This book presents a unified approach to fracture behavior of natural and synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the basis of fiber orientation, the addition of fillers, characterization, properties and applications. In addition, the book contains an extensive survey of recent improvements in the research and development of fracture analysis of FRP composites that are used to make higher fracture toughness composites in various applications.The FRP composites are an emerging area in polymer science with many structural applications. The rise in materials failure by fracture has forced scientists and researchers to develop new higher strength materials for obtaining higher fracture toughness. Therefore, further knowledge and insight into the different modes of fracture behavior of FRP composites are critical to expanding the range of their application.

Synergetics is the quantitative study of multicomponent systems that exhibit nonlinear dynamics and cooperativity. This book specifically considers basic models of the nonlinear dynamics of molecular systems and discusses relevant applications in biological physics and the polymer sciences.
Emphasis is placed on specific solutions to the dynamical equations that correspond to the coherent formation of spatial-temporal structures, such as solitons, kinks and breathers, in particular. The emergence of these patterns in molecular structures provides a variety of information on their structural properties and plays a significant part in energy transfer processes, topological defects, dislocations, and related structure transitions.
Real media, in which solitons take the form of solitary waves, are also considered. In this context, the formation of nonlinear waves in a continuous medium described by nonlinear equations is associated with spontaneous breaking of the local symmetry of the homogeneous system, which produces a range of interesting phenomena.
A particular feature of this text is its combination of analytic and computational strategies to tackle difficult nonlinear problems at the molecular level of matter.

It covers the synthesis, characterizations, and properties of natural polymeric systems, including their morphology, structure, and dynamics. It introduces the most recent innovations and applications of natural polymers and their composites in the food, construction, electronics, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and engineering industries.

This book summarizes recent progress in cellulose chemistry. The last 10 years have witnessed important developments, because sustainability is a major concern. Biodegradable cellulose derivatives, in particular esters and ethers, are employed on a large scale. The recent developments in cellulose chemistry include unconventional methods for the synthesis of derivatives, introduction of novel solvents, e.g. ionic liquids, novel approaches to regioselective derivatization of cellulose, preparation of nano-particles and nano-composites for specific applications. These new developments are discussed comprehensively. This book is aimed at researchers and professionals working on cellulose and its derivatives. It fills an important gap in teaching, because most organic chemistry textbooks concentrate on the relatively simple chemistry of mono- and disaccharides. The chemistry and, more importantly, the applications of cellulose are only concisely mentioned.

Provides up-to-date information and research on graphene-rubber nanocomposites Presents a detailed account of the different niche applications ranging from sensors, flexible electronics to thermal, and EMI shielding materials Offers a comprehensive know-how on the structure-property relationship of graphene-rubber nanocomposites Covers the characterization of graphene-based elastomeric composition Delivers a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the graphene, including its chemical modification for usage in elastomer composites

This book provides information about the sources, structure, and properties of keratin as well as its applications. The extraction from different biomass sources (e.g. feathers, hairs, nails, horn, hoof, and claws) as well as the characterization methods of these extracted materials are explained. The development of bioproducts from keratins is challenging and limited since they are neither soluble in polar solvents nor in non-polar solvents. Therefore, the utilization of different microorganisms for the degradation of keratin is also discussed. The main aim of this book is to highlight the unique features of keratin and to update readers with the possible prospects to develop various value-added products from keratins. The book is highly interesting to researchers working in industry and academia on bioproducts, tissue engineering, biocomposites, biofilm, and biofibers.

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

Polyoxometalates are anionic metal-oxo nanoclusters, which constitute a unique class of compounds owing to their rich solution equilibria and their unique compositional, electronic, reactive, and structural diversity. This book reviews metal-oxide cluster chemistry by covering topics ranging from fundamental aspects (i.e., structure, properties, self-assembly processes, derivatization) to functional materials that incorporate these molecular units, as well as their applications in the fields of current socioeconomic interest, such as energy storage systems, catalysis, molecular electronics, and biomedicine. Edited by prominent researchers in the field of polymer and polyoxometalate chemistries, the book compiles contributions from some of the most distinguished and promising scientists worldwide in such a way that it will appeal to a general readership involved in research areas related to chemistry and materials science.

Polymer Electrolytes and their Composites for Energy Storage/Conversion Devices presents a state-of-the-art overview of the research and development in the use of polymers as electrolyte materials for various applications. It covers types of polymer electrolytes, ion dynamics, and the role of dielectric parameters and a review of applications. Divided into two parts, the first part of the book focuses on the types of polymer electrolytes, ion dynamics, and the role of dielectric parameters, while the second part provides a critical review of applications based on polymer electrolytes and their composites. This book: Presents the fundamentals of polymer composites for energy storage/conversion devices Explores the ion dynamics and dielectric properties role in polymer electrolytes Provides detailed preparation methods and important characterization techniques to evaluate the electrolyte potential Reviews analysis of current updates in polymer electrolytes Includes various applications in supercapacitor, battery, fuel cell, and electrochromic windows The book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in physics, materials science, chemistry, materials engineering, energy storage, engineering physics, and industry.

Styrenic polymers encompass a broad range of types from commodity plastics to engineering polymers. Early polystyrenes - whilst having many favourable attributes such as outstanding clarity, high gloss, ease of processability and low cost - suffered from brittleness and poor chemical resistance. Today there exists a variety of new polymers, copolymers and blends that enable styrenic polymers to be used in ever growing and more demanding applications. Styrenic polymers now find widespread use in areas from packaging materials right through to structural components for domestic and automotive applications.

This book serves as the first comprehensive reference to systematically cover the preparation, properties and applications of this important class of polymers. Major end-use consideration of styrenic polymers such as fracture properties, flammability and photodegradation are covered in detail. This book also describes the latest advances from new polymerization technologies to novel polymer architectures. The book is truly international in its scope, with 31 contributions from leading experts in North America, South America, Europe, Japan and Australia.

With over 15 chapters written by The Dow Chemical Company and some five chapters by BASF, this book provides an authoritative and comprehensive treatment by contemporary experts from the leading companies engaged in the commercial manufacture, research and development of styrenic polymers.

This book summarizes the results of years of research on the problem of strength and fracture of polymers and elastomers. It sets out the modern approach to the strength theory from the standpoint of fractals, the kinetic and thermodynamic theories as well as the meso-mechanic destruction. The dimension reduction method is applied to model the friction processes in elastomers subjected to the complex dynamic loading. Finally, it analyses a relation between the fracture mechanism and the relation phenomena, and provides new experimental data on the sealing nodes in accordance with their specific working conditions where the effect of self-sealing is observed.

This book provides a unified mechanics and materials perspective on polymers: both the mathematics of viscoelasticity theory as well as the physical mechanisms behind polymer deformation processes. Introductory material on fundamental mechanics is included to provide a continuous baseline for readers from all disciplines. Introductory material on the chemical and molecular basis of polymers is also included, which is essential to the understanding of the thermomechanical response. This self-contained text covers the viscoelastic characterization of polymers including constitutive modeling, experimental methods, thermal response, and stress and failure analysis. Example problems are provided within the text as well as at the end of each chapter. New to this edition: * One new chapter on the use of nano-material inclusions for structural polymer applications and applications such as fiber-reinforced polymers and adhesively bonded structures * Brings up-to-date polymer production and sales data and equipment and procedures for evaluating polymer characterization and classification * The work serves as a comprehensive reference for advanced seniors seeking graduate level courses, first and second year graduate students, and practicing engineers

This book presents the reader with a story-based narrative of discovery and development of radiation-induced graft polymerization. The report presented here accomplishes this by relating the inspiring account of research and development based on long-term collaboration among a professor, an engineer, and an entrepreneur. Their goal, ultimately successful, was to come up with a method for grafting functional polymer chains onto existing trunk polymers. The desired outcome was to produce feasible forms for practical use as adsorbents such as porous hollow-fiber membranes, porous sheets, nonwoven fabrics, and fibers. Adsorbents that specifically and efficiently bind to target ions and molecules are essential for capturing uranium species in seawater and antibody drugs in biological fluids and for removing metal ions from ultrapure water and radioactive cesium ions from contaminated water. This unique volume, with its clearly written text and many illustrative figures and diagrams, demonstrates the advantages of the high-adsorption capacity and rate and the easy handling of new polymeric adsorbents over conventional adsorbents. The dynamic behavior of graft chains as described here is certain to appeal especially to chemists, physicists, and material scientists as well as to other readers with an interest in this valuable subject.

Many polymers derived from various marine sources and microorganisms possess some important biological properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioadhesivity that make them attractive as pharmaceutical excipients in various pharmaceutical dosage forms. Moreover, these polymers can be modified physically and/or chemically to improve their biomaterial properties. In this volume, Natural Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications, Volume 2: Marine- and Microbiologically Derived Polymers, looks at how these polymers have been explored and exploited for pharmaceutical uses, such as in tablets, microparticles, nanoparticles, ophthalmic preparations, gels, emulsions, suspensions, etc. Some commonly used marine- and microbiologically derived polymers used as pharmaceutical excipients include alginates, agar-agar, gellan gum, carrageenan; chitosan, xanthan gum, and others. The book focuses on important recent advances from experts around the world on marine-derived polysaccharides and pharmaceutical applications of alginates, agar-agar, gellan gum, carrageenan, chitosan derivatives, xanthan gum.

This book is the second edition of Soft Actuators, originally published in 2014, with 12 chapters added to the first edition. The subject of this new edition is current comprehensive research and development of soft actuators, covering interdisciplinary study of materials science, mechanics, electronics, robotics, and bioscience. The book includes contemporary research of actuators based on biomaterials for their potential in future artificial muscle technology. Readers will find detailed and useful information about materials, methods of synthesis, fabrication, and measurements to study soft actuators. Additionally, the topics of materials, modeling, and applications not only promote the further research and development of soft actuators, but bring benefits for utilization and industrialization. This volume makes generous use of color figures, diagrams, and photographs that provide easy-to-understand descriptions of the mechanisms, apparatus, and motions of soft actuators. Also, in this second edition the chapters on modeling, materials design, and device design have been given a wider scope and made easier to comprehend, which will be helpful in practical applications of soft actuators. Readers of this work can acquire the newest technology and information about basic science and practical applications of flexible, lightweight, and noiseless soft actuators, which differ from conventional mechanical engines and electric motors. This new edition of Soft Actuators will inspire readers with fresh ideas and encourage their research and development, thus opening up a new field of applications for the utilization and industrialization of soft actuators.

Polymers and Nanomaterials for Gene Therapy provides the latest information on gene therapy, a topic that has attracted significant attention over the past two decades for the treatment of inherited and acquired genetic diseases. Major research efforts are currently focused on designing suitable carrier vectors that compact and protect oligonucleotides for gene therapy. The book explores the most recent developments in the field of polymer science and nanotechnology, and how these advancements have helped in the design of advanced materials. Non-viral vector systems, including cationic lipids, polymers, dendrimers, peptides and nanoparticles, are potential routes for compacting DNA for systemic delivery. However, unlike viral analogues that have no difficulty in overcoming cellular barriers and immune defense mechanisms, non-viral gene carriers consistently exhibit significant reduced transfection efficiency due to numerous extra- and intracellular obstacles. Therefore, biocompatibility and potential for large-scale production make these compounds increasingly attractive for gene therapy. This book contains chapters on the engineering of polymers and nanomaterials for gene therapy, and how they can form complexes with DNA and avoid both in vitro and in vivo barriers. Other chapters describe in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo gene therapy studies, and the current issues affecting non-viral gene therapy.

While books have been written on many topics of Polymer Science,no comp- hensive treatise o n l ong-chain b ranching has e ver b een c omposed.This se ries o f reviews in Volume 142 an d 143 o f Advances in P olymer Science tries to fill this gap by highlighting active areas of research on branched polymers. Long-chain branching is a p henomenon observed in s ynthetic polymers and in some natural polysaccharides.It has l ong been r ecognized as a ma jor molecular parameter of macromolecules.Its presence was first surmised by H.Staudinger and G.V.Schulz (Ber.68,2320,1935).Interestingly,their method of identifica- on b y m eans o f the a bnormal r elation b etween in trinsic viscosity an d mo lecular weight has s urvived to this day.Indeed,the most sophisticated method for a- lysis o f long-chain b ranching use s size ex clusion fractionation with the simul- neous recording of mass,molecular weight and intrinsic viscosity of the fr- tions.

For more than 60 years, The Alkaloids has been the leading book series in the field of alkaloid chemistry. In more than 70 volumes all aspects of alkaloids, including chemistry, biology and pharmacology, have been covered in high-quality timeless reviews written by renowned experts in the field.

Chitosan in the Preservation of Agricultural Commodities presents a cohesive overview of research topics regarding the production and characterization of chitosan, the development of coatings and fi lms, its functional properties, and antimicrobial potential of this compound on economically important agricultural commodities. It includes the modes of action from a physiological, enzymatic, and molecular perspective, and evaluations of the activity of chitosan nanocomposites and nanoparticles in biological models. The first section deals with the chemical characteristics and functional properties of chitosan and new chitosan-based biomaterials intended for food preservation. The second section covers various aspects of the control achieved by chitosan on different microorganisms affecting various horticultural commodities, grains, and ornamentals, and its modes of action. The third section explores enzymatic and gene expression induction by chitosan application on fruit and vegetables; the fourth section offers insight on the use of chitosan nanocomposites in biological models associated with food conservation and control of microorganisms.

This volume explains cleaning of cotton after blow room treatment and individualization process in conventional card including functions related to licker-in, cylinder, and doffer, and so forth. Description of modern card includes improved cleaning at higher production rates and individualization at such higher rates. Larger part of the book is devoted to drawing of the sliver and relative description for any modern machine including on-line controls and introduction of indicator lamp system to improve both machine and labour efficiency is discussed as well. This volume also includes the related calculation for both card and draw frame. Focuses on modern carding processes, functions, and attachments. Includes chapters on defects in carding and drawn material and related calculations. Highlights the features of modern draw frame, especially the drafting system. Discusses automation and processes of modern carding machines for improving machine efficiency. Describes drafting and doubling including drafting as basic processes of spinning. This volume is aimed at senior undergraduate/Graduate students in Textile Engineering, staple fibre processing, spinning of staple fibres.

This book introduces the reader to important aspects of the nano-hydrogels. It covers the development of hydrogels and their biology, chemistry and properties. Focus is also given to innovative characterization techniques and advances in structural design, with special emphasis on molecular structure, dynamic behavior and structural modifications of hydrogels. This book serves as a consolidated reference work for the diverse aspects of hydrogels, creating a valuable resource for students and researchers in academia and industry.

Polymeric Foams: Innovations in Technologies and Environmentally Friendly Materials offers the latest in technology and environmental innovations within the field of polymeric foams. It outlines how application-focused research in polymeric foam can continue to improve living quality and enhance social responsibility. This book: Addresses technological innovations including those in bead foams, foam injection molding, foams in tissue engineering, foams in insulation, and silicon rubber foam Discusses environmentally friendly innovations in PET foam, degradable and renewable foam, and physical blowing agents Describes principles as well as applications from internationally recognized foam experts This work is aimed at researchers and industry professionals across chemical, mechanical, materials, polymer engineering, and anyone else developing and applying these advanced polymeric materials.

"Biodegradable Composites for Packaging Applications" describes design, processing, and manufacturing of advanced biodegradable composites in packaging industry applications. It covers fundamentals of biodegradable polymers followed by introduction to biodegradable materials for food packaging industry and its processing mechanisms. Pertinent applications are explained across different chapters including intelligent packaging, applied technologies, degradation problems and its impact on environment and associated challenges. Features Covers biodegradable composites and targeted applications in packaging for industrial applications. Includes exhaustive processing and characterizations of biodegradable composites. Discusses innovative commodities packaging applications. Reviews advanced integrated design and fabrication problems for conductive and sensors applications. Explores various properties and functionalities through extensive theoretical and experimental modeling. This volume is aimed at researchers and graduate students in sustainable materials, composite technology, biodegradable plastics, and food technology and engineering.

Block Copolymer Surfactant Mixtures in Aqueous Solution: Can we Achieve Size and Shape Control by Co-Micellization?, by Thomas Hellweg; Non-ionic Thermoresponsive Polymers in Water, by Vladimir Aseyev, Heikki Tenhu and Fran oise Winnik; From Coordination Polymers to Hierarchical Self-Assembled Structures, by Yun Yan, Arie de Keizer, Martien A. Cohen Stuart and Nicolaas A. M. Besseling; Processes of Ordered Structure Formation in Polypeptide Thin Film Solutions, by Ioan Botiz, Helmut Schlaad and G nter Reiter; Amphiphilic Polymers at Interfaces, by Katarzyna Kita-Tokarczyk, Mathias Junginger, Serena Belegrinou and Andreas Taubert;

This volume documents the proceedings of the Second Symposium on Metallized Plastics: Fundamental and Applied Aspects held under the aegis of the Dielectric Science and Technology Division of the Electrochemical Society in Montreal, Canada, May 7-10, 1990. The first symposium on this topic was held in Chicago, October 10-12, 1988 and the proceedings of l which have been chronicled in a hard-bound volume l As pointed out in the Preface to the proceedings of the first symposium the metallized plastics find scores of applications ranging from very mundane to very sophisticated. Even a cursory look at the literature will convince that this field has sprouted; and there is every reason to believe that with all the research and development activities taking place, new and exciting applications of metallized plastics will emerge. The program for the second symposium was very comprehensive as it included 46 papers covering many aspects of metallized plastics. This symposium was a testimonial to the brisk research activity and keen interest in the topic of metallized plastics. The success of this symposium reinforced our earlier belief that there was a definite need to hold symposia on this topic on a regular basis. Concomitantly, the third symposium in this vein was held in Phoenix, Arizona, October 13-18, 1991 and the fourth is planned for May 16-21, 1993 in Honolulu, Hawaii. As regards the present volume, it contains a total of 35 papers covering a variety of topics ranging from very fundamental to very applied.