This thesis presents a novel coarse-grained model of DNA, in which bases are represented as rigid nucleotides. The model is shown to quantitatively reproduce many phenomena, including elastic properties of the double-stranded state, hairpin formation in single strands and hybridization of pairs of strands to form duplexes, the first time such a wide range of properties has been captured by a coarse-grained model. The scope and potential of the model is demonstrated by simulating DNA tweezers, an iconic nanodevice, and a two-footed DNA walker - the first time that coarse-grained modelling has been applied to dynamic DNA nanotechnology.

How can the two dimensional crystallization of colloids be used to form highly ordered colloidal monolayers on solid substrates? What application does this have in generating arrays of nanostructures? These questions are addressed in Nicolas Vogel's thesis. Vogel describes a simple preparation method for the formation of uniform colloidal crystals over large areas, which he refines to yield more complex binary and non-close-packed arrangements. These monolayers can be applied to a process termed colloidal lithography which is used to prepare high quality metallic nanostructures with tailored properties defined to suit a variety of applications. Moreover, the author describes a method used to create metallic nanodot arrays with a resolution unprecedented for colloidal lithography methods. The author also outlines methodology to embed nanoparticle arrays into the substrate, which is developed and used to design robust, re-usable biosensor platforms and nanoscale patterns of biomimetic lipid bilayer membranes. The research in this thesis has led to a large number of publications in internationally renowned journals.

This book is a treatise on the thermodynamic and dynamic properties of thin liquid films at solid surfaces and, in particular, their rupture instabilities. For the quantitative study of these phenomena, polymer thin films (sometimes referred to as "ultrathin") have proven to be an invaluable experimental model system. What is it that makes thin film instabilities special and interesting? First, thin polymeric films have an important range of applications. An understanding of their instabilities is therefore of practical relevance for the design of such films. The first chapter of the book intends to give a snapshot of current applications, and an outlook on promising future ones. Second, thin liquid films are an interdisciplinary research topic, which leads to a fairly heterogeneous community working on the topic. It justifies attempting to write a text which gives a coherent presentation of the field which researchers across their specialized communities might be interested in. Finally, thin liquid films are an interesting laboratory for a theorist to confront a well-established theory, hydrodynamics, with its limits. Thin films are therefore a field in which a highly fruitful exchange and collaboration exists between experimentalists and theorists. The book stretches from the more concrete to more abstract levels of study: we roughly progress from applications via theory and experiment to rigorous mathematical theory. For an experimental scientist, the book should serve as a reference and guide to what is the current consensus of the theoretical underpinnings of the field of thin film dynamics. Controversial problems on which such a consensus has not yet been reached are clearly indicated in the text, as well as discussed in a final chapter. From a theoretical point of view, the field of dewetting has mainly been treated in a mathematically 'light' yet elegant fashion, often making use of scaling arguments. For the untrained researcher, this approach is not always easy to follow. The present book attempts to bridge between the 'light' and the 'rigorous', always with the ambition to enhance insight and understanding - and to not let go the elegance of the theory.

Smart materials stimulated by chemical or by logical signals hold promise for many applications, including new sensors and actuators for medicine, environmental and process control. In contrast to other books on responsive materials which are restricted to sensing, this volume not only highlights fundamental chemical and physical principles but also focuses on the use of smart materials for applications such as drug delivery, wound healing, cell adhesion, tuneable vesicles, surface control, smart paints and glasses, separations, oil recovery and artificial muscles. In this completely updated and expanded edition, readers are introduced to the area with chapters reflecting the enormous expansion of the field in recent years. Different responsive material systems will be covered including hydrogels, membranes, thin layers, polymer brushes, chemomechanical and imprinted polymers, nanomaterials and silica particles. With contributions from internationally recognised experts, the book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in academia, healthcare and industry interested in functional materials and their applications.

1 H.H. Kausch, G.H. Michler: The Effect of Time on Crazing and Fracture.- 2 L. Monnerie, F. Laupretre, J.-L. Halary: Investigation of Solid-State Transitions in Linear and Crosslinked Amorphous Polymers.- 3 L. Monnerie, J.-L. Halary, H.H. Kausch: Deformation, Yield and Fracture of Amorphous Polymers: Relation to the Secondary Transitions.-

1 W. Hu, D. Frenkel: Polymer Crystallization Driven by Anisotropic Interactions.- 2 T. Yamamoto: Molecular Dynamics Modeling of the Crystal-Melt Interfaces and the Growth of Chain Folded Lamellae.- 3 G. Allegra, S.V. Meille: Pre-Crystalline, High-Entropy Aggregates: A Role in Polymer Crystallisation?- 4 M. Hikosakai, K. Watanabe, K. Okada, S. Yamazaki: Topological Mechanism of Polymer Nucleation and Growth - The Role of Chain Sliding Diffusion and Entanglement.- 5 K. Kaji, K. Nishida, T. Kanaya, G. Matsuba, T. Konishi, M. Imai: Spinodal Crystallzation of Polymers: Crystallization from the Unstable Melt.- 6 M. Muthukumar: Modeling Polymer Crystallization.-

The free-radical retrograde-precipitation polymerization (FRRPP) process was introduced by the author in the early 1990s as a chain polymerization method, whereby phase separation is occurring while reactive sites are above the lower cr- ical solution temperature (LCST). It was evident that certain regions of the product polymer attain temperatures above the average ?uid temperature, sometimes rea- ing carbonization temperatures. During the early stages of polymerization-induced phase separation, nanoscale polymer domains were also found to be persistent in the reacting system, in apparent contradiction with results of microstructural coarsening from constant-temperature modeling and experimental studies. This mass con?- ment behavior was used for micropatterning, for entrapment of reactive radical sites, and for the formation of block copolymers that can be used as intermediates, surf- tants, coatings, coupling agents, foams, and hydrogels. FRRPP-based materials and its mechanism have also been proposed to be relevant in energy and environmentally responsible applications. This technology lacks intellectual appeal compared to others that have been p- posed to produce polymers of exotic architectures. There are no special chemical mediators needed. Control of conditions and product distribution is done by p- cess means, based on a robust and ?exible free-radical-based chemistry. Thus, it can readily be implemented in the laboratory and in production scale.

Many naturally occurring biopolymers have unique structures and unique physical or mechanical properties. The understan- ding of the moleclar basisof these biomolecules, their syn- thesis, assembly and processing is a prerequisit for any ap- plication to the design of novel biomolecular materials. Se- veral classes of biopolymers are sampled in depth in this volume, such as nanolaminated ceramics, adhesive proteins, eggshellproteins, protein fibres and silk which are synthe- sized by a variety of organisms (mulluscs, parasitic trema- todes, fish and insects). The reader will be introduced to the biological systems to understand Nature's use of each biopolymer and the highly differentiated cells responsible for their synthesis. Corresponding to the variety of organ- isms and possible applications of biopolymers, the combined expertise of interdisciplinary teams of scientists - such as the authors of this volume - have the greatestopportunity to decipher and exploit Nature's skill in biopolymer engi- neering.

The importance of oil in the world economy cannot be overstated, and methods for recovering oil will be the subject of much scientific and engineering research for many years to come. Even after the application of primary depletion and secondary recovery processes (usually waterflooding), much oil usually remains in a reservoir, and indeed in some heterogeneous reservoir systems as much as 70% of the original oil may remain. Thus, there is an enormous incentive for the development of improved or enhanced methods of oil recovery, aimed at recovering some portion of this remainil)g oil. The techniques used range from 'improved' secondary flooding methods (including polymer and certain gas injection processes) through to 'enhanced' or 'tertiary' methods such as chemical (surfactant, caustic, foam), gas miscible (carbon dioxide, gas reinjection) and thermal (steam soak and drive, in-situ combustion). The distinction between the classification ofthe methods usually refers to the target oil that the process seeks to recover. That is, in 'improved' recovery we are usually aiming to increase the oil sweep efficiency, whereas in 'tertiary' recovery we aim to mobilise and recover residual or capillary trapped oil. There are a few books and collections of articles which give general overviews of improved and enhanced oil recovery methods. However, for each recovery method, there is such a wide range of interconnected issues concerning the chemistry, physics and fluid mechanics of flow in porous media, that rarely are these adequately reviewed."

Constitutional Dynamic Chemistry: Bridge from Supramolecular Chemistry to Adaptive Chemistry, by Jean-Marie Lehn Multistate and Phase Change Selection in Constitutional Multivalent Systems, by Mihail Barboiu Dynamic Systemic Resolution, by Morakot Sakulsombat, Yan Zhang and Olof Ramstroem Dynamic Combinatorial Self-Replicating Systems, by Emilie Moulin and Nicolas Giuseppone DCC in the Development of Nucleic Acid Targeted and Nucleic Acid Inspired Structures, by Benjamin L. Miller Dynamic Nanoplatforms in Biosensor and Membrane Constitutional Systems, by Eugene Mahon, Teodor Aastrup und Mihail Barboiu Dynamic Assembly of Block-Copolymers, by D. Quemener, A. Deratani und S. Lecommandoux Dynamic Chemistry of Anion Recognition, by Radu Custelcean Supramolecular Naphthalenediimide Nanotubes, by Nandhini Ponnuswamy, Artur R. Stefankiewicz, Jeremy K. M. Sanders und G. Dan Pantos Synthetic Molecular Machines and Polymer/Monomer Size Switches that Operate Through Dynamic and Non-Dynamic Covalent Changes, by Adrian-Mihail Stadler und Juan Ramirez Reversible Covalent Chemistries Compatible with the Principles of Constitutional Dynamic Chemistry: New Reactions to Create More Diversity, by Kamel Meguellati und Sylvain Ladame.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers, by Karsten Haupt, Ana V. Linares, Marc Bompart und Bernadette Tse Sum Bui.- Physical Forms of MIPs, byAndrea Biffis, Gita Dvorakova und Aude Falcimaigne-Cordin.- Micro and Nanofabrication of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers, by Marc Bompart, Karsten Haupt und Cedric Ayela.- Immuno-Like Assays and Biomimetic Microchips, by M. C. Moreno-Bondi, M. E. Benito-Pena, J. L. Urraca und G. Orellana.- Chemosensors Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers, by Subramanian Suriyanarayanan, Piotr J. Cywinski, Artur J. Moro, Gerhard J. Mohr und Wlodzimierz Kutner.- Chromatography, Solid-Phase Extraction, and Capillary Electrochromatography with MIPs, by Blanka Toth und George Horvai.- Microgels and Nanogels with Catalytic Activity, by M. Resmini, K. Flavin und D. Carboni."

This book provides an introduction to the unique and fascinating properties of alloys and composites from novel commercialized thermosetting resins based on polybenzoxazines. Their outstanding properties such as processability, thermal, mechanical, electrical properties as well as ballistic impact properties of polybenzoxazine alloys and composites make them attractive for various applications in electronic packaging encapsulation, light weight ballistic armour composites and bipolar plate in fuel cells.

This book describes most recent advances and limitations concerning design of adhesive joints under humid conditions and discusses future trends. It presents new approaches to predict the failure load after exposure to load, temperature and humidity over a long period of time. With the rapid increase in numerical computing power there have been attempts to formalize the different environmental contributions in order to provide a procedure to predict assembly durability, based on an initial identification of diffusion coefficients and mechanical parameters for both the adhesive and the interface. A coupled numerical model for the joint of interest is then constructed and this allows local water content to be defined and resulting changes in adhesive and interface properties to be predicted.

Polypeptide-Polymer Conjugates, by Henning Menzel Chemical Strategies for the Synthesis of Protein-Polymer Conjugates, by Bjoern Jung and Patrick Theato Glycopolymer Conjugates, by Ahmed M. Eissa and Neil R. Cameron DNA-Polymer Conjugates: From Synthesis, Through Complex Formation and Self-assembly to Applications, by Dawid Kedracki, Ilyes Safir, Nidhi Gour, Kien Xuan Ngo and Corinne Vebert-Nardin Synthesis of Terpene-Based Polymers, by Junpeng Zhao and Helmut Schlaad

This book presents the principle ideas of combining different analytical techniques in multi-dimensional analysis schemes. It reviews the basic principles and instrumentation of multi-dimensional chromatography and the hyphenation of liquid chromatography with selective spectroscopic detectors and presents experimental protocols for the analysis of complex polymers. It is the consequent continuation of "HPLC of Polymers" from 1999 by the same authors. Like its 'predecessor', this book discusses the theoretical background, equipment, experimental procedures and applications for each separation technique, but in contrast treats multi-dimensional and coupled techniques. "Multidimensional HPLC of Polymers" intends to review the state of the art in polymer chromatography and to summarize the developments in the field during the last 15 years. With its tutorial and laboratory manual style it is written for beginners as well as for experienced chromatographers, and will enable its readers (polymer chemists, physicists and material scientists, as well as students of polymer and analytical sciences) to optimize the experimental conditions for their specific separation problems.

This second edition of a well-received volume has been thoroughly updated and expanded to cover the most recent developments. Coverage now includes additional polymers such as polyindole and polyazines, composites of polymers with carbon nanotubes, metals, and metal oxides, as well as bending-beam techniques for characterization. Again, the author provides a systematic survey of the knowledge accumulated in this field in the last thirty years. This includes thermodynamic aspects, the theory of the mechanism of charge transport processes, the chemical and physical properties of these compounds, the techniques of characterization, the chemical and electrochemical methods of synthesis as well as the application of these systems. The book contains a compilation of the polymers prepared so far and covers the relevant literature with almost 2000 references. From reviews of the previous edition 'a comprehensive reference guide for those interested in this field' (Journal of Solid State Electrochemistry)

1. B. Keszler, J.P. Kennedy, Akron, OH, USA Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Poly (Beta-Pinene) 2. Y. Chujo, T. Saegusa, Kyoto, Japan OrganicPolymer Hybrids with Silica Gel by Means of the Sol-Gel Method 3. A. Halperin, Mainz, FRG, M. Tirrell, T.P. Lodge, Minnea- polis, MN, USA Tethered Chains in Polymer Microstructures 4. T.Q. Nguyen, H.-H. Kausch, Lausanne, CH Mechanochemical Degradation in Transient Elongational Flow 5. P. Corradini, G. Guerra, Naples, Italy Polymorphism in Polymers 6. K.A. Armitstead, G. Goldbeck-Wood, A. Keller, Bristol, UK Review of Polymer Crystallization Theories 7. M. Fischer, Fribourg, CH Properties and Failure of Polymers with Tailored Distances between Crosslinks 8. M. Stamm, Mainz, FRG Polymer Interfaces on a Molecular Scale: Comparison of Techniques and Some Examples

In his thesis, Matthias Junk takes an innovative approach to assess the local structure and dynamics of biological and synthetic amphiphilic macromolecules capable of transporting small molecules. Replacing the latter with stable radicals, he uses state-of-the-art electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to describe the highly relevant transport function from the viewpoint of the guest molecules. Such, he demonstrates that the functional structure of human serum albumin in solution significantly differs from its crystal structure - a consequence of the protein's adaptability to host various endogenous compounds and drug molecules. Further, he shows that the thermal collapse of thermoresponsive hydrogels and dendronized polymers leads to static and dynamic heterogeneities on the nanoscale. These heterogeneities bear consequences for the material's hosting properties and enable unforeseen complex catalytic functionalities.

Salen Metal Complexes as Catalysts for the Synthesis of Polycarbonates from Cyclic Ethers and Carbon Dioxide, by Donald J. Darensbourg.- Material Properties of Poly(Propylene Carbonates), by Gerrit. A. Luinstra and Endres Borchardt.- Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) from Carbon Monoxide, by Robert Reichardt and Bernhard Rieger. - Ecoflex(r) and Ecovio(r): Biodegradable, Performance-Enabling Plastics, by K. O. Siegenthaler, A. Kunkel, G. Skupin and M. Yamamoto.- Biodegradability of Poly(Vinyl Acetate) and Related Polymers, by Manfred Amann and Oliver Minge.- Recent Developments in Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactones, by P. Lecomte and C. Jerome.- Recent Developments in Metal-Catalyzed Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactides and Glycolides: Preparation of Polylactides, Polyglycolide, and Poly(lactide-co-glycolide), by Saikat Dutta, Wen-Chou Hung, Bor-Hunn Huang and Chu-Chieh Lin.- Bionolle (Polybutylenesuccinate), by Yasushi Ichikawa, Tatsuya Mizukoshi.- Polyurethanes from Renewable Resources, by David A. Babb.-"

Fluid-membrane material interfaces, morphologies of membrane surface and the sub-layer underneath the membrane surface, and fluid transport through the membrane governed by the above interface and morphology parameters, and driving forces involved in process operatio- all these three aspects together constitute the fundamental physico-chemical and engineering basis for the practical success of Membrane Separation Technology (MST) in all its applications. Quantitative data on the above interface and morphology parameters and applicable transport equations involving the above parameters, are needed for membrane design, specification of membranes, modules and systems, and prediction of their performance for any given separation application. Even though more than 40 years have elapsed since the emergence of the field of MST, there are very few books which deal with all the above three aspects of the subject in an integrated manner. This simply shows that the field of MST is still in its early stages of development and only a small fraction of its vast potential has been practically realized to-date. Still, what has already accomplished is extraordinary both in its scope, and in its impact, on scientific research and service to society at large.

Synthesis of Polypeptides by Ring-Opening Polymerization of -Amino Acid N-Carboxyanhydrides, by Jianjun Cheng and Timothy J. Deming.- Peptide Synthesis and Self-Assembly, by S. Maude, L. R. Tai, R. P. W. Davies, B. Liu, S. A. Harris, P. J. Kocienski and A. Aggeli.- Elastomeric Polypeptides, by Mark B. van Eldijk, Christopher L. McGann, Kristi L. Kiick andJan C. M. van Hest.- Self-Assembled Polypeptide and Polypeptide Hybrid Vesicles: From Synthesis to Application, by Uh-Joo Choe, Victor Z. Sun, James-Kevin Y. Tan and Daniel T. Kamei.- Peptide-Based and Polypeptide-Based Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering, by Aysegul Altunbas and Darrin J. Pochan.-"

This thesis deals with the processes that create ordered assemblies from disordered nanoparticles. Ordered packings of nanoscale particles can exhibit unusual properties. This work investigates the self-assembly of such particles, a process widely employed for the generation of ordered structures, but not yet well understood. In situ methods are used to observe the assembly of sub-micron polymer lattices and sub-10 nm gold particles into crystalline monolayers and aggregates. On the basis of these results, the book develops new models that describe the competition between different influences, such as thermal agitation and directional forces. It suggests necessary criteria that lead to the emergence of order.

1 U.H.F. Bunz: Synthesis and Structure of PAEs.- 2 E. Klemm, T. Pautzsch, L. Blankenburg: Organometallic PAEs.- 3 C.R. Ray, J.S. Moore: Supramolecular Organization of Foldable Phenylene Ethynylene Oligomers.- 4 J. Zheng, T.M. Swager: Poly(arylene ethynylene)s in Chemosensing and Biosensing.- 5 T. Yamamoto, I. Yamaguchi, T. Yasuda: PAEs with Heteroaromatic Rings.- 6 G. Voskerician, C. Weder: Electronic Properties of PAEs.-

The development of photosensitive materials in general and photoreactive polymers in particular is responsible for major advances in the information, imaging, and electronic industries. Computer parts manufacturing, information storage, and book and magazine publishing all depend on photoreactive polymer systems. The photo-and radiation-induced processes in polymers are also active areas of research. New information on the preparation and properties of com mercially available photosensitive systems is constantly being acquired. The recent demand for environmentally safe solvent-free and water-soluble materials also motivated changes in the composition of photopolymers and photoresists. The interest in holographic recording media for head-up displays, light scanners, and data recording stimulated development of reconfigurable and visible light sensitive materials. Photoconductive polymerizable coatings are being tested in electrostatic proofing and color printing. The list of available initiators, poly meric binders, and other coating ingredients is continually evolving to respond to the requirements of low component loss (low diffusivity) and the high rate of photochemical reactions.