This new work, Functional Polymeric Composites: Macro to Nanoscales, focuses on new challenges, findings, opportunities, and applications in the area of polymer composites. The chapters, written prominent researchers from academia, industry, and research institutes from around the world, present contemporary research and developments on advanced polymeric materials, including polymer blends, polymer electrolytes, bio-based polymer, polymer nanocomposites, etc. Several chapters also cover the applications of the polymeric systems in current industry development and synthesis and characterization of the products.

Among the materials found in Nature's many diverse living organisms or produced by human industry, those made from polymers are dominant. In Nature, they are not only dominant, but they are, as well, uniquely necessary to life. Conformations: Connecting the Chemical Structures and Material Behaviors of Polymers explores how the detailed chemical structures of polymers can be characterized, how their microstructural-dependent conformational preferences can be evaluated, and how these conformational preferences can be connected to the behaviors and properties of their materials. The authors examine the connections between the microstructures of polymers and the rich variety of physical properties they evidence. Detailed polymer architectures, including the molecular bonding and geometries of backbone and side-chain groups, monomer stereo- and regiosequences, comonomer sequences, and branching, are explicitly considered in the analysis of the conformational characteristics of polymers. This valuable reference provides practicing materials engineers as well as polymer and materials science students a means of understanding the differences in behaviors and properties of materials made from chemically distinct polymers. This knowledge can assist the reader design polymers with chemical structures that lead to their desired material behaviors and properties.

Of related interest . . .

THE COLLOIDAL DOMAIN Second Edition Where Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Technology Meet

D. Fennell Evans and H?kan Wennerstrom

Fully updated and revised, this new edition of the critically acclaimed book incorporates information on key developments in colloid science and technology in the twentieth century. It provides a unified treatment of colloid theory, methods, and applications to specific systems, complete with concept maps, new worked examples, and more than 250 illustrations.

1999 (0-471-24247-0) 672 pp.

FUNDAMENTALS OF INTERFACIAL ENGINEERING

Robert J. Stokes and D. Fennell Evans

This book emphasizes the importance of the intermolecular forces that hold materials together within a bulk phase or across an interface. It examines the fundamentals of the intermolecular interactions along with the properties, processing, and behavior of fluid interfacial systems. Solid surfaces and interfaces are also discussed.

1996 (0-471-18647-3) 736 pp.

POLYMER HANDBOOK

Fourth Edition

Edited by J. Brandrup, E. H. Immergut, and E. A. Grulke

Now in a fourth edition, the Polymer Handbook is one of the most comprehensive resources of fundamental, validated property data of polymeric materials necessary for polymer research. This edition boasts over 30% new material, covering such advances as the new pvt relationships and copolymer reactivity parameters. Improved nomenclature for better indexing and search and retrieval is also provided.

1999 (0-471-16628-6) 2336 pp.

Polymer latex particles continue to become increasingly important in numerous commercial applications. Advanced synthesis techniques are the key to developing new functionality for nanoparticles. These methods make it possible to tailor the size, chemical composition, or properties of these particles, as well as the molecular weight of the polymer chain as a whole, based on given requirements. Advanced Polymer Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Surface Modifications summarizes important developments in the advanced synthesis and surface modification techniques used to generate and mold polymer particles. This book explores the evolution and enhancement of processes such as emulsion, mini-emulsion, micro-emulsion, dispersion, suspension, inverse emulsion (in organic phase), and polymerization. Understanding these developments will enable the reader to optimize particle system design, giving rise to a greater application spectrum. This book: Focuses on synthesis and characterization of particles with core-shell morphologies Details generation of nonspherical polymer particles using different synthetic routes Explores generation of specific architectures, such as block, star, graft, and gradient copolymer particles The authors describe pH-responsive nanoparticles and smart, thermally responsive particles. They also cover surface tailoring of various organic and inorganic nanoparticles by polymers, as well as theoretical studies on the kinetics of controlled radical polymerization techniques. Condensing and evaluating current knowledge of the development of polymer nanoparticles, this reference will prove a valuable addition to the area of polymer latex technology.

This is the first book to present a topical overview of the research and development of microbial polyesters.
Comprehensive and amply illustrated, it covers the
* biosynthesis
* structure
* properties
* applications
of these biodegradable and biocompatible thermoplastics.
The book provides the reader with the necessary background to understand the nature and mechanism of biological polymerization. It unites aspects from both the biological and polymer sciences and is a typical modern example of the analysis of biological macromolecules.

The manner in which polymers are linked, under certain conditions, forms the main focus of this work. Spectroscopy has, over the years, proved itself to be the technique in providing information at molecular levels for many polymer systems. This book provides an overview of the current state-of-the-art through contributions by world-renowned experts. Techniques covered include: ?1H and ?13C NMR; NMR Imaging, Solid State NMR, Infra Red and Raman spectroscopy, ESR, light and neutron scattering. The book will be invaluable to post graduate students of polymer science and researchers using any one of the many spectroscopic techniques.

Nanotechnology is about small things and medicine usually deals with bigger things - with patients and their diseases. The ultimate goal of all medical sciences is the healing of diseases whenever possible, otherwise the abatement of suffering. The first step of a successful medical treatment is the correct diagnosis of the disease or disease condition, based on clinical knowledge and experience and on diagnostic tools that give insight into macroscopic, microscopic, and biochemical properties of the disease process. Nanomaterials can improve currently available diagnostic applications in medicine and especially polymer-based nanostructures have an enormous potential to revolutionize the way how clinicians diagnose diseases correctly and efficiently. The second step when treating patients is a powerful and specific therapy that is low in side effects, that can prolong the survival of the patient or that can lower the burden of the disease. Again, polymer-based nanostructures are very promising novel tools that might change the way how certain diseases are being treated. This book combines both viewpoints and presents successful applications of nanotechnological constructs in medicine and the science behind the tools. Supramolecular nanometre-sized structures such as nanoparticles or vesicles built out of new synthetic polymeric materials have aroused enormous interest in recent years - both in chemical and pharmaceutical labs as well as in clinical medicine. They promise to be useful for novel or improved diagnostic and therapeutic applications for important diseases such as arteriosclerosis, cancer, infections, or autoimmune disorders. In the first part of this book, renowned researchers provide a detailed insight into both chemical and biological/pharmacological basics that have to be managed for successful applications of these nanostructures in human beings. In the second part, invited authors review the main literature in both diagnostic and therapeutic applications with polymer-based nanostructures that have already reached clinical practice or will enter it in the next few years. Key features include: -Multidisciplinary: The book is written by both clinicians from world-wide leading University Hospitals as well as researchers coming from natural sciences. Special effort was invested into comprehensibility across the traditional borders of medicine, pharmacology, and chemistry. -State-of-the-art: The book is filled with exciting contributions from some of the leading research groups in the field. This guarantees a clear emphasis on ongoing research and ground-breaking applications and projects -Structure: The book can be read from the beginning to the end, starting with basics that help to understand the current diagnostic and therapeutic applications of polymer-based nanostructures in medicine, ending with innovative multifunctional and "smart" nanostructures that might be the future of medicine. The way leads from solid foundations to nowadays applications and further to more futuristic approaches -References: The internationally renowned authors of the chapters have put great efforts into choosing only the most important and competitive papers for the reference lists. All major projects in this field are included - perfect for students or researchers that want to search the main literature thus avoiding the need to search through huge electronic databases

In this important volume, the structures and functions of these advanced polymer and composite systems are evaluated with respect to improved or novel performance, and the potential implications of those developments for the future of polymer-based composites and multifunctional materials are discussed. It focuses exclusively on the latest research related to polymer and composite materials, especially new trends in frontal polymerization and copolymerization synthesis, functionalization of polymers, physical properties, and hybrid systems. Several chapters are devoted to composites and nanocomposites.

This book deals with the new and now-expanding field of friction, wear, and other surface-related mechanical phenomena for polymers. Polymers have been used in various forms such as bulk, films, and composites in applications where their friction, wear resistance, and other surface-related properties have been effectively utilized. There are also many examples in which polymers have performed extremely well, such as in tyres, shoes, brakes, gears, bearings, small moving parts in electronics and MEMS, cosmetics/hair products, and artificial human joints. Around the world, much research is currently being undertaken to develop new polymers, in different forms, for further enhancing tribological performance and for finding novel applications. Keeping in view the importance of tribology of polymers for research and technology as well as the vast literature that is now available in research papers and review articles, this timely book brings together a wealth of research data for an understanding of the basic principles of the subject.

Globally, fire retardants are needed to satisfy a multibillion dollar market. Fire retardancy of polymeric materials is an important component of fire safety. Fire retardants either reduce the likelihood of ignition and/or reduce the rate of flame spread and hence, escalation of fire. The need to comply with safety legislations forces industry to use fire retardants in materials in order to save lives. With growing consumer demands and new legislations, the development of new systems is an on-going process, which also involves understanding their mechanisms of action. This book covers the latest developments in fire retardant strategies including: " new fire retardant systems (including nanoparticulate fillers, sometimes combined with conventional fire retardants) " intumescent formulations and their recent applications in bulk polymers, fibres and textiles " test-methods for material flammability " material-specific aspects of combustion, smoke and toxicity. Fire retardant strategies covered, include the use of synergistic combinations of alumina with organoclay, organophosphorus compunds, silica and organosilicones, clay-phosphate combinations and a novel tecnhique for investigating fire rerardant behaviour. The section on nanoparticulate fillers includes an investigation on the effect of filler shape, the use of carbon nanofibres and nanotubes, the interpretation of nanocomposite behaviour in the cone calorimeter, and groundbreaking new research on the influence of rheological properties on burning behaviour. The coverage of fibres and textiles includes a discussion on trends in textile fire retardancy and flammability regulations, and some novel halogen-free approaches to fire retardancy of cellulose, acrylic and polypropylene textiles. Finally, the influence of fire retardants on fire toxicity is discussed in detail, followed by an investigation of the toxic products from burning fire retarded polymer nanocomposites. This book will update fire retardant materials' developers with latest in research and design of new fire retardant materials. It will also provide a snapshot of the state-of-the-art for a range of other groups including environmentalists looking for alternatives to brominated flame retardants and engineers needing to use fire safe materials in their projects.

This book focuses on exciting new research in polymer science. The first section of the book deals with new advancements in polymer technology, which includes polymers that are responsible for progress in the field of energy, electronics, and medical sciences. It focuses on the most promising polymer nanocomposites and nanomaterials. Composites are becoming more important because they can help to improve quality of life. The second section of the book highlights this aspect of macromolecules, while the third section emphasizes biopolymers, their development, and applications.

Elastomer-Based Composite Materials: Mechanical, Dynamic, and Microwave Properties and Engineering Applications is focused on elastomer-based composite materials comprising different types of reinforcing fillers. The book provides an informative examination of the possibilities for broadening the engineering applications of elastomer composites through using various types of hybrid fillers, ferrites, and ceramics, and also examines their synthesis and characterization. It discusses new hybrid fillers that have been synthesized by different techniques, e.g. impregnation of different substrates (carbon black, conductive carbon black, activated carbons, etc.) with silica or magnetite. These new fillers have been thoroughly characterized by standard techniques and by up-to-date methods, such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-EDX), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The effect of those fillers upon the curing properties, mechanical and dynamic parameters, electrical conductivity, and dielectric and microwave characteristics of elastomer-based composites is discussed in detail in this volume. The book also covers the influence of various types of ceramics (SiC, B4C, and TiB2) and barium and strontium hexaferrites upon the aforementioned properties of rubber composites in conjunction with a view toward solutions for environmental problems caused by waste tires. The book shows that pyrolysis-cum-water vapor is a suitable and environmentally friendly method for the conversion of the waste green tires into useful carbon-silica hybrid fillers. The properties of elastomer-based composites comprising different types of nanostructures (fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets), modified activated carbons, and calcined kaolin are also discussed. Special attention is paid to composites with lower levels of zinc oxide. The volume provides an abundance of knowledge on the detailed characterization of these fillers and on the curing, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and dielectric and microwave properties of the elastomeric composites. The book surveys the most recent research activities of the authors, which will make it a vital reference source for scientists in both the academic and industrial sectors, as well as for individuals who are interested in rubber materials. It will be very useful for students, especially PhD students, scientists, lecturers, and engineers working or doing research in the field of polymer materials science, elastomer-based composites and nanocomposites and their engineering applications in the production of microwave absorbers and electromagnetic waves shielding materials, materials for electronics devices and telecommunications.

Explores the Latest Developments in Polymeric Foams Since the 1960s polymeric foams have grown into a solid industry that affects almost every aspect of modern life. The industry has weathered the energy crisis in the 70s, ozone issues in the 80s, and recycle/reuse in the 90s. However, the pace of development and social climate is rapidly changing again, putting the spotlight even more firmly on performance, sustainable resources, and energy security. Coverage of New Products, Technologies, and Regulations Exploring new concepts, innovations, and developments in the field, Polymeric Foams: Technology and Development in Regulation, Process, and Products provides an international perspective on the direction of foam technologies and applications, focusing on the progress in blowing agent research and hydrofluorocarbons for the polyurethane foam industry. The text covers new foam products, including PP/PS interpolymer, nano-, and biodegradable foams. It also examines new technologies, such as injection foam molding and PVC foam; industry and environmental regulations; and research on foam performance, emission impact, and economic effects. Clearly Follows the Development Process As in most fields these days, efforts to be environmentally friendly and achieve enhanced performance for specialty applications drive research and development. Presenting a clear picture of the development process, this book covers not only new directions in the industry, but how they will impact current and future development.

Awarded the 2009 Olle Prize! The field of coordination polymer research has undergone rapid expansion in recent years. No longer are these materials the vaguely defined 'insoluble material' at the bottom of your vessel that spell death for your reaction. They have gone from 'polymeric rubbish' to 'materials of the future'. Great leaps in the deliberate design of coordination polymers were made in the 1990s. These were allied with similar advances in related areas such as organic crystal engineering, metallosupramolecular chemistry and X-ray diffraction. No longer did we assemble things atom by atom. Whole molecules were used as building blocks and new materials were made. This is the first book to provide a broad overview of all the major facets of coordination polymer research in one place. It combines chapters on nets and interpenetration with wide-ranging surveys of transition metal and lanthanoid coordination polymers and their properties. The aim is to provide a flavour of each aspect whilst introducing the important concepts and developments using carefully selected examples. After an introduction, the text is split into three sections: -Design (nets, interpenetration, malleability) -Analysis (transition metal coordination polymers, lanthanoid coordination polymers, organometallic networks, organic-inorganic hybrids) -Application (magnetic properties, porosity, acentric and chiral networks, reactive coordination polymers, other properties). Written in the style of a tutorial review, the book is suitable for both senior specialists and new postgraduate students taking their first steps in the field. It also provides an authoritative and detailed reference source.

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.

Derived from the fourth edition of the well-known "Plastics Technology Handbook," Plastics Fundamentals, Properties, and Testing covers the behavior, characterization, and evaluation of polymers. With a lucid approach and wealth of valuable information, this volume looks at the remarkable versatility of this nonmetallic class of materials.

Examining polymers at the molecular level, the book first discusses their inherent properties and how their end-use properties can be influenced through changes in the molecular architecture or incorporation of various fillers and additives. The authors coherently present a wide spectrum of topics by sequentially introducing structural aspects, properties, and applications. They then proceed to explore the mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermal properties of polymers, providing theoreticalderivations where necessary as well as explanations on molecular and structural features. To identify the principles involved, the book also furnishes the bases of many standard test methods according to ASTM and BS 2782 specifications.

This volume chronicles the proceedings of the Third Symposium on Metallized Plastics: Fundamental and Applied Aspects held under the auspices of the Dielectric Science and Technology Division of the Electrochemical Society in Phoenix, Arizona, October 13-18, 1991. This series of symposia to address the subject of metallized plastics was initiated in 1988 and the premier symposium was held in Chicago, October 10-12, 1988, followed by the second event in Montreal, Canada, May 7-10, 1990. The rroceedings of these two symposia have been properly documented ,2. The third symposium was a huge success like the previous two events, and all this is testimonial to the brisk interest and high tempo of R&D activity in the fie14 of metallized plastics. This further bolsters our earlier thinking that there was a conspicuous need to hold symposia on this topic on a regular basis and the fourth is planned for May 16-21, 1993 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The study of metallized plastics constitutes an important human endeavor l and as pointed out earlier there are myriad applications of metallized plastics ranging from very commonplace to exotic. Also a survey of the recent literature will reveal that both the fundamental and applied aspects of metallized plastics are being pursued with great vigor.

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.

Analytical pyrolysis allows scientists to use routine laboratory instrumentation for analyzing complex, opaque, or insoluble samples more effectively than other analytical techniques alone. Analytical Pyrolysis Handbook, Third Edition is a practical guide to the application of pyrolysis techniques to various samples and sample types for a diversity of fields including microbiology, forensic science, industrial research, and environmental analysis. The much-anticipated third edition incorporates recent technological advances that increase the technique's sensitivity to trace elements, improve its reproducibility, and expand its applicability. The book reviews the types of instrumentation available to perform pyrolysis and offers guidance for interfacing instruments and integrating other analytical techniques, including gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Fully updated with new sample pyrograms, figures, references, and real-world examples, this edition also highlights new areas of application including cultural materials, forensic analysis, and environmental studies. This book illustrates how the latest advances make pyrolysis a practical, cost-effective, reliable, and flexible alternative for increasingly complex sample analyses. Analytical Pyrolysis Handbook, Third Edition is an essential, one-stop guide for determining if pyrolysis meets application-specific needs as well as performing pyrolysis and handling the data obtained.

Hydrogels are crosslinked, macromolecular polymeric materials arranged in a three-dimensional network, which can absorb and retain large amounts of water. Hydrogels are commonly used in clinical practice and experimental medicine for a wide range of applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, diagnostics, cellular immobilization, separation of biomolecules or cells, and barrier materials to regulate biological adhesions. This book elucidates the underlying concepts and emerging applications of hydrogels and will provide key case studies and critical analysis of the existing research.

This book presents the chemical properties of lignocellulosic fibers, knowledge of which is essential for innovation and sustainable development of their transformation. Thermochemical transformation of wood and other lignocellulosics is presented to highlight its volatile, liquid and solid products and their novel applications. Forest biorefinery is described to emphasize the new products from lignocellulosic constituents, both structural (cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignins) and those extraneous to cell walls-extractives. New developments in cellulose technology related to nanocellulose are discussed in relation to new applications. Industrial lignins are presented in detail, both in terms of extraction procedures from spent liquors and structural characterization of the isolated lignins. Application of lignocellulosic biopolymers in new composite materials, or in biomaterials for medicinal purposes, and in solid wood preservation, are described. The example of an industrial biorefinery installed in southwestern France more than 40 years ago is presented.

The first book to tackle the application of smart polymers in bioseparation and bioprocessing, Smart Polymers: Applications in Biotechnology and Biomedicine broke new ground in this challenging field. Completely revised, updated, and following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the second edition is poised to take its place as a premier reference in this field. This new edition considers those polymers in which a highly nonlinear response of a smart polymer to small changes in the external medium is of critical importance for the successful functioning of the system. The systems discussed are based on soluble/insoluble transition of smart polymers in aqueous solution, on conformational transitions of the macromolecules physically attached or chemically grafted to a surface and on the shrinking/swelling of covalently cross-linked networks of macromolecules, i.e. smart hydrogels.

The book focuses on the theory describing the behavior of smart polymers in solution, as gels, and when grafted to surfaces. It provides solid, quantitative descriptions and reliable guidelines, reflecting the maturation of the field and the demand for the development of new smart polymer systems. The coverage highlights smart gels and especially fast responding and macroporous gels, as these gels pave the way to different applications of smart polymers in the areas ofbioseparation, drug release, and microfluidics. With contributions from leading researchers as well as extensive end-of-chapter references, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in the field and the potential for future developments.

Injection blow molding is one of the main processes used in the blow molding industry. And although you may find information on this topic in general books on blow molding, the coverage is skimpy and lacking in details. None of them supply the sharply focused, essential information you will find in Samuel Belcher's Practical Guide to Injection Blow Molding. Taking a straightforward approach, the book explores the entire industry from conception, design, costing, tooling, and machinery, to troubleshooting, testing, and daily production.

The author, a highly knowledgeable industry insider, and a member of "The Plastics Hall of Fame," discusses the history of the industry, as well as the ins and outs and dos and don'ts of its daily workings, reinforcing the information in the text with pictures, charts, and figures. He instructs in product and tooling design and material and machine selection, explaining the advantages and the disadvantages and elaborating on efficiencies that can be realized. The book also details basic costing procedures considering resin costs, machine costs, tooling, labor, energy, floor space, overhead, and sales and administration.

Polymers are among the major hallmarks of 20th-century science, and the explosive outgrowth and tremendous importance of polymeric foams is a testament to their amazing versatility and unique properties. With applications from automotive to acoustic and medical, polymeric foams pervade all areas of our lives. If this growth is to continue into the new millennium, especially in light of stringent environmental regulations, a strong understanding of the basic science and the major technologies behind foam production is critical. Written by experienced and accomplished leaders in the field, Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals, technologies, applications, and recent developments. The authors first outline the basic principles and fundamental foaming mechanisms, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, and the basics of blowing agents and foam formation. Foaming technologies and product applications then become the focus, with explanations of structure-property relationships, processing methods, and general types of foams. The book concludes with chapters on recent developments in composite and biodegradable foams that illustrate how to tailor processing to meet application needs. Illuminating the role of polymeric foams in the modern materials landscape, Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology is the perfect guide for developing innovative materials that achieve better performance and regulatory compliance.

Dendrimers are a new class of macromolecule increasingly used in the fields of synthetic organic chemistry, biology, medicine and biotechnology. Dendrimers in Medicine and Biotechnology: New Molecular Tools looks at this exciting and rapidly growing area of science. Using an interdisciplinary approach with particular emphasis on biological applications, the book discusses the relationship between the dendrimer molecular motif and its biological properties. A general introduction to the subject of dendrimers, including definitions of terms and symbols, is provided. Subsequent sections discuss topics including dendrimers in biological systems, dendrimers as drug delivery devices, dendrimers in diagnostics and dendrimer drugs. Throughout the book examples from current research are also provided. This book will appeal to a wide range of scientists, including non specialists who require an introduction to dendrimers, as well as those wishing to know more about the application of dendrimers in the field of biology and medicine.