In recent years, multicomponent polymers have generated much interest due to their excellent properties, unique morphology and high-end applications. Book focusses on thermal, thermo-mechanical and dielectric analysis of polymers and multicomponent polymeric systems like blends, interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs), gels, polymer composites, nanocomposites. Through these analyses, it provides an insight into the stability of polymer systems as a function of time, processing and usage. Aimed at polymer chemists, physicists and engineers, it also covers ASTM /ISO and other standards of various measurement techniques for systematic analysis in materials science.

Recent years have witnessed the sheer growth of macromolecular concepts and nanotechnology-based innovations in polymer science. Processing and Characterization of Multicomponent Polymer Systems is a collection of contributions from materials science experts across the globe. The fabrication and characterization of polymeric systems are still important in the study of materials science, and the quality measurements of newly designed polymeric stuffs demand systematic and new characterization protocols. The volume highlights some of the latest innovations and principles of nanostructured polymeric materials and polymer nanocomposites. It is devoted to novel architectures at the nano-level with an emphasis on new synthesis and characterization methods. Organized into several sections, the chapters cover a selection of topics on: Biocomposites and nanocomposites Interpenetrating polymeric networks and nanostructured materials Theoretical protocols for polymers and clusters Special topics in polymer processing and polymer coating. This survey will be an important resource for those involved in the field of polymer materials design for advanced technologies, including scientists, engineers, and budding researchers working in the area of polymer science and nanotechnology.

The only comprehensive review of multicomponent polymer theory and applications Polymeric Multicomponent Materials is the first comprehensive review of the field to appear since the author's 1976 classic, Polymer Blends and Composites. As such, it is an indispensable resource for professionals and graduate students alike in polymer science and engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, and mechanical engineering. The book begins with a review of essential terms, concepts, theories, and experimental facts and procedures concerning polymer-polymer and polymer-nonpolymer combinations. This material is followed by a series of chapters focusing on the relatively new subfield that has developed around polymer surfaces and interfaces. In the final section, the author covers a wide range of engineering polymer materials and systems. Emphasizing synthesis and mechanical behavior throughout, Professor Sperling treats all relevant chemical and physical aspects of both thermoplastics and thermosets. He provides in-depth coverage of most polymeric multicomponent materials currently being synthesized, including toughened plastics, reinforced elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, graft and block copolymers, and reinforcing and filling agents. He also explores a broad array of specific applications, including those for impact-resistant plastics, structural composites, coatings, carbon black reinforced elastomers, and fiber reinforced plastics. Polymeric Multicomponent Materials is certain to be the standard text/reference in the field well into the next century.

Environmentally Degradable Materials (EDPs) should replace petroleum-based plastics where recycling is not viable for logistic or labor cost reason. This book discusses the general background of obtaining such systems, compatibilization methodologies, control of the rate of degradation and final products after degradation, life time assessment, tox

Crystallization in Multiphase Polymer Systems is the first book that explains in depth the crystallization behavior of multiphase polymer systems. Polymeric structures are more complex in nature than other material structures due to their significant structural disorder. Most of the polymers used today are semicrystalline, and the subject of crystallization is still one of the major issues relating to the performance of semicrystalline polymers in the modern polymer industry. The study of the crystallization processes, crystalline morphologies and other phase transitions is of great significance for the understanding the structure-property relationships of these systems. Crystallization in block copolymers, miscible blends, immiscible blends, and polymer composites and nanocomposites is thoroughly discussed and represents the core coverage of this book. The book critically analyzes the kinetics of nucleation and growth process of the crystalline phases in multi-component polymer systems in different length scales, from macro to nanoscale. Various experimental techniques used for the characterization of polymer crystallization process are discussed. Written by experts in the field of polymer crystallization, this book is a unique source and enables professionals and students to understand crystallization behavior in multiphase polymer systems such as block copolymers, polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites. - Covers crystallization of multiphase polymer systems, including copolymers, blends and nanocomposites - Features comprehensive, detailed information about the basic research, practical applications and new developments for these polymeric materials - Analyzes the kinetics of nucleation and growth process of the crystalline phases in multi-component polymer systems in different length scales, from macro to nanoscale

Multiphase Flow in Polymer Processing focuses on dispersed and stratified multiphase flow in polymer processing. This book explores the rheological behavior of multiphase (or multicomponent) polymeric systems as they are involved in various fabrication operations. It also outlines the importance of the morphological states of multiphase polymeric systems to explain the systems, rheological behavior in the fluid state, and mechanical behavior in the solid state. This monograph consists of eight chapters divided into two parts. After discussing dispersed and stratified multiphase flow in polymer processing, it introduces the reader to the fundamentals of rheology. The following chapters focus on the rheological behavior of particulate-filled polymeric systems and heterogeneous polymeric systems; the phenomenon of droplet breakup in dispersed flow; and gas-charged polymeric systems. The role of the discrete phase (that is, solid particles, liquid droplets, gas bubbles) in determining the bulk rheological properties of the multiphase system is highlighted, along with some representative polymer processing operations (namely, fiber spinning and injection molding) of the multiphase (or multicomponent) polymeric systems. Coextrusion in cylindrical, rectangular, and annular dies is also considered. The final chapter is devoted to the phenomenon of interfacial instability in coextrusion. This text will be a useful resource for chemists, chemical engineers, and those in the polymer processing industry.

Offers an overview of recent advances in multiphase polymeric materials, ranging from theoretical aspects of polymer miscibility and phase separation kinetics to bulk, surface and interface properties in polymeric materials. This work considers the possibility of a nondestructive methodology to investigative multiphase polymers based mainly on a scattering technique that is sensitive to changes in the phase behaviour of multicomponent polymer systems.