Polymer Science and Plastics Engineering

Biorenewable polymers based nanomaterials are rapidly emerging as one of the most fascinating materials for multifunctional applications. Among biorenewable polymers, cellulose based nanomaterials are of great importance due to their inherent advantages such as environmental friendliness, biodegradability, biocompatibility, easy processing and cost effectiveness, to name a few. They may be produced from biological systems such as plants or be chemically synthesised from biological materials. This book summarizes the recent remarkable achievements witnessed in green technology of cellulose based nanomaterials in different fields ranging from biomedical to automotive. This book also discusses the extensive research developments for next generation nanocellulose-based polymer nanocomposites. The book contains seventeen chapters and each chapter addresses some specific issues related to nanocellulose and also demonstrates the real potentialities of these nanomaterials in different domains. The key features of the book are: • Synthesis and chemistry of nanocellulose from different biorenewable resources • Different characterization of nanocellulosic materials and their respective polymer nanocomposites • Physico-chemical, thermal and mechanical investigation of nanocellulose based polymer nanocomposites • Provides elementary information and rich understanding of the present state-of-art of nanocellulose-based materials • Explores the full range of applications of different nanocellulose-based materials.

The book exhaustively covers the various polymers that are used for sensors and actuators from the perspective of organic chemistry. The field of polymeric sensors and actuators is developing very rapidly as newly derived polymer materials are suitable for sensor technology. This book uniquely and comprehensively covers the various polymers that are used for sensors and actuators. The author has researched both scientific papers and patents to include all the recent discoveries and applications. Since many chemists may not be very familiar with the physical background as well as how sensors operate, Polymeric Sensors and Actuators includes a general chapter dealing with the overall physics and basic principles of sensors. Complementary chapters on their methods of fabrication as well as the processing of data are included. The actuators sections examine the fields of applications, special designs, and materials. The final chapter is dedicated to liquid crystal displays. The book concludes with four extensive indices including one special one on analytes to allow the practitioner to easily use the text. This comprehensive text examines the following sensor types: • Humidity Sensors • Biosensors • Mechanical Sensors • Optical Sensors • Surface Plasmon Resonance • Test Strips • Microelectromechanical (MEMS) Sensors • Piezoelectric Sensors • Acoustic Wave Sensors • Electronic Nose • Switchable Polymers

This book covers all aspects of the different classes of nanomaterials—from synthesis to application. It investigates in detail the use and feasibility of developing nanocomposites with these nanomaterials as reinforcements. The book encompasses synthesis and properties of cellulose nanofibers, bacterial nanocellulose, carbon nanotubes / nanofibers, graphene, nanodiamonds, nanoclays, inorganic nanomaterials and their nanocomposites for high-end applications such as electronic devices, energy storage, structural and packaging. The book also provides insight into various modification techniques for improving the functionality of nanomaterials apart from their compatibility with the base matrix.

One of the first comprehensive books to focus on the role of polymers in the burgeoning energy materials market Polymers are increasingly finding applications in the areas of energy storage and conversion. A number of recent advances in the control of the polymer molecular structure which allows the polymer properties to be more finely tuned have led to these advances and new applications. Polymers for Energy Storage and Conversion assimilates these advances in the form of a comprehensive text that includes the synthesis and properties of a large number of polymer systems for applications in areas such as lithium batteries, photovoltaics, and solar cells. Polymers for Energy Storage and Conversion: • Introduces the structure and properties of polymer hydrogel with respect to its applications for low to intermediate temperature polymer electrolyte-based fuel cells • Describes PVAc-based polymer blend electrolytes for lithium batteries • Reviews lithium polymer batteries based on ionic liquids • Proposes the concept of the solar cell with organic multiple quantum dots (MQDs) • Discusses solvent effects in polymer-based organic photovoltaic devices • Provides an overview of the properties of the polymers that factor into their use for solar power, whether for niche applications or for large-scale harvesting • Reviews the use of macroporous organic polymers as promising materials for energy gas storage Materials scientists working with energy materials, polymer engineers, chemists, and other scientists and engineers working with photovoltaics and batteries as well as in the solar and renewable energy sectors.

"Plastics Additives and Testing" is a practical book for engineers and operators and discusses both inorganic and organic chemicals that are widely used as additives in plastics processing operations. It is common practice today to use analytical techniques to improve plastics processing. Because it is critically important to manufacture quality products, a reasonable balance must be drawn between control requirements and parameters for improved processing method with respect to plastics additives. This book serves to implement this balance in the manufacturing line. Written by a successful, international consultant with an excellent publishing track record, it combines plastics additives, testing and quality control and is a valuable and critical book for engineers and operators to have when performing their tasks.

The book presents emerging economic and environmentally friendly lignocellulosic polymer composites materials that are free from side effects studied in the traditional synthetic materials. This book brings together panels of highly-accomplished leading experts in the field of lignocellulosic polymers & composites from academia, government, as well as research institutions across the globe and encompasses basic studies including preparation, characterization, properties and theory of polymers along with applications addressing new emerging topics of novel issues. • Provide basic information and clear understanding of the present state and the growing utility of lignocellulosic materials from different natural resources • Includes contributions from world-renowned experts on lignocellulosic polymer composites and discusses the combination of different kinds of lignocellulosic materials from natural resources • Discusses the fundamental properties and applications of lignocellulosic polymers in comparison to traditional synthetic materials • Explores various processing/ mechanical/ physic-chemical aspects of lignocellulosic polymer composites.

An excellent, unique, and up-to-date reference book on polyoxymethylene, its compounds, and nanocomposites, specifically dealing with synthesis, characterization, processing, morphology, and applications Polyoxymethylene Handbook: Structure, Properties, Applications, and Their Nanocomposites summarizes many of the state-of-the-art technological and research accomplishments in the area of polyoxymethylene (POM). It discusses in length the polymerization and manufacture of polyoxymethylene and various types of additives, as well as the structure and crystallization behavior of POM and its thermal, physical, mechanical, flame retardant, chemical, electrical, and optical properties. The environmental impact of POM is also addressed. The 15 chapters in the handbook are written by prominent researchers from industry, academia, and government/private research laboratories across the globe. Because so few books have ever been published on polyoxymethylene, the handbook is a very valuable reference tool that truly serves as a "one stop" resource for readers and users seeking solutions to both fundamental and applied problems.

An A-to-Z of doping including its definition, its importance, methods of measurement, advantages and disadvantages, properties and characteristics-and role in conjugated polymers The versatility of polymer materials is expanding because of the introduction of electro-active behavior into the characteristics of some of them. The most exciting development in this area is related to the discovery of intrinsically conductive polymers or conjugated polymers, which include such examples as polyacetylene, polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene as well as their derivatives. "Synmet" or "synthetic metal" conjugated polymers, with their metallic characteristics, including conductivity, are of special interest to researchers. An area of limitless potential and application, conjugated polymers have sparked enormous interest, beginning in 2000 when the Nobel Prize for the discovery and development of electrically conducting conjugated polymers was awarded to three scientists: Alan J. Heeger, Alan G. MacDiarmid, and Hideki Shirakawa. Conjugated polymers have a combination of properties-both metallic (conductivity) and polymeric; doping gives the conjugated polymer's semiconducting a wide range of conductivity, from insulating to low conducting. The doping process is a tested effective method for producing conducting polymers as semiconducting material, providing a substitute for inorganic semiconductors. Doping in Conjugated Polymers is the first book dedicated to the subject and offers a comprehensive A-to-Z overview. It details doping interaction, dopant types, doping techniques, and the influence of the dopant on applications. It explains how the performance of doped conjugated polymers is greatly influenced by the nature of the dopants and their level of distribution within the polymer, and shows how the electrochemical, mechanical, and optical properties of the doped conjugated polymers can be tailored by controlling the size and mobility of the dopants counter ions. The book also examines doping at the nanoscale, in particular, with carbon nanotubes. The book will interest a broad range of researchers including chemists, electrochemists, biochemists, experimental and theoretical physicists, electronic and electrical engineers, polymer and materials scientists. It can also be used in both graduate and upper-level undergraduate courses on conjugated polymers and polymer technology.

Polymers are an important part in everyday life; products made from polymers range from sophisticated articles, such as biomaterials, to aerospace materials. One of the reasons for the great popularity exhibited by polymers is their ease of processing. Polymer properties can be tailored to meet specific needs by varying the "atomic composition" of the repeat structure, by varying molecular weight and by the incorporation (via covalent and non-covalent interactions) of an enormous range of compounds to impart specific activities. In food science, the use of polymeric materials is widely explored, from both an engineering and a nutraceutical point of view. Regarding the engineering application, researchers have discovered the most suitable materials for intelligent packaging which preserves the food quality and prolongs the shelf-life of the products. Furthermore, in agriculture, specific functionalized polymers are used to increase the efficiency of treatments and reduce the environmental pollution. In the nutraceutical field, because consumers are increasingly conscious of the relationship between diet and health, the consumption of high quality foods has been growing continuously. Different compounds (e.g. high quality proteins, lipids and polysaccharides) are well known to contribute to the enhancement of human health by different mechanisms, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary disease, and hypertension. This second volume focuses on the importance of polymers and functional food and in food processing.

Polymers are an important part in everyday life; products made from polymers range from sophisticated articles, such as biomaterials, to aerospace materials. One of the reasons for the great popularity exhibited by polymers is their ease of processing. Polymer properties can be tailored to meet specific needs by varying the "atomic composition" of the repeat structure, by varying molecular weight and by the incorporation (via covalent and non-covalent interactions) of an enormous range of compounds to impart specific activities. In food science, the use of polymeric materials is widely explored, from both an engineering and a nutraceutical point of view. Regarding the engineering application, researchers have discovered the most suitable materials for intelligent packaging which preserves the food quality and prolongs the shelf-life of the products. Furthermore, in agriculture, specific functionalized polymers are used to increase the efficiency of treatments and reduce the environmental pollution. In the nutraceutical field, because consumers are increasingly conscious of the relationship between diet and health, the consumption of high quality foods has been growing continuously. Different compounds (e.g. high quality proteins, lipids and polysaccharides) are well known to contribute to the enhancement of human health by different mechanisms, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, coronary disease, and hypertension. This first volume, of this two volume book, concerns the application of polymers in food packaging.

Because it is critically important to manufacture quality products, a reasonable balance must be drawn between control requirements and parameters for improved processing method with respect to plastics additives. An important contribution to the commercial polymer industry, Polymer Blends and Composites is one of the first books to combine plastics additives, testing, and quality control. The book is a comprehensive treatise on properties that provides detailed guidelines for selecting and using blends and composites for applications. A valuable resource for operators, processors, engineers, chemists, the book serves to stimulate those already active in natural polymer composites.