Successful characterization of polymer systems is one of the most important objectives of today's experimental research of polymers. Considering the tremendous scientific, technological, and economic importance of polymeric materials, not only for today's applications but for the industry of the 21st century, it is impossible to overestimate the usefulness of experimental techniques in this field. Since the chemical, pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural industries, as well as many others, depend on this progress to an enormous degree, it is critical to be as efficient, precise, and cost-effective in our empirical understanding of the performance of polymer systems as possible. This presupposes our proficiency with, and understanding of, the most widely used experimental methods and techniques.This book is designed to fulfill the requirements of scientists and engineers who wish to be able to carry out experimental research in polymers using modern methods. Each chapter describes the principle of the respective method, as well as the detailed procedures of experiments with examples of actual applications. Thus, readers will be able to apply the concepts as described in the book to their own experiments. - Addresses the most important practical techniques for experimental research in the growing field of polymer science - The first well-documented presentation of the experimental methods in one consolidated source - Covers principles, practical techniques, and actual examples - Can be used as a handbook or lab manual for both students and researchers - Presents ideas and methods from an international perspective - Techniques addressed in this volume include: - Light Scattering - Neutron Scattering and X-Ray Scattering - Fluorescence Spectroscopy - NMR on Polymers - Rheology - Gel Experiments

A definitive work on ESR and polymer science by today's leading authorities The past twenty years have seen extraordinary advances in electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques, particularly as they apply to polymeric materials. With contributions from over a dozen of the world's top polymer scientists, Advanced ESR Methods in Polymer Research is the first book to bring together all the current trends in this exciting field into one comprehensive reference. Part I establishes the fundamentals of ESR, from experimental techniques to data analysis, and serves as a valuable overview for the beginning ESR student. Part II introduces the broad range of ESR applications to polymeric systems, including living radical polymerization, block copoly-mers, polymer solutions, ion-containing polymers, polymer lattices, membranes in fuel cells, degradation, polymer coatings, dendrimers, and conductive polymers. By exposing readers to the great potential of ESR, the authors hope to encourage more extensive application of these methods.

During the last two decades, the production of polymers and plastics has been increasing rapidly. In spite of developing new polymers and polymeric materials, only 40~60 are used commercially on a large scale. It has been estimated that half of the annual production of polymers is employed outdoors. The photochemical instability of most polymers limits their outdoor application as they are photodegraded quickly over periods from months to a few years. To the despair of technologists and consumers alike, photodegradation and environmental ageing of polymers occur much faster than can be expected from knowledge collected in laboratories. In order to improve polymer photostability there has been a very big effort during the last 30 years to understand the mechanisms involved in photodegradation and environmental ageing. This book represents the author's attempt, based on his 25 years' experience in research on photodegradation and photo stabilization, to collect and generalize a number of available data on the photodegradation of polymers. The space limitation and the tremendous number of publications in the past two decades have made a detailed presentation of all important results and data difficult. The author apologizes to those whose work has not been quoted or widely presented in this book. Because many published results are very often contradictory, it has been difficult to present a fully critical review of collected knowledge, without antagonizing authors. For that reason, all available theories, mechanisms and different suggestions have been presented together, and only practice can evaluate which of them are valid.

This companion volume to “Fundamental Polymer Science” (Gedde and Hedenqvist, 2019) offers detailed insights from leading practitioners into experimental methods, simulation and modelling, mechanical and transport properties, processing, and sustainability issues. Separate chapters are devoted to thermal analysis, microscopy, spectroscopy, scattering methods, and chromatography. Special problems and pitfalls related to the study of polymers are addressed. Careful editing for consistency and cross-referencing among the chapters, high-quality graphics, worked-out examples, and numerous references to the specialist literature make “Applied Polymer Science” an essential reference for advanced students and practicing chemists, physicists, and engineers who want to solve problems with the use of polymeric materials.

This book provides a unified mechanics and materials perspective on polymers: both the mathematics of viscoelasticity theory as well as the physical mechanisms behind polymer deformation processes. Introductory material on fundamental mechanics is included to provide a continuous baseline for readers from all disciplines. Introductory material on the chemical and molecular basis of polymers is also included, which is essential to the understanding of the thermomechanical response. This self-contained text covers the viscoelastic characterization of polymers including constitutive modeling, experimental methods, thermal response, and stress and failure analysis. Example problems are provided within the text as well as at the end of each chapter. New to this edition: · One new chapter on the use of nano-material inclusions for structural polymer applications and applications such as fiber-reinforced polymers and adhesively bonded structures · Brings up-to-date polymer production and sales data and equipment and procedures for evaluating polymer characterization and classification · The work serves as a comprehensive reference for advanced seniors seeking graduate level courses, first and second year graduate students, and practicing engineers

Polymer Science and Innovative Applications: Materials, Techniques, and Future Developments introduces the science of innovative polymers and composites, their analysis via experimental techniques and simulation, and their utilization in a variety of application areas. This approach helps to unlock the potential of new materials for product design and other uses. The book also examines the role that these applications play in the human world, from pollution and health impacts, to their potential to make a positive contribution in areas including environmental remediation, medicine and healthcare, and renewable energy. Advantages, disadvantages, possibilities, and challenges relating to the utilization of polymers in human society are included. - Presents the latest advanced applications of polymers and their composites and identifies key areas for future development - Introduces the simulation methods and experimental techniques involved in the modification of polymer properties, supported by clear and detailed images and diagrams - Supports an interdisciplinary approach, enabling readers across different fields to harness the power of new materials for innovative applications