Discussing the electrospinning process, the book covers in great depth the current research interest in nanoscience and nanotechnology, especially electrospinning of polymer nanofibers. The main distinction of the proposed book from others devoted to the electrospinning process is in the consideration of the problem in question from the physical point of view. Focusing on physical aspects, the book contains physical basics regarding the unique features of electrospun polymer nanofibers and the electrospinning resulting in fabrication of these nanofibers.

Discerning the properties of polymers and polymer-based materials requires a good understanding of characterization. This revised and updated text provides a comprehensive survey of characterization methods within its simple, concise chapters. Polymer Characterization: Physical Techniques, provides an overview of a wide variety of characterization methods, which makes it an excellent textbook and reference. It starts with a description of basic polymer science, providing a solid foundation from which to understand the key physical characterization techniques. The authors explain physical principles without heavy theory and give special emphasis to the application of the techniques to polymers, with plenty of illustrations. Topics covered include molecular weight determination, molecular and structural characterization by spectroscopic techniques, morphology and structural characterization by microscopy and diffraction, and thermal analysis. This edition contains a new chapter on surface analysis as well as some revised problems and solutions. The concise treatment of each topic offers even those with little prior knowledge of the subject an accessible source to relevant, simple descriptions in a well-organized format.

Polymers are used in many everyday technologies and their degradation due to environmental exposure has lead to great interest in materials which can heal and repair themselves. In order to design new self healing polymers it's important to understand the fundamental healing mechanisms behind the material. Healable Polymer Systems will outline the key concepts and mechanisms underpinning the design and processing of healable polymers, and indicate potential directions for progress in the future development and applications of these fascinating and potentially valuable materials. The book covers the different techniques developed successfully to date for both autonomous healable materials (those which do not require an external stimulus to promote healing) and rehealable or remendable materials (those which only recover their original physical properties if a specific stimulus is applied). These include the encapsulated-monomer approach, reversible covalent bond formation, irreversible covalent bond formation and supramolecular self-assembly providing detailed insights into their chemistry. Written by leading experts, the book provides polymer scientists with a compact and readily accessible source of reference for healable polymer systems.

Polymer Thermodynamics: Blends, Copolymers and Reversible Polymerization describes the thermodynamic basis for miscibility as well as the mathematical models used to predict the compositional window of miscibility and construct temperature versus volume-fraction phase diagrams. The book covers the binary interaction model, the solubility parameter approach, and the entropic difference model. Using equation of state (EOS) theories, thermodynamic models, and information from physical properties, it illustrates the construction of phase envelopes. The book presents nine EOS theories, including some that take into account molecular weight effects. Characteristic values are given in tables. It uses the binary interaction model to predict the compositional window of miscibility for copolymer/homopolymer blends and blends of copolymers and terpolymers with common monomers. It discusses Hansen fractional solubility parameter values, six phase diagram types, the role of polymer architecture in phase behavior, and the mathematical framework for multiple glass transition temperatures found in partially miscible polymer blends. The author also illustrates biomedical and commercial applications of nanocomposites, the properties of various polymer alloys, Fick's laws of diffusion and their implications during transient events, and the use of the dynamic programming method in the sequence alignment of DNA and proteins. The final chapter reviews the thermodynamics of reversible polymerization and copolymerization. Polymer blends offer improved performance/cost ratios and the flexibility to tailor products to suit customers' needs. Exploring physical phenomena, such as phase separation, this book provides readers with methods to design polymer blends and predict the phase behavior of binary polymer blends using desktop computers.

This book focuses on inorganic nanosheets, including various oxides, chalcogenides, and graphenes, that provide two-dimensional (2D) media to develop materials chemistry in broad fields such as electronics, photonics, environmental science, and biology. The application area of nanosheets and nanosheet-based materials covers the analytical, photochemical, optical, biological, energetic, and environmental research fields. All of these applications come from the low dimensionality of the nanosheets, which anisotropically regulate structures of solids, microspaces, and fluids. Understanding nanosheets from chemical, structural, and application aspects in relation to their "fully nanoscopic" characters will help materials scientists to develop novel advanced materials. This is the first book that accurately and concisely summarizes this field including exfoliation and intercalation chemistries of layered crystals. The book provides perspective on the materials chemistry of inorganic nanosheets. The first section describes fundamental aspects of nanosheets common to diverse applications: how unique structures and properties are obtained from nanosheets based on low dimensionality. The second section presents state-of-the-art descriptions of how the 2D nature of nanosheets is utilized in each application of the materials that are developed.

This new book covers the synthetic as well application aspects of functional polymers. It highlights modern trends in the field and showcases the recent characterization techniques that are being employed in the field of polymer science. The chapters are written by top-notch scientists who are internationally recognized in the field. The chapters will highlight the modern trend in the field.

Telechelic polymers have garnered a great deal of scientific interest due to their reactive chain-end functions. This comprehensive book compiles and details the basic principles of and cutting-edge research in telechelic polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyethers, ranging from synthesis to applications. It discusses general strategies toward telechelic polymers, centered on the fundamental aspects of polycondensation reactions, of cationic, anionic, coordination-insertion, and activated monomer mechanisms of the metal-, enzyme-, or otherwise organocatalyzed ring-opening polymerization of cyclic monomers, and of postpolymerization chemical modification methods of polymer precursors. All main classes of polymers are covered separately, comprising polyhydroxyalkanoates, poly( -caprolactone)s, poly(lactic acid)s, polylactides, polycarobnates, and polyethers, including synthetic approaches as well as some illustrative, up-to-date examples and uses. The book also addresses applications of hydroxyl, thiol, amino, or acrylate/methacrylate end-capped polymers as starting materials for the preparation of diverse polymer architectures ranging from block, graft, and star-shaped polymers and micelles to precursors for ATRP macroinitiators, polyurethane copolymers, shape-memory polymers, or nanosized drug delivery systems. The book will appeal to advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students of polymer science; researchers in macromolecular science, especially those with an interest in functional and reactive polymers; and polymer chemists in academia and industry.

Bioactive Carbohydrate Polymers is probably the first book dealing with the latest in the field of polysaccharides and related products and their biological activities, especially the immunological effects. The different chapters describe the structure and bioactivity of polysaccharides from plants used in traditional medicine in different parts of the world, especially China, Japan and Europe. The focus of the book is on immunologically active plant and seaweed polysaccharides, pharmacological activities of sulphated polysaccharides of animal and seaweed origin, and on possible activities of polysaccharides in our food. Methods for isolation and characterisation of the polymers with chemical and enzymatic methods is covered, as well as discussions on the different biological test-systems and the information they provide. This book will be useful to scientists and postgraduate students working with polysaccharides and their possible uses, and should be of interest for people working in the areas of chemistry, biology, pharmacy and medicine.

Low molar mass organic materials and polymers exhibit a range of physical properties that are dependent on their ability to undergo self organisation. The degree and extent of the molecular organisation depends on a complex interplay of inter and intra molecular interactions. Polymer Structure Characterization: From Nano to Macro Organization discusses in a systematic fashion the way in which molecular interactions influence observed morphologies. Topics include: organic crystals, liquid crystals, plastic crystals, polymer morphology, polymer crystallization, amorphous glassy materials, polymer surfaces, polymer phase separation and structure, and a brief introduction to organisation in naturally occurring materials. This textbook is primarily aimed at polymer and material scientists but would also be of interest to chemists and physicists studying the properties of organic materials. It provides complimentary material for a range of courses in materials science, molecular chemistry and chemical physics.

Conjugated polymeric materials and their nanocomposites are widely used for the creation of alternative sources of renewable energy, cell phone screens, mobile gadgets, video players and OLED-TV, as well as organic diodes, transistors, sensors, etc. with field-dependent and spin-assisted electronic properties. Multifrequency EPR Spectroscopy methods can help researchers optimize their structural, magnetic and electronic properties for the creation of more efficient molecular devices. This book will acquaint the reader with the basic properties of conjugated polymers, the fundamentals of EPR Spectroscopy, and the information that can be obtained at different wavebands of EPR spectroscopy.

First Published in 1996. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

This book focuses on important aspects of materials chemistry by providing an overview of the theoretical aspects of materials chemistry, by describing the characterization and analysis methods for materials, and by explaining physical transport mechanisms in various materials. Not only does this book summarize the classical theories of materials chemistry, but also it exhibits their engineering applications in response to the current key issues. The chapters provide practical equations, figures, and references, providing suitable complement to the text. This book is designed to provide important information for scientists and engineers on experimental research in materials chemistry using modern methods. The methods and instrumentation described represent modern analytical techniques useful to researchers, product development specialists, and quality control experts in polymer synthesis and manufacturing.

As the title suggests, this monograph features the physicochemical behavior and supramolecular organization of polymers. The book consists of four chapters dealing with solution properties, viscoelastic behavior, physicochemical aspects at interfaces and supramolecular structures of polymeric systems. The classical treatment of the physicochemical behavior of polymers is presented in such a way that the book will meet the requirements of a beginner in the study of polymeric systems in solution and in some aspects of the solid state, as well as those of the experienced researcher in other types of materials. Physicochemical behavior and Supramolecular Organization of Polymers is ultimately, a contribution to the chemistry of materials; it is a powerful reference tool for students and scientists working both in polymer chemistry, polymer physics and materials science.

This important work is based on the editors symposium at the 2005 ACS meeting in Washington, DC. The contents include an emphasis on main-group polymers, including boron. The chapters are not simply journal articles, but have real added value as the editors have reviewed the general area by placing the work into a larger perspective. This book will be required reading for scientists in a number of disciplines including chemical engineers and physics researchers.

Cellulose-Based Graft Copolymers: Structure and Chemistry discusses the synthesis, characterization, and properties of multifunctional cellulose-based graft copolymers. Presenting the contributions of accomplished experts in the field of natural cellulosic polymers, this authoritative text: Offers an overview of cutting-edge technical accomplishments in natural cellulose-based graft polymers Addresses a separate biomaterial in each chapter, exploring composition as well as graft copolymerization chemistry Covers fundamentals and applications including toxic ion removal, biomedical engineering, biofuels, micro/nano composites, papermaking, building materials, and defense Cellulose-Based Graft Copolymers: Structure and Chemistry tackles several critical issues and provides suggestions for future work, supplying deeper insight into the state of the art of advanced cellulose-based graft copolymers.

This new book explores the consideration of relationships that connect the structural and basic mechanical properties of polymeric mediums within the frameworks of fractal analysis with cluster model representations attraction. Incidentally, the choice of any structural model of medium or their combinations is defined by expediency and further usage convenience only. This book presents leading-edge research in this rapidly changing and evolving field. The book presents descriptions of the main reactions of high-molecular substances within the frameworks of fractal analysis and irreversible aggregation models. Synergetics and percolation theory were also used. In spite of the enormous number of papers dealing with the influence of the medium on the rate of chemical reactions (including synthesis of polymers), no strict quantitative theory capable of "universal" application has been put forward up until now. It is now possible to describe the relationship between the reaction rate constants and the equilibrium constants with the nature of the medium in which the reactions take place by means of a single equation. This important book for the first time gives structural and physical grounds of polymers synthesis and curing, and the fractal analysis is used for this purpose. This new book: * Highlights some important areas of current interest in polymer products and chemical processes * Focuses on topics with more advanced methods * Emphasizes precise mathematical development and actual experimental details * Analyzes theories to formulate and prove the physicochemical principles * Provides an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state of the art of complex polymeric materials

This new two-volume set provides a broad overview of current studies in the engineering of polymers and chemicals with complexity" "of various origins, on scales ranging from single molecules and nano-phenomena to macroscopic chemicals.

Starting with a detailed introduction to the history of research on complex chemical systems and its current state of the art and perspectives, the books present chapters that survey the current progress in particular research fields. The chapters, prepared by leading international experts, create a fascinating picture of a rapidly developing research discipline that brings chemical technology and polymers to new frontiers.

These books provide innovative chapters on the growth of educational, scientific, and industrial research activities among chemists, biologists, and polymer and chemical engineers and provides a medium for mutual communication between international academia and the industry. Presenting significant research and reviews that report new methodologies and important applications in the fields of industrial chemistry, industrial polymers, and biotechnology, the books also cover chemical databases and the development of new computational methods and efficient algorithms for chemical software and polymer engineering.

This new book-the first of its kind-examines the use of algorithmic techniques to compress random and non-random sequential strings found in chains of polymers. The book is an introduction to algorithmic complexity. Examples taken from current research in the polymer sciences are used for compression of like-natured properties as found on a chain of polymers. Both theory and applied aspects of algorithmic compression are reviewed. A description of the types of polymers and their uses is followed by a chapter on various types of compression systems that can be used to compress polymer chains into manageable units. The work is intended for graduate and postgraduate university students in the physical sciences and engineering.

This book provides a vast amount of information on new approaches, limitations, and control on current polymers and chemicals complexity of various origins, on scales ranging from single molecules and nano-phenomena to macroscopic chemicals. Starting with a detailed introduction, the book is comprised of chapters that survey the current progress in particular research fields. The chapters, prepared by leading international experts, yield together a fascinating picture of a rapidly developing research discipline that brings chemical technology and polymers to new frontiers.

This book provides a broad overview of current studies in the engineering of polymers and chemicals of various origins. The innovative chapters cover the growth of educational, scientific, and industrial research activities among chemists, biologists, and polymer and chemical engineers. This book publishes significant research and reviews reporting new methodologies and important applications in the fields of industrial chemistry, industrial polymers, and biotechnology, as well the latest coverage of chemical databases and the development of new computational methods and efficient algorithms for chemical software and polymer engineering.

Combining the science of foam with the engineering of extrusion processes, Foam Extrusion: Principles and Practice delivers a detailed discussion of the theory, design, processing, and application of degradable foam extraction. In one comprehensive volume, the editors present the collective expertise of leading academic, research, and industry specialists while laying the scientific foundation in such a manner that the microscopic transition from a nucleus to a void (nucleation) and macroscopic movement from a void to an object (formation) are plausibly addressed. To keep pace with significant improvements in foam extrusion technology, this Second Edition: Includes new chapters on the latest developments in processing/thermal management, rheology/melt strength, and biodegradable and sustainable foams Features extensive updates to chapters on extrusion equipment, blowing agents, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam, and microcellular innovation Contains new coverage of cutting-edge foaming mechanisms and technology, as well as new case studies, examples, and figures Capturing the interesting evolution of the field, Foam Extrusion: Principles and Practice, Second Edition provides scientists, engineers, and product development professionals with a modern, holistic view of foam extrusion to enhance research and development and aid in the selection of the optimal screw, die design, and foaming system.

Pedagogical Cases in Physical Education and Youth Sport is a completely new kind of resource for students and practitioners working in physical education or youth sport. The book consists of 20 richly described cases of individual young learners, each written by a team of authors with diverse expertise from across the sport, exercise and movement sciences. These cases bring together knowledge from single sub-disciplines into new interdisciplinary knowledge to inform best practice in physical education, teaching and coaching in youth sport settings. At the heart of each case is an individual young person of a specified age and gender, with a range of physical, social and psychological characteristics. Drawing on current research, theory and empirical data from their own specialist discipline, each chapter author identifies the key factors they feel should be taken into account when attempting to teach or coach the young person described. These strands are then drawn together at the end of each chapter and linked to current research from the sport pedagogy literature, to highlight the implications for planning and evaluating teaching or coaching sessions. No other book offers such a rich, vivid and thought-provoking set of pedagogical tools for understanding and working with children and young people in sport. This is an essential resource for any student on a physical education, coaching, kinesiology or sport science course, and for any teacher, coach or instructor working in physical education or youth sport.

Using fractal analysis, irreversible aggregation models, synergetics, and percolation theory, this book describes the main reactions of high-molecular substances. It is the first to give the structural and physical grounds of polymers synthesis and curing based on fractal analysis. It provides a single equation for describing the relationship between the reaction rate constants and the equilibrium constants with the nature of the medium.

Molecular imprinting is one of the most efficient methods to fabricate functional polymer structures with pre-defined molecular recognition selectivity. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have been used as antibody and enzyme mimics in a large number of applications. The outstanding stability and straightforward preparation make MIPs ideal substitutes for biologically derived molecular recognition materials, especially for development of affinity separation systems, chemical sensors and high selectivity catalysts. New MIP materials are being increasingly applied to solve challenging problems in environmental sciences, food safety control, biotechnology and medical diagnostics.

Development in molecular imprinting research over the past decade has enabled tailor-designed molecular recognition sites to be created in synthetic materials with physical dimensions in the micro- and nano-regime. The new breakthroughs in MIP synthesis/fabrication have brought in many unprecedented functions of the micro- and nano-structured polymers. The aim of this review volume is to introduce to the readers the new developments in molecularly imprinted micro- and nano-structures, and the new applications that have been made possible with the new generation of imprinted materials.

"... Giant molecules are important in our everyday life. But, as pointed out by the authors, they are also associated with a culture. What Bach did with the harpsichord, Kuhn and Flory did with polymers. We owe a lot of thanks to those who now make this music accessible ..."Pierre-Gilles de Gennes Nobel Prize laureate in Physics (Foreword for the 1st Edition, March 1996)This book describes the basic facts, concepts and ideas of polymer physics in simple, yet scientifically accurate, terms. In both scientific and historic contexts, the book shows how the subject of polymers is fascinating, as it is behind most of the wonders of living cell machinery as well as most of the newly developed materials. No mathematics is used in the book beyond modest high school algebra and a bit of freshman calculus, yet very sophisticated concepts are introduced and explained, ranging from scaling and reptations to protein folding and evolution. The new edition includes an extended section on polymer preparation methods, discusses knots formed by molecular filaments, and presents new and updated materials on such contemporary topics as single molecule experiments with DNA or polymer properties of proteins and their roles in biological evolution.