A classical metastable state possesses a local free energy minimum at infinite sizes, but not a global one. This concept is phase size independent. We have studied a number of experimental results and proposed a new concept that there exists a wide range of metastable states in polymers on different length scales where their metastability is critically determined by the phase size and dimensionality. Metastable states are also observed in phase transformations that are kinetically impeded on the pathway to thermodynamic equilibrium. This was illustrated in structural and morphological investigations of crystallization and mesophase transitions, liquid-liquid phase separation, vitrification and gel formation, as well as combinations of these transformation processes. The phase behaviours in polymers are thus dominated by interlinks of metastable states on different length scales. This concept successfully explains many experimental observations and provides a new way to connect different aspects of polymer physics.* Written by a leading scholar and industry expert* Presents new and cutting edge material encouraging innovation and future research* Connects hot topics and leading research in one concise volume

Introduction to Polymer Chemistry provides undergraduate students with a much-needed, well-rounded presentation of the principles and applications of natural, synthetic, inorganic, and organic polymers. With an emphasis on the environment and green chemistry and materials, this fourth edition continues to provide detailed coverage of natural and synthetic giant molecules, inorganic and organic polymers, elastomers, adhesives, coatings, fibers, plastics, blends, caulks, composites, and ceramics. Building on undergraduate work in foundational courses, the text fulfills the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training (ACS CPT) in-depth course requirement

The series Advances in Polymer Science presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science. It covers all areas of research in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics, material science. The thematic volumes are addressed to scientists, whether at universities or in industry, who wish to keep abreast of the important advances in the covered topics. Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic, and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles, and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist. Review articles for the individual volumes are invited by the volume editors. Single contributions can be specially commissioned. Readership: Polymer scientists, or scientists in related fields interested in polymer and biopolymer science, at universities or in industry, graduate students

Structure and Properties of High-Performance Fibers explores the relationship between the structure and properties of a wide range of high-performance fibers. Part I covers high-performance inorganic fibers, including glasses and ceramics, plus carbon fibers of various types. In Part II, high-performance synthetic polymer fibers are discussed, while Part III reviews those natural fibers that can be used to create advanced textiles. The high-performance properties of these fibers are related to their chemistry and morphology, as well as the ways in which they are synthesized and spun. High-performance fibers form the basis of textile materials with applications in protection, medicine, and composite reinforcement. Fibers are selected for these technical applications due to their advanced physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. - Offers up-to-date coverage of new and advanced materials for the fiber and textile industries - Reviews structure-property relationships of high-performance inorganic, carbon, synthetic polymer, and natural fibers - Includes contributions from an international team of authors edited by an expert in the field - Reviews those natural fibers that can be used to create advanced textiles

Handbook of Organic Materials for Electronic and Photonic Devices, Second Edition, provides an overview of the materials, mechanisms, characterization techniques, structure-property relationships, and most promising applications of organic materials. This new release includes new content on emerging organic materials, expanded content on the basic physics behind electronic properties, and new chapters on organic photonics. As advances in organic materials design, fabrication, and processing that enabled charge unprecedented carrier mobilities and power conversion efficiencies have made dramatic advances since the first edition, this latest release presents a necessary understanding of the underlying physics that enabled novel material design and improved organic device design. - Provides a comprehensive overview of the materials, mechanisms, characterization techniques, and structure property relationships of organic electronic and photonic materials - Reviews key applications, including organic solar cells, light-emitting diodes electrochemical cells, sensors, transistors, bioelectronics, and memory devices - New content to reflect latest advances in our understanding of underlying physics to enable material design and device fabrication

Partial differential equations (PDEs) have been used in theoretical ecology research for more than eighty years. Nowadays, along with a variety of different mathematical techniques, they remain as an efficient, widely used modelling framework; as a matter of fact, the range of PDE applications has even become broader. This volume presents a collection of case studies where applications range from bacterial systems to population dynamics of human riots.

This book gives a detailed description on mathematical theory of elasticity and generalized dynamics of solid quasicrystals and its applications.The Chinese edition of the book Mathematical Theory of Elasticity of Quasicrystals and Its Applications was published by the Beijing Institute of Technology Press in 1999, written by Prof Tian-You Fan. In this English edition of the book, the phonon-phason dynamics, defect dynamics and hydrodynamics of solid quasicrystals are included, so the scope of the book is beyond elasticity. Hence, the title in this edition is changed to Mathematical Theory of Elasticity and Generalized Dynamics of Quasicrystals and Its Applications. This book is the first and only monograph in the scope of quasicrystals since first published in 1999 in China and worldwide. In this edition, the two-dimensional quasicrystals of second kind, soft-matter quasicrystals and photonic bade-gap and application of photonic quasicrystals are added.This book combines the mechanical and physical behavior of quasicrystals and mathematical physics, which may help graduate students and researchers in the fields of new materials, condensed matter physics, applied mathematics and engineering science.