Aqueous polymer dispersions are environmentally friendly and therefore they have replaced in many applications polymers dissolved in organic solvents. This substitution process is still ongoing. This book discusses the world of aqueous polymer dispersions from the viewpoint of how they are applied. For a better understanding it starts with a general description of the synthesis of polymer dispersions and their characterization. The following chapters are dedicated to a wide variety of applications, including history, modern processes, and typical formulations and performance. The selection and the usage of a polymer dispersion are not uniform around the world because of historical and regional differences of the technical developments and marketing demands. Leading scientists from industry contributed to this book ensuring that practical issues are emphasized.

A comprehensive and up to date survey of the science and technology of polymeric dispersions. The book discusses the kinetics and mechanisms of polymerization in dispersed media, examines the processes controlling particle morphology, presents both off-line and on-line methods for the characterization of polymer colloids, considers reactor engineering and control, and covers a wide variety of applications, such as latex paint formulations, encapsulation of inorganic particles, reactive latexes, adhesives, paper coating, and biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Audience: A valuable resource for scientists and engineers, academic and industrial, who are involved in the manufacture or application of polymeric dispersions.

The term latex covers emulsion polymers, polymer dispersions and polymer colloids. This review report provides a general overview of the emulsion polymerisation processes and explains how the resulting latices are used in industrial applications. The classes of emulsion polymers are surveyed and the commercial technologies and potential future uses discussed. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Polymer Library gives useful references for further reading.

The progress in polymer science is revealed in the chapters of Polymer Science: A Comprehensive Reference, Ten Volume Set. In Volume 1, this is reflected in the improved understanding of the properties of polymers in solution, in bulk and in confined situations such as in thin films. Volume 2 addresses new characterization techniques, such as high resolution optical microscopy, scanning probe microscopy and other procedures for surface and interface characterization. Volume 3 presents the great progress achieved in precise synthetic polymerization techniques for vinyl monomers to control macromolecular architecture: the development of metallocene and post-metallocene catalysis for olefin polymerization, new ionic polymerization procedures, and atom transfer radical polymerization, nitroxide mediated polymerization, and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer systems as the most often used controlled/living radical polymerization methods. Volume 4 is devoted to kinetics, mechanisms and applications of ring opening polymerization of heterocyclic monomers and cycloolefins (ROMP), as well as to various less common polymerization techniques. Polycondensation and non-chain polymerizations, including dendrimer synthesis and various "click" procedures, are covered in Volume 5. Volume 6 focuses on several aspects of controlled macromolecular architectures and soft nano-objects including hybrids and bioconjugates. Many of the achievements would have not been possible without new characterization techniques like AFM that allowed direct imaging of single molecules and nano-objects with a precision available only recently. An entirely new aspect in polymer science is based on the combination of bottom-up methods such as polymer synthesis and molecularly programmed self-assembly with top-down structuring such as lithography and surface templating, as presented in Volume 7. It encompasses polymer and nanoparticle assembly in bulk and under confined conditions or influenced by an external field, including thin films, inorganic-organic hybrids, or nanofibers. Volume 8 expands these concepts focusing on applications in advanced technologies, e.g. in electronic industry and centers on combination with top down approach and functional properties like conductivity. Another type of functionality that is of rapidly increasing importance in polymer science is introduced in volume 9. It deals with various aspects of polymers in biology and medicine, including the response of living cells and tissue to the contact with biofunctional particles and surfaces. The last volume is devoted to the scope and potential provided by environmentally benign and green polymers, as well as energy-related polymers. They discuss new technologies needed for a sustainable economy in our world of limited resources. Provides broad and in-depth coverage of all aspects of polymer science from synthesis/polymerization, properties, and characterization methods and techniques to nanostructures, sustainability and energy, and biomedical uses of polymers Provides a definitive source for those entering or researching in this area by integrating the multidisciplinary aspects of the science into one unique, up-to-date reference work Electronic version has complete cross-referencing and multi-media components Volume editors are world experts in their field (including a Nobel Prize winner)

Academic and industrial research around polymer-based colloids is huge. Edited by two world-renowned leaders in polymer science and engineering, this is a fundamental text for the field.

Polymers are an example of “products-by-process”, where the final product properties are mostly determined during manufacture, in the reactor. An understanding of processes occurring in the polymerization reactor is therefore crucial to achieving efficient, consistent, safe and environmentally friendly production of polymeric materials. Polymer Reaction Engineering provides the link between the fundamentals of polymerization kinetics and polymer microstructure achieved in the reactor. Organized according to the type of polymerization, each chapter starts with a description of the main polymers produced by the particular method, their key microstructural features and their applications Polymerization kinetics and its effect on reactor configuration, mass and energy balances and scale-up are covered in detail. The text is illustrated with examples emphasizing general concepts, principles and methodology. Written as an authoritative guide for chemists and chemical engineers in industry and academe, Polymer Reaction Engineering will also be a key reference source for advanced courses in polymer chemistry and technology.

Emulsion polymerisation produces high value polymers in a low cost, environmentally friendly process. The drive to develop environmentally benign production methods for polymers has resulted in widespread development and implementation of the emulsion polymerisation technique. In addition, when combined with novel polymerisation mechanisms the process can give rise to a range of polymer products with particularly useful properties. Emulsion polymerisation is a complex process, governed by the interplay of both chemical and physical properties including polymerisation kinetics and dispersion stability. Successful industrial application relies on understanding and controlling those properties. By carefully explaining the principles of the reaction, based on well-designed experimental investigation, Chemistry and Technology of Emulsion Polymerisation provides a practical and intuitive explanation of emulsion polymerisation. In the development of industrial processes, coupling that understanding with everyday practice can be a further difficult step, so the book emphasises a clear, comprehensive and straightforward discussion to illustrate how the principles relate to practical application. Written for research chemists, technologists and engineers in the polymer, fine and specialty chemicals industries, and in university or government laboratories, this book will be particularly valuable to those early on in their careers. The comprehensive and straightforward coverage will also ensure it is an important resource for advanced courses in emulsion polymerisation.