Since their first industrial use polymers have gained a tremendous success. The two volumes of "Polymers - Opportunities and Risks" elaborate on both their potentials and on the impact on the environment arising from their production and applications. Volume 11 "Polymers - Opportunities and Risks I: General and Environmental Aspects" is dedicated to the basics of the engineering of polymers - always with a view to possible environmental implications. Topics include: materials, processing, designing, surfaces, the utilization phase, recycling, and depositing. Volume 12 "Polymers - Opportunities and Risks II: Sustainability, Product Design and Processing" highlights raw materials and renewable polymers, sustainability, additives for manufacture and processing, melt modification, biodegradation, adhesive technologies, and solar applications. All contributions were written by leading experts with substantial practical experience in their fields. They are an invaluable source of information not only for scientists, but also for environmental managers and decision makers.

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.

This monograph deals with the interrelationship between chemistry and physics, and especially the role played by quantum chemistry as a theory in between these two disciplines. The author uses structuralist approach to explore the overlap between the two sciences, looking at their theoretical and ontological borrowings as well as their continuity. The starting point of this book is that there is at least a form of unity between chemistry and physics, where the reduction relation is conceived as a special case of this unity. However, matters are never concluded so simply within philosophy of chemistry, as significant problems exist around a number of core chemical ideas. Specifically, one cannot take the obvious success of quantum theories as outright support for a reductive relationship. Instead, in the context of a suitably adapted Nagelian framework for reduction, modern chemistry's relationship to physics is constitutive. The results provided by quantum chemistry, in partic ular, have significant consequences for chemical ontology. This book is ideal for students, scholars and academics from the field of Philosophy of Science, and particularly for those with an interest in Philosophy of Chemistry and Physics.

Volume one deals primarily with the basic principles of radiation curing: UV-curing; EB-curing; microwave curing; oligomer/resin technology; chemistry of imaging science; testing methods; equipment; coatings applications and emerging trends in photopolymers for holographic recording and laser induced reactions.

Contents:
Contributors: Ian Connell, Ann N. Crigler, James Curran, Peter Dahlgren, Klaus Jakubowicz, Todd Gitlin, Michael Gurevitch, Suzanne Hasselbach, Mark R. Levy, Paolo Mancini, John M. Phelan, Vincent Porter, Itzhak Roeh, Colin Sparks, Liesbet van Zoonen

The book is an excellent reference for scientists, researchers and students working in the field of areas of biopolymeric biomaterials, biomedical engineering, therapeutics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The book is divided into two parts: Part I will focus on the tissue engineering and Part II focuses on therapeutics, functionalization and computer-aided techniques. The book consists of 13 chapters contributed by 20 international contributors who are leading experts in the field of biopolymers and its applications. It will focus on the advancements of chitin and chitosan in regenerative medicine. Regenerative medicine in tissue engineering is the process of replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues, or organs to restore or establish normal function. It is an incredibly progressive field of medicine that may, in the near future, help with the shortage of life-saving organs available through donation for transplantation vis-a-vis regenerative medicine focuses on therapeutics, functionalization and computer-aided techniques. It also covers physical and chemical aspects of chitin and chitosan, structural modifications for biomedical applications, chitosan based scaffolds and biomodelling in tissue engineering, nanomedicines and therapeutic applications. With the broad range of applications, the world is waiting for biopolymers to serve as the basis for regenerative medicine and biomedical applications.

The homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of CO and the carbonylation and homologation of alcohols and their derivatives emerged nearly 40 years ago, in the U.S.A. and Germany. Since that time, the two topics have generally been reviewed separately, with no concern for their common aspects, in terms of both the chemical transformations involved, nor for the catalytic aspects, until Japanese workers, during the National C1 Chemistry Project, which ran from 1980 to 1987, unified both the scientific and technological approaches in the field. The literature from 1940--1980 has been well reviewed, and so the time is now ripe for a thorough, careful review of work accomplished since then. Under the editorial inspiration of Professor Braca, Oxygenates by Homologation or CO Hydrogenation with Metal Complexes presents an authoritative reconsideration and review of research on oxygenate production by CO hydrogenation, and the homologation of alcohols, aldehydes, ethers and esters in the presence of transition metal complexes. The three chapters of the book, each presenting a masterly overview of its topic, are entitled: Monoalcohols, Glycols and their Ethers and Esters by CO Hydrogenation; Alcohols and Derivatives by Homologation with SynGas; and Hydrocarbonylation of Aldehydes and their Derivatives. The chapters are presented in a common format, presenting the performances of the catalytic systems of different metals, followed by a general discussion of the reaction mechanism along the successive reaction steps, from the activation of the substrates up to their chemical modification and the restoration of the catalysts. Attention is also paid to the problems of stability and deactivation of thecatalytic systems and to the difficulties of the industrial development of the reactions. (2nd text) This volume presents an overview of the current status of research into homogeneous phase catalytic carbon monoxide hydrogenation and the carbonylation and homologation of alcohols and their derivatives, with emphasis on the progress which has been made since 1982. The concents are divided into three major chapters. Chapter 1 deals with monoalcohols, glycols and their ethers and esters by carbon monoxide hydrogenation. Chapter 2 discusses alcohols and their derivatives by homologation with syngas. Chapter 3 considers the hydrocarbonylation of aldehydes and their derivatives. The organization of the material in each of these chapters follows a common scheme. The performance of catalytic systems of different metals is presented and then reaction mechanisms are discussed for successive reaction steps, from the activation of substrates to their chemical modifications and the restoration of catalysts. Attention is also paid to problems of stability and deactivation of catalytic systems. The difficulties associated with the industrial development of the various reactions is also considered. For research organic chemists in academia and industry whose work involves catalysis.

NMR Spectroscopy of Polymers places emphasis on the practical use of NMR spectroscopy in polymer chemistry rather than the theoretical treatments. Based on the authors' extensive experimental experience, topics covered include (1) experimental problems such as preparation of sample solution, selection of solvent, internal standard and tube, and contaminants in sample solution, (2) accuracy and precision of NMR measurements required in the analysis of polymer structure such as tacticity, copolymer composition and chain end structures, (3) volume magnetic susceptibility by NMR, (4) stereochemistry of polymer chains, chemical composition and comonomer sequence distribution in copolymers, and end groups and irregular linkages, (5) on-line coupled size exclusion chromatography(SEC) and NMR spectroscopy(SEC/NMR) in which an NMR spectrometer is set in the SEC system as a detector.

Expanding Monomers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications provides a thorough discussion of expanding polymer systems and their potential applications. The scope of the book includes background information on conventional monomers, their polymeric systems, and associated shrinkage problems. Monomers that expand during polymerization are covered in detail, including their synthesis and characterization. Polymerization (homopolymerization and copolymerization) of expanding monomers is discussed, in addition to mechanisms and kinetics of several polymerization processes, such as cationic initiation and free radical ring-opening polymerization. The book also explores various applications in which expanding polymer systems have potential. These applications include coatings, casting and potting materials, composite adhesives, and electrical insulations. Expanding Monomers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications will be valuable as a reference for manufacturers, researchers, teachers, and students in polymer and materials science, in addition to industry and university libraries.

The volumes of this classic series, now referred to simply as "Zechmeister after its founder, L. Zechmeister, have appeared under the Springer Imprint ever since the series inauguration in 1938. The volumes contain contributions on various topics related to the origin, distribution, chemistry, synthesis, biochemistry, function or use of various classes of naturally occurring substances ranging from small molecules to biopolymers. Each contribution is written by a recognized authority in his field and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the topic in question. Addressed to biologists, technologists, and chemists alike, the series can be used by the expert as a source of information and literature citations and by the non-expert as a means of orientation in a rapidly developing discipline.

Biomaterials repair, reinforce or replace damaged functional parts of the (human) body. All mechanical and biological interactions between an implant and the body occur across the interface, which has to correspond as nearly as possible to its particular function. Much of the progress in adapting polymer materials for use in a biological environment has been obtained through irradiation techniques. For this reason the most recent developments in four key areas are reviewed in this special volume: (1) the analysis of the topology and the elemental composition of a functional surface, (2) the chemical modification of the surface which results in highly pure, sterile and versatile surfaces, (3) the sterilisation of implantable devices via ionising radiation and its possible effects on the structural mechanical properties of polymers, and (4) the radiation effects on living cells and tissues which are of particular importance for radiation protection and radiotherapy.

The results in this dissertation set the ground to answer a fundamental question in data-driven polymer material science: "Why don't prepared composites show less fatigue than the pure plastics?" A simultaneous analysis of mechanical testing and small angle X-Ray scattering from the DESY source in Hamburg has been applied to approach this question, which is also central to the European research project "Nanotough", and the results are clearly presented in this book. The evolution of the materials structure is visualized and quantitatively analyzed from exhaustive sequences of scattering images. Three different classes of polymer composites are presented as typical and illustrative examples. The obtained results illustrate that the interactions of their components can cause unpredictable structural effects, ultimaltely leading to a weakening of the material, where a reinforcement was expected.

Polymeric Nanoparticles of Chitosan Derivatives as DNA and siRNA Carriers, by Y. K. Kim, H. L. Jiang, Y. J. Choi, I. K. Park, M. H. Cho and C. S. Cho.- Chitosan and Its Derivatives for Drug Delivery Perspective, by T. A. Sonia and C. P. Sharma.- Chitosan-based Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy, by V.-K. Lakshmanan, K. S. Snima, J. D. Bumgardner, S. V. Nair, and R. Jayakumar.- Chitosan and Thiolated Chitosan, by F. Sarti and A. Bernkop-Schnurch.- Chitosan-Based Particulate Systems for Non-Invasive Vaccine Delivery, by S. Senel.- Multifunctional Chitosan Nanoparticles for Tumor Imaging and Therapy, by J. Y. Yhee, Heebeom Koo, Dong Eun Lee, Kuiwon Choi, Ick Chan Kwon and Kwangmeyung Kim.- Chitosan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Molecular Imaging and Drug Delivery, by H. Arami, Z. Stephen, O. Veiseh and M. Zhang.- Chitosan: Its Applications in Drug-Eluting Devices, by Mei -Chin Chen, Fwu -Long Mi, Zi -Xian Liao and Hsing -Wen Sung.-

This book reviews the work in the field of nanoadsorbents derived from natural polymers, with a special emphasis on materials finding application in water remediation. It includes natural materials both with an organic or an inorganic skeleton, from which the nanomaterials can be made. Those nanomaterials can therefore be used to reinforce other matrices and in their pristine form have an extraordinary adsorption efficiency. Being of natural or biological origin, the materials described in this book distinguish themselves as eco-friendly and non-toxic. The book describes how these benefits of the described materials can be combined and exploited. It will thus appeal to chemists, nanotechnologists, environmental engineers and generally all scientist working in the field of water pollution and remediation as an inspiration for the innovation toward new technologies.

This book highlights current advanced developments in bioepoxy and bioepoxy/clay nanocomposites and an optimisation of material formulation and processing parameters on fabrication of bioepoxy/clay nanocomposites in order to achieve the highest mechanical properties in relation to their morphological structures, thermal properties, as well as biodegradability and water absorption, which is based on the use of Taguchi design of experiments with the consideration of technical and economical point of view. It also elaborates holistic theoretical modelling of tensile properties of such bionanocomposites with respect to the effect of contents of nanoclay fillers and epoxydised soybean oil (ESO).

NMR is better suited than any other experimental technique for the characterization of supramolecular systems in solution. The presentations included here can be broadly divided into three classes. The first class illustrates the state of the art in the design of supramolecular systems and includes examples of different classes of supramolecular complexes: catenanes, rotaxanes, hydrogen-bonded rosettes, tubes, capsules, dendrimers, and metal-containing hosts. The second class comprises contributions to NMR methods that can be applied to address the main structural problems that arise in supramolecular chemistry. The third class includes biological supramolecular systems studied by state-of-the-art NMR techniques.

This book contains a number of articles inspired by the NATO Advanced Study Institute on 'Charged and Reactive Polymers l' held in France in June 1972. This general title indicates simply the intention of a series. The meeting dealt mainly with the fundamental problems of the physical chemistry of polyelectrolytes in solution. Some of the articles reproduce the lectures exactly as they were delivered. Some others have been modified to a greater or lesser extent, and this as a result of improvements or new inspiration arising from comments and discussions. In previous larger conferences on macromolecules, polyelectrolytes constituted only a marginal problem and few were the individual communications or short was the time al10tted to this subject. In other meetings of a biophysical character the uses of the techniques of charged macromolecules have been exposed with less attention given to the theories or to the creation or interpretation of these techniques. AU of us felt that the time had come to enumerate and to evaluate this increasing science of polyelectrolytes which has become of major interest. During the whole period of the Institute physical chemists discussed their mutual problems for more than a week, and of ten far into the night One of the advantages of such an Institute is to enable the Directors and the mem bers of the Scientific Committee to establish a logical order in the lectures; this order has been respected in the present edition."

1 V.O. Aseyev, H. Tenhu, F. Winnik: Temperature Dependence of the Colloidal Stability of Neutral Amphiphilic Polymers in Water.- 2 V.I. Lozinsky: Approaches to Chemical Synthesis of Protein-Like Copolymers.- 3 S.I. Kuchanov, A.R. Khokhlov: Role of Physical Factors in the Processes of Obtaining of Copolymers.- 4 A.Y. Grosberg, A.R. Khokhlov: "After-Action" of the Ideas of O.M. Lifshitz in Polymer and Biopolymer Physics.-

This book introduces the physics and chemistry of plastic scintillators (fluorescent polymers) that are able to emit light when exposed to ionizing radiation, discussing their chemical modification in the early 1950s and 1960s, as well as the renewed upsurge in interest in the 21st century. The book presents contributions from various researchers on broad aspects of plastic scintillators, from physics, chemistry, materials science and applications, covering topics such as the chemical nature of the polymer and/or the fluorophores, modification of the photophysical properties (decay time, emission wavelength) and loading of additives to make the material more sensitive to, e.g., fast neutrons, thermal neutrons or gamma rays. It also describes the benefits of recent technological advances for plastic scintillators, such as nanomaterials and quantum dots, which allow features that were previously not achievable with regular organic molecules or organometallics.

-Polyelectrolyte Stars and Cylindrical Brushes By Y. Xu, F. Plamper, M. Ballauff, and A. H. E. Muller -Various Aspects of the Interfacial Self-Assembly of Nanoparticles By N. Popp, S. Kutuzov, A. Boker -Holographic Gratings and Data Storage in Azobenzene-Containing Block Copolymers and Molecular Glasses By H. Audorff, K. Kreger, R. Walker, D. Haarer, L. Kador, and H.-W. Schmidt -Donor-Acceptor Block Copolymers with Nanoscale Morphology for Photovoltaic Applications By M. Sommer, S. Huettner, and M. Thelakkat -Recent Advances in the Improvement of Polymer Electret Films By D. P. Erhard, D. Lovera, C. von Salis-Soglio, R. Giesa, V. Altstadt, and H.-W. Schmidt

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.

In August, 1996, the ACS Division of Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering hosted a symposium on Interfacial Aspects of Multicomponent Polymer Materials at the Orlando, Florida, American Chemical Society meeting. Over 50 papers and posters were presented. The symposium proper was preceded by a one-day workshop, where the. basics of this relatively new field were developed. This edited book is a direct outcome of the symposium and workshop. Every object in the universe has surfaces and interfaces. A surface is defined as that part of a material in contact with either a gas or a vacuum. An interface is defined as that part of a material in contact with a condensed phase, be it liquid or solid. Surfaces of any substance are different from their interior. The appearance of surface or interfacial tension is one simple manifestation. Polymer blends and composites usually contain very finely divided phases, which are literally full of interfaces. Because interfaces are frequently weak mechanically, they pose special problems in the manufacture of strong, tough plastics, adhesives, elastomers, coatings, and fibers. This book provides a series of papers addressing this issue. Some papers delineate the nature of the interface both chemically and physically. The use of newer instrumental methods and new theories are described. Concepts of interdiffusion and entanglement are developed. Other papers describe state-of-the-art approaches to improving the interface, via graft and block copolymers, direct covalent bonding, hydrogen bonding, and more.

This volume serves as a cutting edge reference on XLPE based blends, nanocomposites, and their applications. The book provides an introduction to XLPE nanocomposites and discusses the incorporation of natural and inorganic nanoparticles in the XLPE matrix. It also focuses on its characterization as well as the morphological, rheological, mechanical, viscoelastic, thermal, and electrical, properties. It provides an in-depth review of various potential applications, with special emphasis on use in cable insulation. The book focuses on cutting edge research developments, looking at published papers, patents, and production data. This book will be of use to academic and industry researchers, as well as graduate students working in the fields of polymer science and engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering.

A primer for students and researchers, now completely revised and updated

Giant molecules are the fundamental building blocks of our entire world, providing the structural bases for our bodies (genes, proteins, nucleic acids), our food (complex carbohydrates, starches), our homes (wood, concrete), and our environments (plants, clothing, biomaterial, paper, etc.). Equal parts technical guide for the practitioner and college text, Giant Molecules, Second Edition delivers a fascinating primer on these ubiquitous materials.

The book begins with essential, conceptual basics, assuming no prior scientific knowledge whatsoever, then moves swiftly to apply these fundamentals to real-world materials. The majority of the text addresses material concepts and their various applications. A pictorial approach is employed throughout. The author uses sweeping, striking drawings, pictures, and figures to explain why particular giant molecules behave the way they do, and why some, for example, are suitable to the human genome while others are used to construct bulletproof vests. Each chapter contains a glossary, bibliography, and questions and answers for the reader’s reference. Chapters include:

• Thermoplastics
• Fibers
• Rubbers (Elastomers)
• Paints, Coatings, Sealants, and Adhesives
• The Plant Kingdom
• The Animal Kingdom
• The Future of Giant Molecules

The author also includes a selection of helpful Web sites in each chapter for additional reference. Giant Molecules remains an unparalleled resource for researchers and students concerned with scientific fundamentals.

Drawing a picture of the current situation of this new field, this volume both summarizes the past achievements and analyzes the present unsolved problems.