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.

Porous Polymer Science and Applications aims to provide recent developments and advances in synthesis, tuning parameters, and applications of porous polymers. This book brings together reviews written by highly accomplished panels of experts working in the area of porous polymers. It encompasses basic studies and addresses topics of novel issues concerning the applications of porous polymers. Chapter topics span basic studies, novel issues, and applications addressing all aspects in a one-stop reference on porous polymers. Applications discussed include catalysis, gas storage, energy and environmental sectors making this an invaluable guide for students, professors, scientists and R&D industrial experts working in the field of material science and engineering and particularly energy conversion and storage. Additional features include: Provides a comprehensive introduction to porous polymers addressing design, synthesis, structure, properties and characterization. Covers task-specific applications of porous polymers. Explores the advantages and opportunities of these materials for most major fields of science and engineering. Outlines novel research areas and potential development and expansion areas.

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.

Written by a pioneer in the development of spin labeling in biophysics, this expert book covers the fundamentals of nitroxide spin labeling through cutting-edge applications in chemistry, physics, materials science, molecular biology, and biomedicine. Nitroxides have earned their place as one of the most popular organic paramagnets due to their suitability as inhibitors of oxidative processes, as a means to polarize magnetic nuclei, and, in molecular biology, as probes and labels to understand molecular structures and dynamics AS DRAGS FOR CANCER AND OTHER DISEASES. Beginning with an overview of the basic methodology and nitroxides' 145-year history, this book equips students with necessary background and techniques to undertake original research and industry work in this growing field.

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 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.

Biopolymers represent a carbon emission solution: they are green and eco-friendly with a variety of uses in biomedical engineering, the automotive industry, the packaging and paper industries, and for the development of new building materials. This book describes the various raw materials of biopolymers and their chemical and physical properties, the polymerization process, and the chemical structure and properties of biopolymers. Furthermore, this book identifies the drawbacks of biopolymers and how to overcome them through modification methods to enhance the compatibility, flexibility, physicochemical properties, thermal stability, impact response, and rigidity.

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.

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.

Morphology- Property Relationship in Rubber-Based Nanocomposites: Some Recent Developments, by A. K. Bhowmick, M. Bhattacharya, S. Mitra, K. Dinesh Kumar, P. K. Maji, A. Choudhury, J. J. George and G. C. Basak; * Rubber- Clay Nanocomposites: Some Recent Results, by Amit Das, De-Yi Wang, Klaus Werner St ckelhuber, Ren Jurk, Juliane Fritzsche, Manfred Kl ppel and Gert Heinrich; * Surface Modification of Fillers and Curatives by Plasma Polymerization for Enhanced Performance of Single Rubbers and Dissimilar Rubber/Rubber Blends, by J. W. M. Noordermeer, R. N. Datta, W. K. Dierkes, R. Guo, T. Mathew, A. G. Talma, M. Tiwari and W. van Ooij; * Recent Developments on Thermoplastic Elastomers by Dynamic Vulcanization, by R. Rajesh Babu and Kinsuk Naskar; * PTFE-Based Rubber Composites for Tribological Applications, by M. S. Khan and G. Heinrich Content Level Research

Chitin is the second most abundant natural polymer in the world after cellulose, mainly derived from the food waste of shrimp and crabs. Chitosan is the most important derivative of chitin. Thanks to their biodegradability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, bioactivity, and versatile chemical and physical properties, chitin and chitosan derivatives are used in a wide variety of applications, including water treatment, cosmetics and toiletries, food and beverages, healthcare/medical, and agrochemicals. Chitin and Chitosans in the Bioeconomy covers all major aspects of chitin and chitosan, including structure, biosynthesis, biodegradation, properties of chitin and derivatives, applications, and market. It offers a special focus on the bioeconomy, which is the renewable segment of the circular economy. Describes the structure, biosynthesis, and biodegradation of chitin and chitosan Covers chitin- and chitosan-based products Details valorization of these materials Presents information on shell biorefineries Chitin and Chitosans in the Bioeconomy serves as a reference for polymer scientists and engineers and is also accessible to economists and advanced students.

The polyurethane industry is among the fastest growing, with polyurethanes used in consumer as well as industrial sectors. Waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) exhibit many advantages over conventional volatile organic compounds (VOCs) based polyurethanes and have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative. WPUs offer an opportunity to use sustainable raw materials to produce environmentally sustainable polymers, particularly, polyols derived from vegetable oils. Eco-Friendly Waterborne Polyurethanes: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications provides state-of-the-art knowledge of the synthesis, application, and property enhancement of WPUs. Covers various types of eco-friendly materials and technologies used to synthesize WPUs Presents an overview and applications of WPUs in several advanced research areas Provides fundamentals of synthetic processes and their chemistries for specific applications Elaborates on advanced approaches used to convert renewable resources into polymers Offers new direction to scientists, researchers, and students to better understand the chemistry, technologies, and applications Written for polymer chemists, materials scientists, and other researchers and industry, this book serves as a comprehensive reference for readers interested in the development and application of sustainable polymers.

Describes preparation, characterization, and applications of pH responsive membranes in biomedical applications. Introduces the theoretical understanding of the pH responsiveness. Covers advancement of techniques regarding pH responsive membranes. Provide insights for the development of new materials and membranes. Discusses advancements in drug delivery, haemodialysis, antibodies and enzyme production, chemical sensing and selective ionic transport using pH responsive membranes.

Mineral-filled polymer composites are widely used in industries across the globe, and applications are continuously increasing in sectors such as shipping, manufacturing and renewable energy. One of two volumes comprising the Mineral-Filled Polymer Composites Handbook, this volume provides an overview of the latest research and future directions of advanced mineral fiber-reinforced polymer composites, focused specifically on materials properties. It covers fundamentals, recent progress and new materials involved in mineral-filled polymer composites and includes a wide-ranging list of chapters authored by an international team of experts. This book: Examines the properties of a wide range of materials, from macro- to nano-sized Highlights resources for bio-based minerals production and compares bio-based minerals with commercial mineral fillers Covers novel synthesis methods Discusses effects of aging on properties Describes using halloysite and montmorillonite to improve composite properties and the potential of using mineral fillers to enhance the properties of biopolymer and synthetic polymers This book serves as an excellent reference guide for researchers, advanced students, academics and industry professionals interested in the synthesis of mineral-filled polymer and biopolymer composites, as well as those pursuing research in the broad fields of composite materials, polymers, organic/inorganic hybrid materials and nano-assembly.

Mineral-filled polymer composites are increasingly used for various applications, including automotive, construction, biomedical, maritime, sport and ballistic, due to the advantages of low cost, light weight, excellent rigidity and high mechanical strength. One of two volumes comprising the Mineral-Filled Polymer Composites Handbook, this volume provides an overview of the latest research, trends, applications and future directions of advanced mineral fiber-reinforced polymer composites. It focuses specifically on material selection, processing and applications. This book: Emphasizes the principles governing the behavior of mineral-filled composite materials in the field of engineering and their applications Covers systematic material selection tools such as analytical hierarchy process (AHP), analytical network process (ANP), and technique of ranking preferences by similarity of the ideal solution (TOPSIS) Reviews the use of these materials for various engineering applications Features chapters looking at fabrication techniques and frictional properties Details current research in polymer nanocomposites and particulate polymer composites This book serves as an excellent reference guide for researchers, advanced students, academics and industry professionals interested in the synthesis of mineral-filled polymer and biopolymer composites, as well as those pursuing research in the broad fields of composite materials, polymers, organic/inorganic hybrid materials and nano-assembly.

Having a solid understanding of materials recycling is of high importance, especially due to the growing use of composites in many industries and increasingly strict legislation and concerns about the disposal of composites in landfills or by incineration. Recycling of Plastics, Metals, and Their Composites provides a comprehensive review of the recycling of waste polymers and metal composites. It provides the latest advances and covers the fundamentals of recycled polymers and metal composites, such as preparation, morphology, and physical, mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardancy properties. FEATURES Offers a state-of-the-art review of the recycling of polymer composites and metal composites for sustainability Describes a life-cycle analysis to help readers understand the true potential value and market for these recycled materials Details potential applications of recycled polymer and metal composites Includes the performance of natural fiber-reinforced recycled thermoplastic polymer composites under aging conditions and the recycling of multi-material plastics Covers recycling technologies, opportunities, and challenges for polymer-matrix composites This book targets technical professionals in the metal and polymer industries as well as researchers, scientists, and advanced students. It is also of interest to decision makers at material suppliers, recycled metal and polymer product manufacturers, and governmental agencies working with recycled metal and polymer composites.

This book details the use of conducting polymers and their composites in supercapacitors, batteries, photovoltaics, and fuel cells, nearly covering the entire spectrum of energy area under one title. Conducting Polymers for Advanced Energy Applications covers a range of advanced materials based on conducting polymers, the fundamentals, and the chemistry behind these materials for energy applications. FEATURES Covers materials, chemistry, various synthesis approaches, and the properties of conducting polymers and their composites Discusses commercialization and markets and elaborates on advanced applications Presents an overview and the advantages of using conducting polymers and their composites for advanced energy applications Describes a variety of nanocomposites, including metal oxides, chalcogenides, graphene, and materials beyond graphene Offers the fundamentals of electrochemical behavior This book provides a new direction for scientists, researchers, and students in materials science and polymer chemistry who seek to better understand the chemistry behind conducting polymers and improve their performance for use in advanced energy applications.

Conducting polymers are organic polymers which contain conjugation along the polymer backbone that conduct electricity. Conducting polymers are promising materials for energy storage applications because of their fast charge-discharge kinetics, high charge density, fast redox reaction, low-cost, ease of synthesis, tunable morphology, high power capability and excellent intrinsic conductivity compared with inorganic-based materials. Conducting Polymers-Based Energy Storage Materials surveys recent advances in conducting polymers and their composites addressing the execution of these materials as electrodes in electrochemical power sources. Key Features: Provides an overview on the conducting polymer material properties, fundamentals and their role in energy storage applications. Deliberates cutting-edge energy storage technology based on synthetic metals (conducting polymers) Covers current applications in next-generation energy storage devices. Explores the new aspects of conducting polymers with processing, tunable properties, nanostructures and engineering strategies of conducting polymers for energy storage. Presents up-to-date coverage of a large, rapidly growing and complex conducting polymer literature on all-types electrochemical power sources. This book is an invaluable guide for students, professors, scientists, and R&D industrial specialists working in the field of advanced science, nanodevices, flexible electronics, and energy science.

Chitin is one of the most important biopolymers, synthesized by an enormous number of living organisms and is a promising bioactive polymer for food packaging applications due to its functional properties. This book focuses on composition, properties, characterization, and theoretical approach of chitin and chitosan bio-composites. It describes the most recent studies concerning chitin and chitosan-based films and gives an overview about future trends regarding the industrial applications of chitin and chitosan for food packaging purposes. This book is especially useful for researchers in the fields of bionanocomposites, especially those with an interest in packaging applications.

This new volume, Natural Polymers for Pharmaceutical Applications, Volume 1: Plant-Derived Polymers, presents some of the latest research on the applications of natural polymers in drug delivery and therapeutics for healthcare benefits. Polymers and their applications from several plants are discussed in depth, including tamarind gum, gum Arabic, natural carbohydrate polymer gum tragacanth, pectin, guar gum and its derivatives, locust bean gum, sterculia gum, okra gum, and others. The use of the polymers derived from plants as potential pharmaceutical excipients is expanding day by day because of their stability in the biological system, drug-releasing capability, drug-targeting abilities, as well as their bioavailability.

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 introduces the reader to thermal field-flow fractionation and discusses its advantages over the fundamental problems associated with traditional column-based analytical techniques commonly used to characterize polymers and macromolecules. The authors discuss the theoretical background, equipment, experimental procedures as well as the recent advances and applications of thermal field-flow fractionation. Complete with several practical examples and troubleshooting guidelines, the book is written for beginners and experienced separation scientists alike and will enable its readers to optimize their experimental conditions for their specific separation needs and problems.

This volume provides perspectives on the approaches, mechanisms, test methods, durability considerations, and environmental concerns for contamination mitigating coatings and polymers with emphasis on their use in more extreme aerospace and marine terrestrial environments. Parts of the Volume are devoted to application of biomimetics to contamination mitigation polymeric coatings, low ice adhesion surfaces, insect residue adhesion resistance coatings, and marine biofouling mitigation materials. By juxtaposing ice insect, and marine mitigation approaches, researchers and users may more easily identify threads of similarity that will assist in future developments and potential applications in these areas. The volume is of interest to chemists and material scientists in providing awareness of both the need for efficacy in mitigating contamination and for appropriate coating durability; to physicists in providing better understanding of the interaction between the contaminant, the coated surface, and the surrounding environment; and to engineers in describing the need for better scale-up tests between laboratory and field environments.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer produced by different microbial cells. Its unique structural, physico-chemical, mechanical, thermal, and biological properties offer much potential for use in diverse applications in the biomedical, electronics, energy, and environmental fields, among others. This text provides an overview of the synthesis, characterization, modification, and application of BC. * Discusses sources, characterization, and biosynthesis of BC * Covers composites and aerogels based on BCs * Describes development of BCs from waste and challenges in large-scale production of BCs * Explores a variety of applications such as environmental, industrial, and biomedical This book will be of great interest to researchers and industry professionals in materials science, chemical engineering, chemistry, and other related fields seeking to learn about the synthesis and application of this important material.