades, polymer forms, and physical-chemical properties of PVC are discussed in detail, with all essential information required for the decision-making process presented clearly to provide necessary data. The book contains over 600 formulations of products belonging to 23 categories that are derived from characteristic methods of production. A broad selection of formulations is used in each category to determine the essential components of formulations used in a particular method of processing, the most important parameters of successful products, troubleshooting information, and suggestions of further sources of information on the method of processing. The concept of this work and its companion book (PVC Degradation & Stabilization also published in 2020) is to provide the reader with complete information and data required to formulate successful and durable products and/or to evaluate formulations on the background of compositions used by others.

The improvement of strength and durability in polymers has implications relevant to industrial, medical, and household applications. Enhanced by the improved knowledge of the interactions between complex hierarchical structures and functional requirements, Mechanical Properties of Polymers Based on Nanostructure and Morphology focuses on new polymer materials that possess a combination of improved mechanical and other physical properties. This book specifies techniques used in structural and morphological characterization, discusses crazing and molecular variables of fracture behavior, and clarifies various modes of deformation mechanisms and orientation processes for semicrystalline polymers, block copolymers, and composites. The volume examines microindentation hardness studies and mechanisms of toughness enhancement for particle modified, amorphous and semicrystalline polymers and blends using model analysis. Experts in the field present innovations that illustrate new aspects of manufacturing, structure development, and properties of practical relevance in nanoparticle-filled thermoplastic polymers and the applications of carbon nanotube and nanofiber reinforced polymer systems. Other topics discussed in the book include alternative methods of polymer modification based on micro- and nanolayered polymers and hot compaction of oriented fibers and tapes. This book reflects the continuing research of mechanisms contributing to the structure-function relationship of nanostructured polymers and nanocomposites. Mechanical Properties of Polymers Based on Nanostructure and Morphology presents effective ways to combine improved mechanical and physical properties in polymers and form new, performance-enhanced composite materials.

Handbook of UV Degradation and Stabilization, Third Edition, discusses different aspects of UV-related phenomena that occur when polymeric materials are exposed to UV radiation. It reviews existing literature, looking at how plants, animals and humans protect themselves against UV radiation. This review permits evaluation of mechanisms of protection against UV used by living things and potential application of these mechanisms in the protection of natural and synthetic polymeric materials. Other chapters look at more specific aspects of UV degradation and stabilization, such as specific polymers and rubbers, analytical methods used in UV stabilization, health and safety, and more. This book is an excellent companion to the Databook of UV stabilizers which has also been published recently. Both books supplement each other without repeating the same information - one contains data another theory, mechanisms of action, practical effects and implications of application.

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

The safe disposal and reuse of industrial and consumer rubber waste continues to pose a serious threat to environmental safety and health, despite the fact that the technology now exits for its effective recycling and reuse. Mountains of used tires confirm the belief that chemically crosslinked rubber is one of the most difficult materials to recycle. That coupled with a long history of failed attempts to create quality products from crumb rubber has resulted in such a resistance to new ideas concerning rubber recycling that very little literature on the subject has even seen the light of day. Rubber Recycling is one of those rare books that has the potential to directly impact our ecological well-being. The editors of this important volume have filled a void in technological responsibility by bringing together a group of international experts who, using substantial research evidence, prove that the utilization of recycled rubber is not just desirable, but is also quite feasible and profitable. This text provides a thorough overview of the fundamentals of rubber and the challenges of recycling. However, the heart of the book lies in its detailed explanation of the various processes currently available to breakdown, recycle, and reuse crosslinked rubber. These include -- -Unconventional polymer recycling -High-pressure, high-temperature sintering -Ultrasonic and non ultrasonic devulcanization -The use of tire particles as replacement aggregates for low-strength concrete material -The utilization of powdered rubber waste in the production of rubber compounds -The future potential for recycling waste rubber by blending it with waste plastics Never forgetting that these technologies aremeaningless without industry participation, the book concludes with a highly practical discussion on how present market demands can be met with recycled rubber.

This well-organized volume begins with a breakdown of the dynamic properties of composites and a complete look at various testing methods and data derived from each technique. Next is a discussion of wave motion in fiber-reinforced composites, including an investigation of effective modulus theory, an examination of wave motions in composite plates under impact loading, and a series of experimental studies conducted on inspected composite plates. The book then discusses non-destructive testing, including the applications and limitations of currently available non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques, and covers a variety of factors that affect the damage tolerance of composites. Important information on impact damage modeling, along with a classification of model types, is also presented.

The process of cryogelation has been vigorously studied over the past two decades, with recent research focussing on applications of these polymer systems in various biomedical and biotechnological fields. While there is significant literature available as research publications, limited reviews, and book chapters, Supermacroporous Cryogels: Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications is the first dedicated book on the subject. It thoroughly explores all aspects of cryogels from synthesis to applications in medical and biotechnological research and practice. Presenting the work of researchers from around the globe, this book addresses three key components of cryogelation, starting with an overview of the unique inherent properties of cryogels and their synthesis and optimization from various natural and synthetic polymers. It also focusses on the surface modification of cryogels as well as factors that affect their properties. The second component is a discussion of the biomedical aspects of cryogels, categorically describing their biocompatible nature and their recent usage in medical imaging by creating phantoms of various tissues and using tissue engineering to regenerate various tissues. The third reviews a wide range of applications of cryogels in biotechnology, including biocatalysis, cell separation, wastewater treatment, high throughput processes, and bioreactors. A comprehensive look at the process of cryogelation and an up-to-date account of significant developments in cryogel research, Supermacroporous Cryogels provides a single source of information beneficial to unacquainted readers as well as experts wanting to know about current research and practice regarding cryogels in medicine, technology, chemistry, and materials science and engineering.

Synthetic Lubricants and High-Performance Functional Fluids, Second Edition offers state-of-the-art information on all the major synthetic fluids, describing established products as well as highly promising experimental fluids with commercial potential. This second edition contains chapters on polyinternalolefins, polymer esters, refrigeration lubes, polyphenyl ethers, highly refined mineral oils, automotive gear oils and industrial gear oils. The book also assesses automotive, industrial, aerospace, environmental, and commercial trends in Europe, Asia, South America, and the US.

In this 3rd Edition of the Reinforced Plastics Handbook the authors have continued the approach of the late John Murphy, author of the first and second editions.The book provides a compendium of information on every aspect of materials, processes, designs and construction.Fiber-reinforced plastics are a class of materials in which the basic properties of plastics are given mechanical reinforcement by the addition of fibrous materials. The wide choice of plastics resin matrices and the correspondingly wide choice of reinforcing materials mean that the permutations are virtually unlimited. But the optimum properties of resin and reinforcement cannot be obtained unless there is an effective bond between the two, and this is the continuing objective of reinforced plastics production, design and processing.
-New 3rd edition of this comprehensive practical manual
-This is a 'bible' for all those involved in the reinforced plastics industry, whether manufacturers, specifiers, designers or end-users.
-Has been completely revised and updated to reflect all the latest developments in the industry

This comprehensive, long-needed reference provides the thorough understanding required tomodify and manipulate rigid PVC's thermal/shear sensitivity and rheological properties, helpingyou utilize rigid PVC most effectively in manufacturing applications as diverse as pipes,house siding, bottles , window frames, and packaging films.With complete, up-to-the-minute coverage in one convenient source, Engineering with RigidPVC encompasses rheological principles, resin properties, and additive modification, as wellas polymer preparation, melt processing, and forming techniques ... major conversion operationsand their manufacturing applications-including actual commercial formulations andprocesses .. . quality control procedures necessary to monitor compounding processes ...aspects of processability critical for product development and improvement .. . and muchmore.International in scope, this time- and money-saver is an eseential daily resource for all professionalsinvolved in Engineering with Rigid PVC, including plastics engineers, polymer chemists,process engineers, and plastics processors and technicians. Furthermore, the volume isideal for training programs and professional seminars, and is an outstanding supplement forstudents in polymer chemistry , materials science , and plastics engineering.

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.

Over the past three decades, the terminology of composite materials has been well acknowledged by the technical community, and composite materials have been gaining exponential acceptance in a diversity of industries, serving as competitive candidates for traditional structural and functional materials to realize current and future trends imposed on high performance structures. Striking examples of breakthroughs based on utilization of composite materials are increasingly found nowadays in transportation vehicles (aircraft, space shuttle and automobile), civil infrastructure (buildings, bridge and highway barriers), and sporting goods (F1, golf club, sailboat) etc., owing to an improved understanding of their performance characteristics and application potentials, especially innovative, cost-effective manufacturing processes. As the equivalent of ICCM in the Asian-Australasian regions, the Asian-Australasian Association for Composite Materials (AACM) has been playing a vital leading role in the field of composites science and technology since its inception in 1997 in Australia. Following the excellent reputations and traditions of previous ACCMs, ACCM-4 is held in scenic Sydney, Australia, 6-9 July 2004. The theme of ACCM-4, Composites Technologies for 2020, provides a forum to present state-of-the-art achievements and recent advances in composites sciences & technologies, and discuss and identify key and emerging issues for future pursuits. By bringing together leading experts and promising innovators from the research institutions, end-use industries and academia, ACCM-4 intends to facilitate broadband knowledge sharing and identify opportunities for long-term cooperative research and development ventures. The scope of ACCM-4 is broad. It includes, but is not limited to, the following areas: Bi- composites, Ceramic matrix composites, Durability and aging, NDE and SHM Eco-composites, Manufacturing and processing technologies, Industrial applications, Interphases and interfaces, Impact and dynamic response Matrices (polymers, ceramics, and metals), Mechanical and physical properties (fatigue, fracture, micromechanics, viscoelastic behavior, buckling and failure, etc.), Metal matrix composites, Multi-functional composites, Nano-composites, Reinforcements (textiles, strand, and mat), Smart materials and structures, Technology transfer (education, training, etc.)

A study of the physical, mechanical and corrosion resistant properties of all the most common commercially available plastics and elastomers. It offers examples of typical applications and describes methods of joining. The physical, mechanical and corrosion resistant properties of 32 thermoplastics, 20 thermosets, and 27 elastomers are provided. There are more than 300 tables and chemical structures.

This book offers an insight into the primary and secondary manufacturing of different class of polymer matrix composites (PMCs). The major focus is on the fabrication of a variety of PMCs with substantial coverage of various processing techniques and related advantages and limitations. The book also describes secondary manufacturing processes such as machining and joining of PMCs and provides the know-how related to developing these techniques. It discusses recently commercialized tools and techniques and highlights the opportunities provided by the design and development of newer cutting tools and machining methods. The book covers material selection guidelines, product manufacturability, product development process, and cost-estimating techniques that help readers to understand where a process fits within the overall scheme and which is appropriate for a particular component. This book provides professionals with valuable information related to composites product manufacturing as well as state-of-the-art knowledge in this field.

Discussing a comprehensive range of topics, Advanced Pharmaceutics: Physicochemical Principles reviews all aspects of physical pharmacy. The book explains the basic, mechanistic, and quantitative interpretation skills needed to solve physical pharmacy related problems. The author supplies a strong fundamental background and extensively covers thermodynamics, ionic equilibria, solutions and distribution, surface chemistry and colloids, kinetics, diffusion, and polymer science. He outlines the latest research on diffusion through a membrane and the use of polymers in dosage forms. Packed with formulae and models, the book demonstrates the development of each and then describes the use of those models for a variety of formulation situations. The author's detailed explanation of the evolution of the formulae provides a clear understanding of when and how they are used. This bottom-up approach delineates the evolution of the formulae and gives a clear understanding of when and how they should be used. The book provides an in-depth review and analysis of dosage form design criteria that you can rapidly implement in your day-to-day work.

An introduction to polymers and how they dominate our world
Polymer science is concerned with the structure, synthesis, physical properties, and utility of polymers. Polymers are macromolecular building blocks used to construct natural and man-made materials. Polymers from the Inside Out: An Introduction to Macromolecules provides an all-encompassing introduction to polymers and how they affect the world.

Offering a clear explanation of the unique properties exhibited by polymers, this book explores the detailed microstructures of polymers and their internal responses to stress and the environment. Polymers from the Inside Out appeals to a wide range of disciplines, including polymer, organic, materials, and physical chemistry, as well as textile science and engineering.

Chapters include:

• Physical properties unique to polymeric materials
• Step-growth and chain-growth polymerizations
• Microstructures of polymers
• Conformational characteristics of polymers developed with the rotational isomeric states model
• Solution and bulk properties of polymers
• Biopolymers
• Discussion questions appropriate for first- and second-semester polymer students at the end of every chapter

This book contains papers presented in various technical sessions at the Polyurethanes Expo 2001 conference held between September 30-October 3, 2001 at Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio.

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.

Comprised of carefully curated chapters previously published by Prof. Ruckenstein and colleagues, this two-volume set offers a comprehensive overview of functional and modified polymeric materials focusing on concentrated emulsion polymerization, conducting polymers, living ionic polymerization, degradable polymers, polymer membranes, and polymer-inorganic hybrid materials. The first volume presents functional and modified polymer materials prepared by concentrated emulsion polymerization approaches. The second covers functional and modified polymer materials prepared mainly through solution polymerization and surface polymerization.

Flame Retardant Polymeric Materials provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the field, from basic properties and mechanisms of action for flame retardants to emerging methods, materials, and industrial applications. With over 120 black and white images, Hu and Wang cover the latest in the development of novel polymer nanocomposites such as graphene, CNTs, LDHs, POSS, and techniques such as layer-by-layer assembly. These expert authors also include discussions on the important flame-retardant systems based on phosphorus, silicon, and boron. In doing so, they highlight the use of flame-retardants in varying industries, for example, construction, textiles, and aviation. This comprehensive handbook is an essential read for students and academics of physics with a particular interest in flame-retardant materials. It would also be recommended for professionals within the materials science and engineering fields.

As a new and exciting field of interdisciplinary macromolecular science and engineering, polymeric materials will have a profound presence in 21st century chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, manufacturing, infrastructure, electronic, optical and information technologies. The origin of this field derived from an area of polymer science and engineering encompassing plastic technologies. The field is rapidly expanding to incorporate new interdisciplinary research areas such as biomaterials, macromolecular biology, novel macromolecular structures, environmental macromolecular science and engineering, innovative and nano-fabrications of products, and is translating discoveries into technologies.
-Unique in combining scientific concepts with technological aspects
-Provides a comprehensive and broad coverage of thermodynamic and thermal behaviours of various polymeric materials as well as methodologies of thermal analysis and calorimetry
-Contributions are from both pioneering scientists and the new generation of researchers