Polymers and Polymeric Composites: A Reference Series – serie

This book provides a comprehensive overview of various self-assemblies in liquid crystalline polymers and their electrical, optical, mechanical, and flame retardant properties. Liquid crystalline polymers are unique self-assembled, functional soft materials with electrical, magnetic, and thermal responses which find potential applications in numerous areas. As well as providing an overview of their synthesis, self-assembly and dynamics the various applications are also discussed. Such applications as liquid crystalline elastomers, light responsive actuators, optical reflectors, gas barrier films, and even flame retardant polymers will be presented. The book is a useful resource for undergraduates, postgraduates and experienced researchers.

This handbook provides an introduction to and reference information about the science behind the production and use of particulate fillers in polymer applications. Fillers play an important role and are used with practically all types of polymers: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers.Readers will find an introduction to the topic of particulate fillers for polymer applications and their importance. The first chapters describe the use and characteristics of fillers in different polymer types, such as thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. The following chapters compile and summarize comprehensive information about different filler materials which find application nowadays, including mineral fillers (for example feldspars, wollastonites, and many more) and inorganic fillers (barium sulphate, or clays), bio-fillers, recycled and sustainable fillers, and fillers for specific applications (for example flame-retardant fillers, fillers for electrically conductive applications, or thermally conductive additives).Offering key information, compiled by a mixed team of authors from academia and industry, this handbook will appeal to researchers and professionals working on and with particulate polymer fillers alike.

This book provides a comprehensive and clearly structured introduction to the broad field of transducers and artificial muscles based on electromechanically active polymers (EAP), the goal being to present basic concepts and established knowledge in an accessible form. Its tutorial style and structure make this book an easy-to-use reference guide for students, researchers and practitioners alike. Different sections cover all categories of EAP materials, with separate chapters addressing the fundamentals, materials, device configurations, models, and applications, as well as operative guidelines on how to get started in experimentation with electromechanically active polymers. The functional and structural properties of EAP transducers are described and explained, and their broad range of applications in optics, acoustics, haptics, fluidics, automotive systems, robotics, orthotics, medical tools, artificial organs and energy harvesting is illustrated.Prepared under the aegisof the ‘European Scientific Network for Artificial Muscles’, the book is the product of extensive collaborative efforts led by European researchers and involving respected experts from around the globe.

With the prospect of revolutionizing specific technologies, this book highlights the most exciting and impactful current research in the fields of cellulose-based superabsorbent hydrogels with their smart applications. The book assembles the newest synthetic routes, characterization methods, and applications in the emergent area. Leading experts in the field have contributed chapters representative of their most recent research results, shedding light on the enormous potential of this field and thoroughly presenting cellulose-based hydrogel functioning materials. The book is intended for the polymer chemists, academic and industrial scientists and engineers, pharmaceutical and biomedical scientists and agricultural engineers engaged in research and development on absorbency, absorbent products and superabsorbent hydrogels. It can also be supportive for undergraduate and graduate students.

This reference work provides a comprehensive and authoritative overview of functional polymers and polymeric materials, ranging from their synthesis and characterization, to properties, actual applications and an outlook on future perspectives. Including over 30 comprehensive review chapters, all written by leading international experts, this reference is also a sound introduction to this exciting field. The book is carefully edited by an international team of experts in the field, ensuring complete coverage of the relevant topics and concise representation.Functional polymers and smart polymeric materials play a decisive role for new innovations in all areas where new materials are needed. Optoelectronics, catalysis, biomaterials, medicine, building materials, water treatment, coatings, and many more applications rely on functional polymers. This work is a major reference for researchers, scientists, and practitioners working in any of these fields, or entering this vibrantresearch area.Key topics of this reference work include:Polymerization methods and polymer synthesisCharacterization and properties of new functional polymers and smart materialsFunctional polymer composites and blendsApplications of functional polymers and smart materials: for electro-optics and optoelectronics, in biology and in medical research, as coatings and adhesives, for gas sensing, in functional membranes for separation or proton conduction and many more