Reactive and functional polymers are manufactured with the aim of improving the performance of unmodified polymers or providing functionality for different applications. These polymers are created mainly through chemical reactions, but there are other important modifications that can be carried out by physical alterations in order to obtain reactive and functional polymers. This volume presents a comprehensive analysis of these reactive and functional polymers. Reactive and Functional Polymers Volume Three considers advanced polymeric materials such as electroactive polymers, multi-responsive polymers, shape memory polymers, stimuli responsive polymers, and active and intelligent polymers as topics for analysis. World renowned researchers from Argentina, Austria, China, Egypt, France, India, Iran, Japan, Pakistan, Romania and Spain have participated in this book. With its comprehensive scope and up-to-date coverage of issues and trends in Reactive and Functional Polymers, this is an outstanding book for students, professors, researchers and industrialists working in the field of polymers and plastic materials.

This volume covers experimental and theoretical advances on the relationship between composition, structure and macroscopic mechanical properties of novel hydrogels containing dynamic bonds. The chapters of this volume focus on the control of the mechanical properties of several recently discovered gels with the design of monomer composition, chain architecture, type of crosslinking or internal structure. The gels discussed in the different chapters have in common the capability to dissipate energy upon deformation, a desired property for mechanical toughness, while retaining the ability to recover the properties of the virgin material over time or to self-heal when put back in contact after fracture. Some chapters focus on the synthesis and structural aspects while others focus on properties or modelling at the continuum or mesoscopic scale. The volume will be of interest to chemists and material scientists by providing guidelines and general structure-property considerations to synthesize and develop innovative gels tuned for applications. In addition it will provide physicists with a better understanding of the role of weak interactions between molecules and physical crosslinking on macroscopic dissipative properties and self-healing or self-recovering properties.

During the past fifteen years commercial interest in compounds containing carbon fluorine bonds has burgeoned beyond all expectations, mainly owing to business opportunities arising from work on biologically active fluoroorganics-particularly agrochemicals, the relentless search for new markets for fluoropolymers and fluoro carbon fluids, developments in the field of medical diagnostics, and the drive to find replacements for ozone-depleting CFCs and Halon fire-extinguishing agents. Judging the situation to warrant the publication of a comprehensive collection of up-to-date reviews dealing with commercial organofluorine compounds within a single volume of manageable size (and hence reasonable cost), we were delighted to be invited by Plenum Publishing Corporation to produce a suitable book. In order to provide an authentic and wide-ranging account of current commercial applications of fluoroorganic materials, it clearly was necessary to assemble a sizeable team of knowledgeable contributing authors selected almost entirely from industry. Through their efforts we have been able to produce an almost complete coverage of the modem organofluorochemicals business in a manner designed to attract a reader ship ranging from experts in the field, through chemists and technologists currently unaware of the extent of industrial involvement with fluoroorganics, to students of applied chemistry. Promised chapters dedicated to perfluoroolefin oxides and 18F labeling of radiopharmaceuticals failed to materialize. This is somewhat unfortunate in view of our aim to achieve comprehensive coverage of the subject."

Processing of polymer nanocomposites usually requires special attention since the resultant structure-micro- and nano-level, is directly influenced by among other factors, polymer/nano-additive chemistry and the processing strategy. This book consolidates knowledge, from fundamental to product development, on polymer nanocomposites processing with special emphasis on the processing-structure-property-performance relationships in a wide range of polymer nanocomposites. Furthermore, this book focuses on emerging processing technologies such as electrospinning, which has very exciting applications ranging from medical to filtration. Additionally, the important role played by the nanoparticles in polymer blends structures has been illustrated in the current book, with special focus on fundamental aspects and properties of nanoparticles migration and interface crossing in immiscible polymer blend nanocomposites. This book introduces readers to nanomaterials and polymer nanocomposites processing. After defining nanoparticles and polymer nanocomposites and discussing environmental aspects, the second chapter focuses on the synthesis and functionalization of nanomaterials with applications in polymers. A brief overview on nanoclay and nanoclay-containing polymer nanocomposites is provided in third chapter. The fourth chapter provides an overview of the polymer nanocomposites structural elucidation techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and scattering, microscopy and spectroscopy, rheology. The fifth chapter is dedicated to the polymer nanocomposites processing technologies, among which electrospinning, which has very exciting applications ranging from medical to filtration. The last chapter provides an overview on how melt-processing strategy impact structure and mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites by taking polypropylene-clay nanocomposite as a model system. The book is useful to undergraduate and postgraduate students (polymer engineering, materials science & engineering, chemical & process engineering), as well as research & development personnel, engineers, and material scientists.

Polymer-Carbonaceous Filler-Based Composites for Wastewater Treatment serves as the first book to offer a concise treatment of the use of these materials in the treatment of wastewater. It provides a systematic and comprehensive account of recent developments and encompasses novel methods for the synthesis of carbonaceous derivatives-based fillers for polymer composites, their characterization techniques, and applications for the remediation of water contamination. This book seeks to: Introduces novel concepts in wastewater treatment with poly-carbonaceous composites Describes modern fabrication methods and characterization techniques Presents information on processing, safety, and disposal Discusses current research, future trends, and applications Filling the void for a one-stop reference book for researchers, this work includes contributions from leaders in the industry, academia, government, and private research institutions across the globe. Academics, researchers, scientists, engineers and students in the fields of materials and polymer engineering and wastewater treatment will benefit from this application-oriented book.

Liquid crystal elastomers are an entirely new physical system with unique properties occupying a transitional zone between liquids and solids. This book is the foundation treatise in this emerging field of combined chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering. It reviews experimental techniques and results and describes theoretical ideas, illustrating them by solved examples and nearly 200 figures. In addition, the book reviews the foundations of the field: the physics of liquid crystals, polymer physics and foundations of elasticity, thus making a useful and concise reference source.

Exclusive title focussing on various elements of combing in spinning. Includes detailed functioning of conventional and modern combers. Explains various motions in combing pertaining to diferent timings. Discusses role of modern electronics in controlling the mechanisms and offering on-line controls. Features solved examples at the end to tackle problems at shop-floor level.

In recent years, inorganic polymers have attracted much attention in nano-biomedicine, in particular in the area of regenerative medicine and drug delivery. This growing interest in inorganic polymers has been further accelerated by the development of new synthetic and analytical methods in the field of nanotechnology and nanochemistry. Examples for biomedical inorganic polymers that had been proven to exhibit biomedical effects and/or have been applied in preclinical or clinical trials are polysilicate / silica glass (such as naturally formed "biosilica" and synthetic "bioglass") and inorganic polyphosphate. Some members of the mentioned biomedical inorganic polymers have already been applied e.g. as "bioglass" for bone repair and bone tissue engineering, or they are used in food processing and in dental care (inorganic polyphosphates). However, there are a number of further biological and medicinal properties of these polymers, which have been elucidated in the last few years but not yet been applied for treatment of humans. In addition to polysilicates and polyphosphate, there are a series of other inorganic polymers including polyarsenate and polyvanadate, whose biological / biomedical properties have been only marginally studied so far. Moreover, the combined application of inorganic polymers and organic polymeric molecules (formation of organic-inorganic hybrid materials) provides a variety of new materials with novel property combinations and diverse applications in nanomedicine. The planned book summarizes the present state of knowledge on a large group of inorganic polymers that had hitherto been mainly considered with regard to their chemistry but not comprehensively reviewed with respect to their potential biomedical applications.

This book covers various molecular, metal-organic, dynamic covalent, polymer and other gels, focusing on their driving interactions, structures and properties. It consists of six chapters demonstrating interesting examples of these gels, classified by the type of driving interaction, and also discusses the effect of these interactions on the gels' structures and properties. The book offers an interesting and useful guide for a broad readership in various fields of chemical and materials science.

Biomaterials science has advanced dramatically in the past 50 years with the increased cooperation between engineers chemists and biologists. Whilst previously biomaterials may have been erroneously thought to encompass dressing materials or implant structures designed to replace damaged or diseased tissue, the range of clinical applications of these materials is immense. Truly "Smart" biomaterials, which have the ability to recognise, respond to and even record their environment, now exist. The presentations in this volume reflect the true inter-disciplinary nature of biomaterials science; with contributions from polymer chemists, engineers, biologists and clinicians. The presentations show the potential of these collaborations and describe how advanced biomaterials have and are being employed not only in theraputic applications, but also increasingly in diagnosis and treatment in medical science.

Clearly presents the state of the art and future trends in the research of the biodegradable polymers in the context of circular economy Covers entire value chain and life cycle of biopolymers, considering different types of polymers Clarifies the life safety of (bio)degradable polymeric materials Presents novel opportunities and ideas for developing or improving technologies Determines the course of degradation during prediction study

This book focuses on different aspects of microplastic pollution, offering authors and readers the opportunity to share their knowledge, identify issues and propose solutions and actions to face this environmental threat. Although plastic pollution is a well-known global problem, the recent discovery of microplastics and nanoplastics in seas and oceans represents a very alarming new environmental challenge. The book offers comprehensive insights into the origins of the problem, its impact on marine environments, particularly the Mediterranean Sea and coasts, and the current research trends aimed at finding technical solutions to mitigate the phenomenon. It is primarily intended for scientists and decision makers from industry, international, national and local institutions and NGOs

Thermodynamic data of polymer solutions are paramount for industrial and laboratory processes. These data also serve to understand the physical behavior of polymer solutions, study intermolecular interactions, and gain insights into the molecular nature of mixtures. Nearly a decade has passed since the release of a similar CRC Handbook and since then a large amount of new experimental data have been published, which is now compiled in this book. The CRC Handbook of Phase Equilibria and Thermodynamic Data of Polymer Solutions at Elevated Pressures features nearly 500 newly published references containing approximately 175 new vapor-liquid equilibrium data sets, 25 new liquid-liquid equilibrium data sets, 540 new high-pressure fluid phase equilibrium data sets, 60 new data sets describing PVT properties of polymers, and 20 new data sets with densities or excess volumes. The book is a valuable resource for researchers, specialists, and engineers working in the fields of polymer science, physical chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, biological science and technology, and those developing computerized predictive packages.

In the context of polymer crystallization there are several still open and often controversially debated questions. The present volume addresses issues such as novel general views and concepts which help to advance our understanding of polymer crystallisation, nucleation phenomena, long living melt structures affecting crystallization, confinement effects on crystallization, crystallization in flowing melts, fluid mobility restrictions caused by crystallites, the role of mesophases in the crystal formation and presents new ideas in a connected and accessible way. The intention is thus not only to provide a summary of the present state of the art to all active works but to provide an entry point to newcomer and graduate students entering the field.

This book summarizes the latest knowledge in the science and technology of ionic liquids and polymers in different areas. Ionic liquids (IL) are actively being investigated in polymer science and technology for a number of different applications. In the first part of the book the authors present the particular properties of ionic liquids as speciality solvents. The state-of-the art in the use of ionic liquids in polymer synthesis and modification reactions including polymer recycling is outlined. The second part focuses on the use of ionic liquids as speciality additives such as plasticizers or antistatic agents. The third part examines the use of ionic liquids in the design of functional polymers (usually called polymeric ionic liquids (PIL) or poly(ionic liquids)). Many important applications in diverse scientific and industrial areas rely on these polymers, like polymer electrolytes in electrochemical devices, building blocks in materials science, nanocomposites, gas membranes, innovative anion sensitive materials, smart surfaces, and a countless set range of emerging applications in different fields such as energy, optoelectronics, analytical chemistry, biotechnology, nanomedicine or catalysis.

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

Carbohydrates have attracted a great deal of research interest in recent years from both synthetic chemists and glycobiologists. As a result they are now associated with a plethora of important biological processes and have been implicated in the onset and progress of many lethal diseases. They have therefore been identified as novel targets of therapeutic importance. This book, which is aimed at synthetic and medicinal chemists, hopes to introduce both undergraduates and research students to the chemistry and biology of carbohydrates. The book investigates methods for synthesising carbohydrates in a systematic and logical manner and provides real examples from the literature to exemplify the procedures introduced. Both traditional and modern methods for synthesising carbohydrates, including enzymatic and solid-phase techniques, are discussed.

This book highlights novel applications of innovative fabrics in the design of an interlayer between the scalp and the helmet lining of motorcycle helmets to control the temperature inside the helmet. It examines various fibre microstructure configurations and fibre treatments in terms of their ability to assist in the dissipation of heat from the scalp. The findings presented here will be of considerable benefit to motorcyclists in South East Asia and other tropical regions.

This book presents select papers presented at the annual meeting of the Asian Polymer Association. The chapters in this volume document and report on a wide range of significant recent results for various applications, as well as scientific developments in the areas of polymer science and engineering. The chapters include original research from all areas of polymer science and technology with a focus on the manufacture, processing, analysis and application of long chain polymer molecules. This book will be of interest to researchers in academia and industry alike.

Taking the most common polymers this undergraduate textbook describes the basic principles of polymer science. Using polymers with which students will be familiar, for example polystyrene and PVC, this book relates the structure of polymers to their properties, and explains how and their properties can be tailored for a particular use.

Concerned primarily with the determination of the size of polymer molecules in solution, their sequence structure and also molecular weight characteristics, this book includes contributions relating to molecular weight and molecular weight characteristics using conventional chromatographic techniques, spectroscopic techniques describing determination of sequence structure, and scattering techniques concerned with the determination of macromolecular size.

The book will be invaluable for postgraduate and research polymer chemists and all those who are concerned with the study and use of macromolecular materials. The techniques described reflect some of the most recent advances which have been made in the development of methods for molar mass characterisation and also the size of molecules in solution and solid phases. The problem of molar mass characterisation is common to synthetic and biological polymers, hence this book will also be of interest to biologists, polymer engineers and technologists. Techniques covered include: Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation Field Flow Fractionation Static and Dynamic Light Scattering Neutron Scattering Vapour Pressure Osmometry/Viscometry Ultrafugation and Sedimentation Gel Electrophoresis of Biological Macromolecules Mass Spectrometry of Polymers

The long-awaited Third Edition of the classic in polymer synthesis

Thirty years ago, the Second Edition of Preparative Methods of Polymer Chemistry further established its reputation as the laboratory bible for polymer synthesis. The last three decades have witnessed a deeper understanding of the principles involved in preparing and processing polymers, leading to tremendous advances in polymer synthesis. Guiding practicing scientists through the methods of synthesizing polymers, the Third Edition retains theory and vital protocols, while revising and updating the sections on synthesis, fabrication techniques, and characterization methods.

Delving into the physical and chemical aspects of polymer processing, each chapter includes a discussion of the relevant background and principles, enabling the scientist to apply synthetic techniques intelligently. The Third Edition also contains sections on current topics such as:

• Extended-chain polymer technology
• High-temperature and high-performance polymers
• Carbon fibers
• Electrically conductive polymers
• Group-transfer polymerization
• Composites

Preparative Methods of Polymer Chemistry, Third Edition provides essential information for both students and practicing polymer scientists.

This book provides knowledge of the basic theory, spectral analysis methods, chemometrics, instrumentation, and applications of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy-not as a handbook but rather as a sourcebook of NIR spectroscopy. Thus, some emphasis is placed on the description of basic knowledge that is important in learning and using NIR spectroscopy. The book also deals with applications for a variety of research fields that are very useful for a wide range of readers from graduate students to scientists and engineers in both academia and industry. For readers who are novices in NIR spectroscopy, this book provides a good introduction, and for those who already are familiar with the field it affords an excellent means of strengthening their knowledge about NIR spectroscopy and keeping abreast of recent developments.

This review book focuses on the structure-property relationships of polyurethane nanocomposite foams in comparison with those of conventional polyurethane composite foams. The thermal insulation properties of polyurethane foam nanocomposites are discussed along with other traits such as their morphology, mechanical and thermomechanical properties, thermal degradation and flammability, energy absorption and saving capability, recycling and recovery behavior. In turn, the book discusses potential applications of PU nanocomposite foams and outlines the main problems that remain to be solved with regard to this important topic.

Revised, updated and expanded to continue to provide the most accurate, compact and practical source on fluoropolymers. Explores breakthroughs in understanding property-structure relationships, new polymerization techniques and the chemistry underlying polymers. Fluoropolymers are high up on the specialty polymers group and due to their unique properties, are naturally part of the solution to industrial sustainability challenges. Describes the technology of fluoropolymers, including thermoplastic and elastomeric products. Expands upon critical environmental aspects of fluoropolymers and recycling of these special polymers