This is truly an exciting time to be in the ?eld of polymer science. Advances in polymerization methods are providing polymer scientists with the ability to specify and control polymer composition, structure, architecture, and molecular weight to a degree that was not possible just a decade ago. This, in turn, is resulting in many novel application possibilities of polymers ranging from drug delivery systems and nanolithographyto stimuli-responsivematerials and many others. In addition,many of the application areas of polymers – such as coatings, adhesives, thermoplastics, composites, and personal care – are also taking advantage of the ability to design polymersduringtheir developmentefforts. Not to forget,manyof these applications of polymers involve mixing polymers with solvents, catalysts, colorants, and many other ingredients to prepare a formulated product. However, the tuning of polymer composition and structure as well as polymer formulations to optimize the ?nal performance properties can be challenging, - pecially since in many cases several interacting variables need to be optimized simultaneously. This is where the methodologies and techniques of combinatorial and high-throughput experimentation to synthesize and characterize polymer - braries can be an invaluable approach. Simply put, a polymer library is a collection of multiple polymer samples having a systematic variation in one or more variables related to composition, structure, or process. Various methods and strategies have been explored to ef?ciently prepare a large number of polymer samples and also to screen these samples for key properties of interest.

Manufacturing and Novel Applications of Multilayer Polymer Films discusses the advancements in multilayer technology, including its capability to produce hundreds of layers in a single film by a melt coextrusion process. These engineered films can have significantly enhanced performance properties, allowing films to be made thinner, stronger, and with better sealing properties. As recent developments in feedblocks and materials have opened up a range of new possibilities, this book discusses different feedblocks, and viscosity and material considerations. It is the first comprehensive summary of the latest technology in multilayer film processing and related applications, and is written from a practical perspective, translating research into commercial production and real world products. The book provides fundamental knowledge on microlayer coextrusion processing technology, how to fabricate such structures, structure and properties of such microlayers, and potential applications, thus helping research scientists and engineers develop products which not only fulfill their primary function, but can also be manufactured reliably, safely, and economically. - Provides a fundamental knowledge of microlayer coextrusion processing, including how to fabricate microlayer structures, the properties of microlayers, and potential applications, including optics, polymer film capacitors, and semiconductors - Includes an in-depth analysis of all technologies used for producing multilayered films and structures by coextrusion processing - Thoroughly assesses potential future trends in multilayer coextrusion technology, thus enabling engineers and scientists to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly advancing area

Very few polymer mechanics problems are solved with only pen and paper today, and virtually all academic research and industrial work relies heavily on finite element simulations and specialized computer software. Introducing and demonstrating the utility of computational tools and simulations, Mechanics of Solid Polymers provides a modern view of how solid polymers behave, how they can be experimentally characterized, and how to predict their behavior in different load environments. Reflecting the significant progress made in the understanding of polymer behaviour over the last two decades, this book will discuss recent developments and compare them to classical theories. The book shows how best to make use of commercially available finite element software to solve polymer mechanics problems, introducing readers to the current state of the art in predicting failure using a combination of experiment and computational techniques. Case studies and example Matlab code are also included. As industry and academia are increasingly reliant on advanced computational mechanics software to implement sophisticated constitutive models – and authoritative information is hard to find in one place - this book provides engineers with what they need to know to make best use of the technology available. - Helps professionals deploy the latest experimental polymer testing methods to assess suitability for applications - Discusses material models for different polymer types - Shows how to best make use of available finite element software to model polymer behaviour, and includes case studies and example code to help engineers and researchers apply it to their work

Explore this one-stop resource for reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization from a leading voice in chemistry RAFT Polymerization: Methods, Synthesis and Applications delivers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) and its applications to fields as diverse as material science, industrial chemistry, and medicine. This one-stop resource offers readers a detailed synopsis of the current state of RAFT polymerization. This text will inspire further research and continue the drive to an ever-increasing range of applications by synthesizing and explaining the more central existing literature on RAFT polymerization. It contains a beginner’s guide on how to do a RAFT polymerization before moving on to much more advanced techniques and concepts, like the kinetics and mechanisms of the RAFT process. The distinguished editors have also included resources covering the four major classes of RAFT agents and recent developments in processes for initiating RAFT polymerization. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the mechanisms, theory, and mathematical modeling of RAFT Explorations of RAFT agent design and synthesis, dithioesters, dithiobenzoates, trithiocarbonates, xanthates, dithiocarbamates, macromonomer RAFT, and RAFT copolymerization Discussions of a variety of RAFT architectures, including multiblocks, combs, hyperbranched polymers, and stars Treatments of end group transformation, cationic RAFT, high-throughput RAFT, and RAFT in continuous flow An examination of sequence defined polymers by RAFT Perfect for organic chemists, polymer chemists, and materials scientists, RAFT Polymerization: Methods, Synthesis and Applications will also earn a place in the libraries of chemical engineers seeking a one-stop reference for this method of controlled radical polymerization with a wide range of applications in multiple areas.

The compact, affordable reference, revised and updated The Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, Concise Third Edition provides the key information from the complete, twelve-volume Mark's Encyclopedia in an affordable, condensed format. Completely revised and updated, this user-friendly desk reference offers quick access to all areas of polymer science, including important advances in nanotechnology, imaging and analytical techniques, controlled polymer architecture, biomimetics, and more, all in one volume. Like the twelve-volume full edition, the Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, Concise Third Edition provides both SI and common units, carefully selected key references for each article, and hundreds of tables, charts, figures, and graphs.

Shape-Memory Polymer Device Design discusses the latest shape-memory polymers and the ways they have started to transition out of the academic laboratory and into devices and commercial products. Safranski introduces the properties of shape-memory polymers and presents design principles for designing and manufacturing, providing a guide for the R&D engineer/scientist and design engineer to add the shape memory effect of polymers into their design toolbox. This is the first book to focus on applying basic science knowledge to design practical devices, introducing the concept of shape-memory polymers, the history of their use, and the range of current applications. It details the specific design principles for working with shape-memory polymers that don't often apply to mechanically inactive materials and products. Material selection is thoroughly discussed because chemical structure and thermo-mechanical properties are intrinsically linked to shape-memory performance. Further chapters discuss programming the temporary shape and recovery through a variety of activation methods with real world examples. Finally, current devices across a variety of markets are highlighted to show the breadth of possible applications. - Demystifies shape-memory polymers, providing a guide to their properties and design principles - Explores a range of current and emerging applications across sectors, including biomedical, aerospace/automotive, and consumer goods - Places shape-memory polymers in the design toolkit of R&D scientists/engineers and design engineers - Discusses material selection in-depth because chemical structure and thermo-mechanical properties are intrinsically linked to shape-memory performance

Combinatorial Materials Science describes new developments and research results in catalysts, biomaterials, and nanomaterials, together with informatics approaches to the analysis of Combinatorial Science (CombiSci) data. CombiSci has been used extensively in the pharmaceutical industry, but there is enormous potential in its application to materials design and characterization. Addressing advances and applications in both fields, Combinatorial Materials Science: Integrates the scientific fundamentals and interdisciplinary underpinnings required to develop and apply CombiSci concepts Discusses the development and use of CombiSci for the systematic and accelerated investigation of new phenomena and of the complex structure-function interplay in materials Covers the development of new library design strategies for materials processing and for high-throughput tools for rapid sampling Uses a unique, unified approach of applying combinatorial methods to unravel the non-linear structure-function relationships in diverse materials (both hard and soft), together with advances in informatics With chapters written by leading researchers in their specialty areas, this authoritative guide is a must-have resource for scientists and engineers in materials science research, biochemists, chemists, immunologists, cell biologists, polymer scientists, chemical and mechanical engineers, statisticians, and computer scientists. It is also a great text for graduate-level courses in materials science/engineering, polymer science, chemical engineering, and chemistry.