Polymers are huge macromolecules composed of repeating structural units. While polymer in popular usage suggests plastic, the term actually refers to a large class of natural and synthetic materials. Due to the extraordinary range of properties accessible, polymers have come to play an essential and ubiquitous role in everyday life - from plastics and elastomers on the one hand to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins on the other hand. The study of polymer science begins with understanding the methods in which these materials are synthesized. Polymer synthesis is a complex procedure and can take place in a variety of ways. This book brings together the "Who is who" of polymer science to give the readers an overview of the large field of polymer synthesis. It is a one-stop reference and a must-have for all Chemists, Polymer Chemists, Chemists in Industry, and Materials Scientists.

Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins comprises a comprehensive review of significant developments at this biology/chemistry interface. Each volume of this Specialist Periodical Report opens with an overview of amino acids and their applications. Work on peptides is reviewed over several chapters, ranging from current trends in their synthesis and conformational and structural analysis, to peptidomimetics and the discovery of peptide-related molecules in nature. The application of advanced techniques in structural elucidation is incorporated into all chapters, whilst periodic chapters on metal complexes of amino acids, peptides and beta-lactams extend the scope of coverage. Efficient searching of specialist topics is facilitated by the sub-division of chapters into discrete subject areas, allowing annual trends to be monitored. Researchers in the pharmaceutical and allied industries, and at the biology/chemistry interface in academia will find this an indispensable reference source. Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage in major areas of chemical research. Compiled by teams of leading experts in their specialist fields, this series is designed to help the chemistry community keep current with the latest developments in their field. Each volume in the series is published either annually or biennially and is a superb reference point for researchers. www.rsc.org/spr

Materials that can mold the ?ow of elastic waves of certain energy in certain directions are called phononic materials. The present thesis deals essentially with such phononic systems, which are structured in the mesoscale (\1 lm), and with their individual components. Such systems show interesting phononic properties in the hypersonic region, i.e., at frequencies in the GHz range. It is shown that colloidal systems are excellent model systems for the realization of such phononic materials. Therefore, different structures and particle architectures are investigated by Brillouin light scattering, the inelastic scattering of light by phonons. Both the mechanical properties of the individual colloidal particles, which manifest in their resonance vibrations (eigenmodes), as well as the acoustic propagation in colloidal structures have been investigated. The measurement of the eigenmodes allows for new insights into physical properties at the mesoscale, e.g., con?nement effects, copolymer behavior, or the non-destructive determination of nanomechanical properties of core-shell particles, supporting the working groups aim to achieve a deeper understanding of 'soft mechanics' at small length scales. Another novel contribution assigned to this thesis is the ?rst experimental rea- zation of a phononic band gap arising from the interaction of these particle - genmodes with the effective medium band (hybridization gap). This ?nding already gave new impulses to the whole ?eld of phononics.

The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.

This book is part of a two-volume book series that exhaustively reviews the key recent research into nanoclay reinforced polymer composites. This second volume focuses on nanoclay based nanocomposites and bionanocomposites fabrication, characterization and applications. This includes classification of nanoclay, chemical modification and processing techniques of nanocomposites. The book also provides comprehensive information about nanoclay modification and functionalization; modification of nanoclay systems, geological and mineralogical research on clays suitability; bio-nanocomposites based on nanoclays; modelling of mechanical behaviour of halloysite based composites; mechanical and thermal properties of halloysite nanocomposites; the effect of Nanoclays on gas barrier properties of polymers and modified nanocomposites. This book is a valuable reference guide for academics and industrial practitioners alike.

A molecular view on the fundamental issues in polymer physics is provided with an aim at students in chemistry, chemical engineering, condensed matter physics and material science courses. An updated translation by the author, a renowned Chinese chemist, it has been proven to be an effective source of learning for many years. Up-to-date developments are reflected throughout the work in this concise presentation of the topic. The author aims at presenting the subject in an efficient manner, which makes this particularly suitable for teaching polymer physics in settings where time is limited, without having to sacrifice the extensive scope that this topic demands.

Microgels by Precipitation Polymerization: Synthesis, Characterization, and Functionalization, by A. Pich and W. Richtering

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Hydrogels in Miniemulsions, by K. Landfester and A. Musyanovych

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Nano- and Microgels Through Addition Reactions of Functional Oligomers and Polymers, by K. Albrecht, M. Moeller, and J. Groll

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Synthesis of Microgels by Radiation Methods, by F. Krahl and K.-F. Arndt

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Microgels as Nanoreactors: Applications in Catalysis, by N. Welsch, M.s Ballauff, and Y. Lu

This book presents selected papers from the 2nd Workshop on "Durability of Composites in a Marine Environment", which was held in Brest, France in August 2016. Providing an overview of the state of the art in predicting the long-term durability of composite marine structures, it addresses modelling water diffusion; damage induced by water accelerated testing, including durability in design; in-service experiences; ocean energy; and offshore applications. Ensuring long-term durability is not only necessary for safety reasons, but also determines the economic viability of future marine structures, and as such, the book is essential reading for all those involved with composites in the marine industry, from initial design and calculation through to manufacture and service exploitation. It also provides information unavailable elsewhere on the mechanisms involved in degradation and how to take account of them.

Renowned experts give all essential aspects of the techniques and applications of graft copolymers based on polysaccharides. Polysaccharides are the most abundant natural organic materials and polysaccharide based graft copolymers are of great importance and widely used in various fields. Natural polysaccharides have recently received more attention due to their advantages over synthetic polymers by being non-toxic, biodegradable and available at low cost. Modification of polysaccharides through graft copolymerization improves the properties of polysaccharides. Grafting is known to improve the characteristic properties of the backbones. Such properties include water repellency, thermal stability, flame resistance, dye-ability and resistance towards acid-base attack and abrasion. Polysaccharides and their graft copolymers find extensive applications in diversified fields. Applications of modified polysaccharides include drug delivery devices, controlled release of fungicides, selective water absorption from oil-water emulsions, purification of water etc.

Themulticomponentnatureofbiologicalmembranesandtheirintra- andextracel- lar interactions make direct investigations on the membrane structure and processes nearly impossible. Clearly, a better understanding of the membrane properties and the mechanisms determining membrane protein functions is crucial to the imp- mentation of biosensors, bioreactors and novel platforms for medical therapy. For this reason, the interest in model systems suitable for the construction and study of complex lipid/protein membrane architectures has increased steadily over the years. The classical portfolio of model membranes used for biophysical and - terfacial studies of lipid (bi)layers and lipid/protein composites includes Langmuir monolayers assembled at the water/air interface, (uni- and multi-lamellar) vesicles in bulk (liposomal) dispersion, bimolecular lipid membranes (BLMs), and various types of solid-supported membranes. All these have speci?c advantages but also suffer from serious drawbacksthat limit their technical applications. Polymer m- branes comprised of entirely synthetic or hybrid (synthetic polymer/biopolymer) block copolymersappeared to be an attractive alternative to the lipid-based models. Generally, the synthetic block copolymer membranes are thicker and more stable and the versatility of polymer chemistry allows the adoption of relevant properties for a wide range of applications. This volume provides a vast overview of the physico-chemical and synthetic - pectsofarti?cial membranes. Numerousmembranemodelsaredescribed,including their properties(i. e. swelling, drying,lateral mobility,stability, electrical conduct- ity, etc. ), advantages, and drawbacks. The potential applications of these models are discussed and supported by real examples. Chapter 1 summarizesmethodsfor the stabilizationof arti?cial lipid membranes.

This book focuses on starch polymers including starch genetics, biotechnological and chemical modification, nanostructures, processing, characterization, properties and applications. This books topic is in a cutting edge and emerging technology area of biomaterials, nanomaterials and renewable materials, and will involve international experts in diverse fields from genetic engineering to applications.
Focuses on cutting edge applications of starch polymers, including starch genetics and RheologyContains working examples and provides real problems and solutions in the area of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and renewable materialsProvides systematic and in-depth coverage and critical assessment of all starch properties and applications from top scientists in the industry

Oxireductases in the Enzymatic Synthesis of Water-Soluble Conducting Polymers, by E. Ochoteco and D. Mecerreyes
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Transferases in Polymer Chemistry, by J. van der Vlist and K. Loos
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Hydrolases Part I: Enzyme Mechanism, Selectivity and Control in the Synthesis of Well-Defined Polymers, by M.A.J. Veld and A.R.A. Palmans
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Hydrolases in Polymer Chemistry: Chemoenzymatic Approaches to Polymeric Materials, by A. Heise and A.R.A. Palmans
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Hydrolases in Polymer Chemistry: Part III: Synthesis and Limited Surface Hydrolysis of Polyesters and Other Polymers, by G.M. Guebitz
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Exploiting Biocatalysis in the Synthesis of Supramolecular Polymers, by S. Roy and R. V. Ulijn

This monograph is a follow-up material to the first FRRPP book by Gerard Caneba in 2009. It includes additional conceptual results, implementation of the FRRPP process in emulsion media to produce various block copolymers, and other FRRPP-related supplementary topics. Conceptual topics include the application of the quantitative analysis presented in the first FRRPP monograph for the occurrence of the FRRPP process to the polysterene-styrene-ether (PS-S-Ether) and poly(methacrylic acid)-methacrylic acid-water (PMAA-MAA-Water) systems, as well as extensions through unsteady state analysis of the occurrence of flat temperature profiles. Also, the generalization of the quantitative analysis is done to consider molecular weight effects, especially based on changes of the phase envelope to an hourglass type. Topics in implementation of the FRRPP process from pre-emulsions of monomers and the solvent/precipitant are highlighted. Additional FRRPP topics are included in this monograph that pertain to more recent efforts of Gerard Caneba, such as oil spill control, oil dispersant system, and caustic sludge remediation from emulsion-based FRRPP materials, hydrolysis of vinyl acetate-acrylic acid-based copolymers, and other polymer modification studies from FRRPP-based emulsions. "

This book offers a comprehensive review of the latest advances in developing functional electrospun nanofibers for energy and environmental applications, which include fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, solar cells, supercapacitors, energy storage materials, sensors, filtration materials, protective clothing, catalysis, structurally-colored fibers, oil spill cleanup, self-cleaning materials, adsorbents, and electromagnetic shielding.

This book is aimed at both newcomers and experienced researchers in the field of nanomaterials, especially those who are interested in addressing energy-related and environmental problems with the help of electrospun nanofibers.

Bin Ding, PhD, and Jianyong Yu, PhD, are both Professors at the College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, China.

The development and application of bioactive nano-structured constructs for tissue regeneration is the focus of the research summarised in this thesis. Moreover, a particular focus is the rational use of supercritical carbon dioxide foaming and electrospinning technologies which can lead to innovative polymeric bioresorbable scaffolds made of hydrolysable (both commercial and 'ad-hoc' synthesized) polyesters. Mainly, the author discusses the manipulation of polymer chemical structure and composition to tune scaffold physical properties, and optimization of scaffold 3D architecture by a smart use of both fabrication techniques. The multidisciplinary nature of this research is imperative in pursuing the challenge of tissue regeneration successfully. One of the strengths of this thesis is the integration of knowledge from chemistry, physics, engineering, materials science and biomedical science which has contributed to setting up new national and international collaborations, while strengthening existing ones.

-Effects of Electric Fields on Block Copolymer Nanostructures By H. G. Schoberth, V. Olszowka, K. Schmidt, and A. Boeker -Nanopattern Evolution in Block Copolymer Films: Experiment, Simulations and Challenges By L. Tsarkova, G.J. Agur Sevink, and G. Krausch -Controlled Wrinkling as a Novel Method for the Fabrication of Patterned Surfaces By A. Schweikart, A. Horn, A. Boeker, and A. Fery -Layered Systems Under Shear Flow By D. Svensek and H. R. Brand -Thermal Diffusion in Polymer Blends: Criticality and Pattern Formation By W. Koehler, A. Krekhov, and W. Zimmermann -Foaming of Microstructured and Nanostructured Polymer Blends By H. Ruckdaschel, P. Gutmann, V. Altstadt, H. Schmalz, and A.H.E. Muller

Control of polymeric structure is among the most important endeavours of modern macromolecular science. In particular, tailoring the positioning and strength of intermolecular forces within macromolecules by synthetic me- odsandthusgaining structuralcontrolover the?nalpolymeric materials has become feasible, resulting in the ?eld of supramolecular polymer science. - sides other intermolecular forces, hydrogen bonds are unique intermolecular forces enabling the tuning of material properties via self-assembly processes -1 overawiderangeofinteractionstrengthrangingfromseveralkJmol tosev- -1 eraltensofkJmol . Centralfortheformationofthesestructuresareprecursor molecules of small molecular weight (usually lower than 10 000), which can assembleinsolidorsolutiontoaggregatesofde?nedgeometry. Intermolecular hydrogenbondsatde?nedpositionsofthesebuildingblocksaswellastheir- spectivestartinggeometryandtheinitialsizedeterminethemodeofassembly into supramolecular polymers forming network-, rodlike-, ?brous-, disclike- , helical-, lamellar- and chainlike architectures. In all cases, weak to strong hydrogen-bondinginteractionscanactasthecentralstructure-directingforce fortheorganizationofpolymerchainsandthusthe?nalmaterials'properties. Theimportantcontributionofhydrogenbondstotheareaofsupramole- lar polymer chemistry is de?nitely outstanding, most of all since the potency of hydrogen-bonding systems has been found to be unique in relation to other supramolecular interactions. Thus the high level of structural diversity of many hydrogen-bonding systems as well as their high level of direction- ity and speci?city in recognition-phenomena is unbeaten in supramolecular chemistry. The realization, that their stability can be tuned over a wide range of binding strength is important for tuning the resulting material prop- ties, ranging from elastomeric to thermoplastic and even highly crosslinked duroplastic structures and networks. On the basis of the thermal reversib- ity, new materials with highly tunable properties can now be prepared, - ing able to change their mechanical and optoelectronic properties with very smallchangesofexternalstimuli. Thusthe?eldofhydrogen-bondedpolymers forms the basis for stimuli responsive and adaptable materials of the future.

This series presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics and materials science. It is addressed to all scientists at universities and in industry who wish to keep abreast of advances in the topics covered.

Impact Factor Ranking: Always number one in Polymer Science. More information as well as the electronic version of the whole content available at: www.springerlink.com

The series Advances in Polymer Science presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science. It covers all areas of research in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics, material science.The thematic volumes are addressed to scientists, whether at universities or in industry, who wish to keep abreast of the important advances in the covered topics.Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic, and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles, and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist.Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Single contributions can be specially commissioned.Readership: Polymer scientists, or scientists in related fields interested in polymer and biopolymer science, at universities or in industry, graduate students.

Control over macromolecular architecture and resulting material properties has been a central goal of polymer chemistry. There has been much interest in developing new synthetic routes to prepare smart materials with novel compositions and topologies for various applications. The considerable progress in the metal mediated macromolecular engineering over the past decade has had a major impact on the development of well-defined macromolecular architectures and the synthesis of smart materials. Particularly, remarkable strong developments have been observed for the synthesis of smart materials via four metal mediated macromolecular engineering techniques; Anionic, ROMP, ATRP and Click Chemistry. These materials have found uses in advanced microelectronics, technical and biomedical applications as well as in chemical sensors applications.

This book is comprised of 27 chapters written by leading scientists from NATO and Partner Countries who have greatly contributed in the area of Anionic, ROMP, ATRP and Click Chemistry. It highlights the fundamental aspects and recent developments of these four powerful techniques and evaluate their potential in the syntheses of smart materials from complex structures (grafts, brushes, dendrimers, etc.) to nanostructures (self-assembly, nano-size, etc) for a wide range of applications.

The book reports on the synthesis of a wide range of well-defined complex polymeric systems such as thermoresponsive smart polymers, star copolymers, biocompatible polymers, amphipilic smart nano structured, conducting polymers, self assembled polymers, and hyperbranced polymers.

-Encapsulation by Miniemulsion Polymerization By K. Landfester and C. K. Weiss -Enzyme-Encapsulated Layer-by-Layer Assemblies: Current Status and Challenges Toward Ultimate Nanodevices By K. Ariga, Q. Ji, and J. P. Hill -Non-LBL Assembly and Encapsulation Uses 1 of Nanoparticle-Shelled Hollow Spheres 2 By G.C. Kini, S. L. Biswal, and M. S. Wong -Polymersomes: A Synthetic Biological Approach to Encapsulation and Delivery By M. Massignani, H. Lomas, and G. Battaglia -Reaction Vessels Assembled by the Sequential Adsorption of Polymers By A.D. Price, A.P.R. Johnston, G.K. Such, and F. Caruso

The purpose of this book will be to demonstrate 1) the newly developed method of using reactive functionalized materials in agriculture to solve the economic and public health problems associated with using conventional agrochemicals; and 2) new technology aimed at achieving the greening of chemistry to meet appropriate environmental standards in both agriculture and industrial foodstuffs production. More specifically, the book will accomplish this goal by addressing 3 key issues in the field: 1) the production of reactive functionalized materials with enhanced properties that offer a major opportunity to overcome the disadvantages of using traditional materials; 2) the applications of functionalized materials in agriculture for the purpose of solving the economic and the environmental pollution problems associated with the uses of conventional agrochemicals; and 3) the contribution of polymers in solving problems associated with conventional procedures of food growth and processing, including those used in the dairy industry, sugar and fruit juices, beer and wine production, nutritive and nonnutritive food additives, and in food protection.

This thesis outlines the first synthesis of a new complex branched polymer architecture that aims to combine the benefits of dendrimers with the simplicity of conventional polymerisation. There is no other available literature on these remarkable materials, dubbed hyperbranched polydendrons, due to their novelty. The new materials were shown to have very high molecular weights (>1,000,000 g/mol), exceptional self-assembly and encapsulation behaviour and unparalleled functionalisation capabilities, and were studied pharmacologically to determine their potential as oral nanomedicine candidates. The detailed investigation of the chemical variables involved in synthesising hyperbranched polydendrons has shown that their self-assembly and pharmacological behaviour can be turned on and off and fine-tuned by altering the composition of the materials. The permeation of the self-assembled particles through model gut epithelium suggests the potential for oral dosing of drug loaded nanomedicines that result in circulating nanoparticles - a research goal that is currently being pursued by several groups around the globe.

The updated and expanded second edition of this book explores the physical and mechanical properties of carbon fibers and their composites, their manufacture and processing, and their current and emerging applications. Over 10 chapters, the book describes manufacturing methods, surface treatment, composite interfaces, and microstructure-property relationships with underlying fundamental physical and mechanical principles. It discusses the application of carbon materials in delivering improved performance across a diverse range of fields including sports, wind energy, oil and gas, infrastructure, defence, and the aerospace, automotive and semiconductor industries. This new edition introduces chapters related to the manufacturing of carbon/carbon composites (C/C composites), antioxidation characteristics of C/C composites, and their applications. Furthermore, it addresses the effect of graphene and carbon nanotubes on the physical and chemical properties of carbon fibers. A final chapter looks at the emerging and future prospects for carbon fiber technology.

Because we are living in an era of Green Science and Technology, developments in the field of bio- and nano- polymer composite materials for advanced structural and medical applications is a rapidly emerging area and the subject of scientific attention. In light of the continuously deteriorating environmental conditions, researchers all over the world have focused an enormous amount of scientific research towards bio-based materials because of their cost effectiveness, eco-friendliness and renewability. This handbook deals with cellulose fibers and nano-fibers and covers the latest advances in bio- and nano- polymer composite materials. This rapidly expanding field is generating many exciting new materials with novel properties and promises to yield advanced applications in diverse fields. This book reviews vital issues and topics and will be of interest to academicians, research scholars, polymer engineers and researchers in industries working in the subject area. It will also be a valuable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students at institutes of plastic engineering and other technical institutes.