Research on metal-containing polymers began in the early 1960's when several workers found that vinyl ferrocene and other vinylic transition metal TI -complexes would undergo polymerization under the same conditions as conventional organic monomers to form high polymers which incorporated a potentially reactive metal as an integral part of the polymer structures. Some of these materials could act as semi conductors and possessed one or two dimensional conductivity. Thus applications in electronics could be visualized immediately. Other workers found that reactions used to make simple metal chelates could be used to prepare polymers if the ligands were designed properly. As interest in homogeneous catalysts developed in the late 60's and early 70's, several investigators began binding homogeneous catalysts onto polymers, where the advantage of homogeneous catalysis - known reaction mechanisms and the advantage of heterogeneous catalysis - simplicity and ease of recovery of catalysts could both be obtained. Indeed the polymer matrix itself often enhanced the selectivity of the catalyst. The first symposium on Organometallic Polymers, held at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in September 1977, attracted a large number of scientists interested in this field, both established investigators and newcomers. Subsequent symposia in 1977, 1979, 1983, and 1987 have seen the field mature. Hundreds of papers and patents have been published.

A balanced and concise coverage of inorganic polymers Inorganic polymers contain elements other than carbon as part of their principal backbone structure and are known to exhibit a wide range of composition and structure. Emphasizing physical properties, chemical synthesis, and characterization of inorganic polymers, Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers presents valuable and informative coverage of the field. With numerous examples of real-world practical applications and end-of-chapter exercises, Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers is suitable for use as a text in special topics in organic and polymer chemistry courses. The book features useful sections on: Classification schemes for inorganic polymers Synthesis of inorganic polymers, including step-growth syntheses, chain polymerizations, ring-opening polymerizations, and reductive coupling reactions Practical inorganic polymer chemistry topics such as polymer elastomers, dental and medical polymers, lubricants, lithographic resists, pre-ceramics, and more Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers is a valuable one-volume introduction for professional and student inorganic chemists, polymer chemists, and materials scientists.

Provides complete and undiluted knowledge on making inorganic polymers functional. This comprehensive book reflects the state of the art in the field of inorganic polymers, based on research conducted by a number of internationally leading research groups working in this area. It covers the synthesis aspects of synthetic inorganic polymers and looks at multiple inorganic monomers as building blocks, which exhibit unprecedented electronic, redox, photo-emissive, magnetic, self-healing and catalytic properties. It also looks at the applications of inorganic polymers in areas such as optoelectronics, energy storage, industrial chemistry, and biology. Beginning with an overview of the use of smart inorganic polymers in daily life, Smart Inorganic Polymers: Synthesis, Properties and Emerging Applications in Materials and Life Sciences goes on to study the synthesis, properties, and applications of polymers incorporating different heteroelements such as boron, phosphorus, silicon, germanium, and tin. The book also examines inorganic polymers in flame-retardants, as functional materials, and in biology. An excellent addition to the polymer scientists' and synthetic chemists' toolbox Summarizes the state of the art on how to make and use functional inorganic polymers, from synthesis to applications Edited by the coordinator of a highly funded European community research program (COST action) that focuses specifically on the exploration of inorganic polymers Features contributions from top experts in the field Aimed at academics and industrial researchers in this field, Smart Inorganic Polymers: Synthesis, Properties and Emerging Applications in Materials and Life Sciences will also benefit scientists who want to get a better overview on the state-of-the-art of this rapidly advancing area.

A detailed, up-to-date review of transition metal-containing polymers Promising advances in the electrical, optical, magnetic, biological, and catalytic properties that metal-containing polymers possess have led to notable expansion in the field of transition metal-containing polymers. Frontiers in Transition Metal-Containing Polymers provides a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the synthesis, properties, and applications of transition metal-containing polymers, including an overview of the historical development of these types of polymers. Written by the leading researchers in the field, this thorough volume covers the routes to organometallic and coordination polymers, as well as characterization and applications of transition metal-containing monomers and polymers. Other topics discussed include: Metallo-supramolecular coordination polymers based on nitrogen ligands Coordination polymers based on phosphorus ligands Polypeptide-based metallobiopolymers and DNA-based metallopolymers Metallodendrimers Self-assembly of metal-containing block copolymers Applications including drug delivery, optics, molecular devices, sensors, conductive materials, and more

Research on applications of polymers for biomedical applications has increased dramatically to find improved medical plastics for this rapidly evolving field. This book brings together various aspects of recent research and developments within academia and industry related to polymers for biomedical applications.

Given the recent expansion in materials chemistry, this book addresses several of the vigorous areas of research in this field, where inorganic materials are central to the research. Each chapter provides an introduction to the subject under discussion and then develops the field to provide a sensible overview, with certain topics being expanded. Written by an international group of researchers the nine chapters cover such important areas as inorganic superconductors, magnetic materials, biogenic inorganic materials, polymeric co-ordination compounds, liquid crystals and precursors for electronic materials.

This book has its origins in courses taught by the author to various und- graduate and graduate students at the Indian Institute of Technology, K- pur, India. The diversity of inorganic chemistry and its impact on polymer chemistry has been profound. This subject matter has grown considerably in the last decade and the need to present it in a coherent manner to young minds is a pedagogic challenge. The aim of this book is to present to the students an introduction to the developments in Inorganic and - ganometallic polymers. This book is divided into eight chapters. Chapter 1 provides a general overview on the challenges of Inorganic polymer synthesis. This is f- lowed by a survey of organic polymers and also includes some basic f- tures of polymers. Chapters 3-8 deal with prominent families of inorganic and organometallic polymers. Although the target group of this book is the undergraduate and graduate students of chemistry, chemical engineering and materials science it is also hoped that chemists and related scientists in industry would find this book useful. I am extremely thankful to my wife Sudha who not only encouraged me throughout but also drew all the Figures and Schemes of this book. I also thank my children Adithya and Aarathi for their constant concern on the progress of this book. I express my acknowledgment to the editorial team of Springer-Verlag for their cooperation.