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.

Modern Synthetic and Application Aspects of Polysilanes: An Underestimated Class of Materials?, by A. Feigl, A. Bockholt, J. Weis, and B. Rieger;
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Conjugated Organosilicon Materials for Organic Electronics and Photonics, by Sergei A. Ponomarenko and Stephan Kirchmeyer;
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Polycarbosilanes Based on Silicon-Carbon Cyclic Monomers, by E.Sh. Finkelshtein, N.V. Ushakov, and M.L. Gringolts;
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New Synthetic Strategies for Structured Silicones Using B(C6F5)3, by Michael A. Brook, John B. Grande, and Fran ois Ganachaud;
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Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes with Controlled Structure: Formation and Application in New Si-Based Polymer Systems, by Yusuke Kawakami, Yuriko Kakihana, Akio Miyazato, Seiji Tateyama, and Md. Asadul Hoque;

Fluoropolymers are unique materials. Since the middle of the twentieth century fluropolymers have been used in applications where a wide temperature range, a high resistance to aggressive media, excellent tribological characteristics, and specific low adhesion are required. Today, researchers turn to fluoropolymers to solve new challenges and to develop materials with previously unattainable properties. Fascinating Fluoropolymers and Their Applications covers recent developments of fluoropolymer applications in energy, optical fibers, blood substitutes, textile coatings, membranes and other areas, written by experts in these fields. This volume in the Progress in Fluorine Science series is ideal for researchers and engineers who want to learn about the technology and applications of these special polymers, as well as industrial manufacturers who are interested in achieving new product characteristics in their respective industries.

Fluoropolymers are very unique materials. Since the middle of the twentieth century fluoropolymers have been used in applications where a wide temperature range, a high resistance to aggressive media, excellent tribological characteristics, and specific low adhesion are required. Today, researchers turn to fluoropolymers to solve new challenges and to develop materials with previously unattainable properties. Opportunities for Fluoropolymers: Synthesis, Characterization, Processing, Simulation and Recycling covers recent developments in fluoropolymers, including synthesis of new copolymers, strategies for radical polymerization of fluoromonomers (conventional or controlled; RDRP), and the modification of fluoropolymers to achieve desired material characteristics. This volume in the Progress in Fluorine Science series is ideal for researchers and engineers who want to learn about the synthetic strategies, properties, and recycling of these special polymers, as well as industrial manufacturers who are interested in achieving new product characteristics in their respective industries.

Polymer latex particles continue to become increasingly important in numerous commercial applications. Advanced synthesis techniques are the key to developing new functionality for nanoparticles. These methods make it possible to tailor the size, chemical composition, or properties of these particles, as well as the molecular weight of the polymer chain as a whole, based on given requirements. Advanced Polymer Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Surface Modifications summarizes important developments in the advanced synthesis and surface modification techniques used to generate and mold polymer particles. This book explores the evolution and enhancement of processes such as emulsion, mini-emulsion, micro-emulsion, dispersion, suspension, inverse emulsion (in organic phase), and polymerization. Understanding these developments will enable the reader to optimize particle system design, giving rise to a greater application spectrum. This book: Focuses on synthesis and characterization of particles with core-shell morphologies Details generation of nonspherical polymer particles using different synthetic routes Explores generation of specific architectures, such as block, star, graft, and gradient copolymer particles The authors describe pH-responsive nanoparticles and smart, thermally responsive particles. They also cover surface tailoring of various organic and inorganic nanoparticles by polymers, as well as theoretical studies on the kinetics of controlled radical polymerization techniques. Condensing and evaluating current knowledge of the development of polymer nanoparticles, this reference will prove a valuable addition to the area of polymer latex technology.

BACKGROUND Polysiloxanes have chains constructed of alternately arranged silicon and oxygen atoms with organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. This structure gives them a unique combination of properties that hold great interest for a host of practical applications. Although they have been known and manufactured for many years, their applications continue to expand rapidly and this boosts progress in the generation of new and modified polysiloxanes. Polysiloxanes constitute the oldf'"' known class of silicon-based polymers and the broadest one when viewed in terms of the variety of structures differing in topology and the constitution of organic substituents. There are also many and various types of siloxane copolymers, some of purely siloxane structure and others of siloxane-organic composition. There is no doubt that polysiloxanes are the most technologically important silicon-based polymers. The broad class of model materials known as silicones is based on polysiloxanes. They are also the best known, as most research in the area of silicon polymers has for many years been directed towards the synthesis of new polysiloxanes, to understanding their properties and to extending their applications.

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

This volume provides a thorough insight into the chemistry and mechanism of ionic gelations of various ionic biopolysaccharides, like alginate, gellan gum, pectin, chitosan, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc., and the applications of various ionically gelled biopolysaccharides in drug delivery fields, with chapters emphasizing the recent advances in the field by the experts. This book will be of interest to graduate students and academic and industry researchers from pharmacy, biotechnology, bioengineering, biomedical and material sciences fields.

A valuable primer to help students and workers understand concepts and relationships which are developed more fully in other specialist texts on polymer molecular physics, Introduction to Molecular Motion in Polymers explains how molecular movement is determined by chemical structure, then how the motion controls the physical and technological properties of polymer materials. It is based upon the fact that the physical properties of polymeric materials are very dependent on various modes of motion of the molecules, and these in turn depend on the chemical structure. The reader is thus introduced to the concepts of molecular movement in polymers and the connections with causative chemical structure on the one hand and resulting bulk physical and technological behaviour on the other. The approach is non-mathematical, but is molecularly based and will enable the reader to understand the detailed chemical and rigorous mathematical discussions of more advanced texts. The book integrates polymer chemistry with polymer physics and polymer engineering, a fusion that is so often lacking in polymer education.This interdisciplinary treatment is given first to the mechanical properties of plastics and rubbers, since these are the most important in use. Closely connected to molecular motion, and also affecting physical behaviour, is the morphology of a bulk material. This, too, is accommodated along with the treatment of glasses and rubbers. Next in importance comes electrical behaviour, and in particular dielectric or insulation uses. The book also covers acoustic behaviour, light initiated or photo-properties and diffusion phenomena. Throughout, emphasis is placed on the way that time, temperature and frequency relationships apply in a similar way to all these phenomena.

This volume covers various aspects of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). The contents include manufacture, morphology, structure, properties, applications, early stage development, cross-linking techniques, recycling process, physical and chemical properties as well as the scope and future aspects of XLPE. It focuses on the life cycle analysis of XLPE and their industrial applications and commercial importance. This book will be of use to academic and industry researchers, as well as graduate students working in the fields of polymer science and engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering.

This book comprehensively covers the different topics of wood polymer composite materials mainly synthesis methods for the composite materials, various characterization techniques to study the superior properties and insights on potential advanced applications. It also discusses the chemistry, fabrication process, properties, applications, recycling and life cycle assessment of wood polymer composites. This is a useful reference source for both engineers and researchers working in composite materials science as well as the students attending materials science, physics, chemistry and engineering courses.

Handbook of Curatives and Crosslinkers presents the mechanisms of action of these additives, methods of their use, their effects on properties of transformed products, and their applications. Chapters cover the common use of curatives in many industrial products manufactured in large scale, such as adhesives, sealants, coatings, inks, explosives, propellants and foams, and in emerging products, such as optoelectronics, shape-memory applications, light-emitting diodes, and more. In addition, crosslinkers used in typical industrial processing methods, such as solar cells, vulcanization, adhesives, foams and roofing are covered. Each section presents the effect of the additive, including an evaluation of its chemical and physical properties.

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

Principles of Polymer Science and Technology in Cosmetics and Personal Care

The production and application of polymeric materials based on poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) has increased dramatically. The main reason for this is that PBT and its composites have a number of profitable properties, such as increased mechanical characteristics, good resistance to chemicals and water, processability, etc. This volume gives an analysis of recent achievements in the field of synthesis, structural investigations, and properties of PBT. Furthermore, the mechanism of PBT synthesis by equilibrium polycondensation reaction is described together with the used reagents, catalysts and stabilizers.

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.

This book introduces readers to interfacial reactions in confinement on stimuli-responsive homopolymer and diblock copolymer films. It also includes investigations concerning the immobilization of (bio)molecules and the fabrication of biomolecular patterns by reactive microcontact printing on these reactive polymer films. In turn, the book takes advantage of the microphase separation of diblock copolymer films to study the fabrication of nanopatterns, which could contribute to the future development of a model system that allows us to area-selectively deposit and address (bio)molecules. Given its scope, the book broadens readers' perspective on the microfabrication of stimuli-responsive polymers.

This book focuses on polymer/silver nanocomposites as the main component in bioengineering systems. It describes in detail the synthesis and characterization (morphological, thermal, mechanical & dynamic mechanical properties), as well as the different applications of these composites. A special chapter is dedicated to the toxicity aspects of silver nanoparticles

The book summarizes recent international research and experimental developments regarding fatigue crack growth investigations of rubber materials. It shows the progress in fundamental as well as advanced research of fracture investigation of rubber material under fatigue loading conditions, especially from the experimental point of view. However, some chapters will describe the progress in numerical modeling and physical description of fracture mechanics and cavitation phenomena in rubbers. Initiation and propagation of cracks in rubber materials are dominant phenomena which determine the lifetime of these soft rubber materials and, as a consequence, the lifetime of the corresponding final rubber parts in various fields of application. Recently, these phenomena became of great scientific interest due to the development of new experimental methods, concepts and models. Furthermore, crack phenomena have an extraordinary impact on rubber wear and abrasion of automotive tires; and understanding of crack initiation and growth in rubbers will help to support the growthing number of activities and worldwide efforts of reduction of tire wear losses and abrasion based emissions.

Simulation Methods for Polymers is the only comprehensive source to delineate the technical steps and efficacy of contemporary polymer simulation methods using a highly instructive, easy-to-grasp format, and it offers a logical sequence of polymer physics background, methods, calculations, and application guidelines. Including coverage of recently developed techniques and algorithms for modeling and simulation, this reference/text also provides an introduction to the statistical mechanics of the various simulation techniques presented and explores coarse-graining, CONNFFESSIT simulation, dissipative particle dynamics, and dynamic density functional theory approaches.

This book presents synthesis methods, characterization techniques, properties and applications of hybrid conducting polymers. Special emphasis is given to the applications of hybrid conductive polymers, with chapters ranging from electronic devices, environmental remediation, and sensors, to medical applications.

The book comprehensively covers the different topics of graphene based biopolymer and nanocomposites, mainly synthesis methods for the composite materials, various characterization techniques to study the superior properties and insights on potential advanced applications.The book will address and rectify the complications of using plastics that are non-degradable and has abhorrent impact on environment. The limitations of properties of biopolymer can be vanquished by employing graphene as a nanomaterial. Outstanding properties of graphene in accordance with biopolymer can be utilized to develop applications like water treatment, tissue engineering, photo-catalysts, super-absorbents. This is a useful reference source for both engineers and researchers working in composite materials science as well as the students attending materials science, physics, chemistry, and engineering courses.

This edited volume brings together the state of the art in polymer nanocomposite theory and modeling, creating a roadmap for scientists and engineers seeking to design new advanced materials. The book opens with a review of molecular and mesoscale models predicting equilibrium and non-equilibrium nanoscale structure of hybrid materials as a function of composition and, especially, filler types. Subsequent chapters cover the methods and analyses used for describing the dynamics of nanocomposites and their mechanical and physical properties. Dedicated chapters present best practices for predicting materials properties of practical interest, including thermal and electrical conductivity, optical properties, barrier properties, and flammability. Each chapter is written by leading academic and industrial scientists working in each respective sub-field. The overview of modeling methodology combined with detailed examples of property predictions for specific systems will make this book useful for academic and industrial practitioners alike.