Microgels by Precipitation Polymerization: Synthesis, Characterization, and Functionalization, by A. Pich and W. Richtering

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Hydrogels in Miniemulsions, by K. Landfester and A. Musyanovych

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Nano- and Microgels Through Addition Reactions of Functional Oligomers and Polymers, by K. Albrecht, M. Moeller, and J. Groll

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Synthesis of Microgels by Radiation Methods, by F. Krahl and K.-F. Arndt

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Microgels as Nanoreactors: Applications in Catalysis, by N. Welsch, M.s Ballauff, and Y. Lu

This volume focuses on studies on the frontier between colloid and polymer science and reveals the broad diversity of results in this field. The volume contains papers on micellar systems, mesophases, vesicles, surface films, gels, polymer colloids, nanoparticles, colloid crystals, and adsorbents.

Microgels by Precipitation Polymerization: Synthesis, Characterization, and Functionalization, by A. Pich and W. Richtering * Hydrogels in Miniemulsions, by K. Landfester and A. Musyanovych * Nano- and Microgels Through Addition Reactions of Functional Oligomers and Polymers, by K. Albrecht, M. Moeller, and J. Groll * Synthesis of Microgels by Radiation Methods, by F. Krahl and K.-F. Arndt * Microgels as Nanoreactors: Applications in Catalysis, by N. Welsch, M.s Ballauff, and Y. Lu

This volume contains selected papers presented at the 42nd Biennial Meeting of the Kolloid-Gesellschaft held at the RWTH Aachen University September 26-28, 2005. The contributions in this volume represent the diversity of research topics in colloid and polymer science. They include the investigation of synthesis and properties of advanced temperature sensitive particles and their biomedical applications, drug delivery systems, foams, capsules, vesicles and gels, polyelectrolytes, nanoparticles surfactants and hybrid materials.

While the primary focus of American foreign policy is clearly outside the European continent, NATO's ongoing enlargement and successful integration of new members remains in the vital interests of the United States. Alliance members, both old and new, are contributing to the American led war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan. Furthermore, these forces are assuming an even greater responsibility in Afghanistan with 7,838 troops as of 21 February 2005, and while the alliance leadership is not directly involved in Iraq, twelve member nations are contributing 17,964 troops to Operation Iraqi Freedom as of 16 August 2005. By adequately addressing challenges of integration, new member states could be able to accept a greater share of the burden in current and future military operations. This study will endeavor to address three primary integration issues: culture legacies and their future impacts; institutional reform; and issues of military interoperability. Finally, the study will consider how each category affects American governmental leaders, alliance leadership, and new members themselves, followed by possible considerations for all parties.

This volume of Progress in Colloid and Polymer Science assembles original contributions and invited reviews from the priority research program "Intelligent Hydrogels," funded by the German Science Foundation DFG since 2006, with about 25 contributing research groups. In the center of interest of this program and the present book are responsive hydrogels, i.e. hydrophilic polymer or polyelectrolyte networks that are able to respond to environmental stimuli such as changes in temperature, pH, additive concentration or electrical field. The activities focus on different aspects: on hydrogel synthesis, on the modeling and simulation of thermophysical hydrogel properties, as well as on innovative new hydrogel applications as smart materials. The present book summarizes the highlights in the results of the priority program in original contributions and invited reviews.