Metal Containing Polymeric Systems

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.

Research on metal-containing polymers began in the early 1960's when several workers found that vinyl ferrocene and other vinylic transition metal u -com plexes 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-conducters and pos sessed one or two dimensional conductivity. Thus appli cations 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 homo geneous catalysts developed in the late 60's and early 70's, several investigators began binding homogeneous catalysts onto polymers, where the advantage of homo geneous 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.

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

The development of the field of synthetic metal-containing polymers - where metal atoms form an integral part of the main chain or side group structure of a polymer - aims to create new materials which combine the processability of organic polymers with the physical or chemical characteristics associated with the metallic element or complex. This book covers the major developments in the synthesis, properties, and applications of synthetic metal-containing macromolecules, and includes chapters on the preparation and characterization of metal-containing polymers, metallocene-based polymers, rigid-rod organometallic polymers, coordination polymers, polymers containing main group metals, and also covers dendritic and supramolecular systems. The book describes both polymeric materials with metals in the main chain or side group structure and covers the literature up to the end of 2002.

This series provides a useful, applications-oriented forum for the next generation of macromolecules and materials. The fifth volume in this series provides useful descriptions of the transition metals and their applications. Transition Metals are covered in 2 volumes, the second part is covered in Volume 6.

The vast array of libraries in the world bear mute witness to the truth of the 3000-year-old observation of King Solomon who stated " ... of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh." Yet books are an essential written record of our lives and the progress of science and humanity. Here is another book to add to this huge collection, but, hopefully, not just another collection of pages, but rather a book with a specific purpose to aid in alleviating the "weariness of the flesh" that could arise from much studying of other journals and books in order to obtain the basic information contained herein. This book is about polymeric materials and biological activity, as the title notes. Polymeric materials, in the broad view taken here, would include not only synthetic polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyesters, polyamides, etc.), but also the natural macromolecules (e.g., proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides) which compose natural tissues in humans, animals and plants. In the broad sense used here, biological activity is any type of such action whether it be in medication, pest control, plant-growth regu lation, and so on. In short, this book attempts to consider, briefly, the use of any type of polymeric material system with essentially any kind of biological activity.

Phase morphology in multicomponent polymer-based systems represents the main physical characteristic that allows for control of the material design and implicitly the development of new plastics. Emphasizing properties of these promising new materials in both solution and solid phase, this book describes the preparation, processing, properties, and practical implications of advanced multiphase systems from macro to nanoscales. It covers a wide range of systems including copolymers, polymer blends, polymer composites, gels, interpenetrating polymers, and layered polymer/metal structures, describing aspects of polymer science, engineering, and technology. The book analyzes experimental and theoretical aspects regarding the thermal and electrical transport phenomena and magnetic properties of crucial importance in advanced technologies. It reviews the most recent advances concerning morphological, rheological, interfacial, physical, fire-resistant, thermophysical, and biomedical properties of multiphase polymer systems. Concomitantly the book deals with basic investigation techniques that are sensitive in elucidating the features of each phase. It also discusses the latest research trends that offer new solutions for advanced bio- and nanotechnologies. Introduces an overview of recent studies in the area of multiphase polymer systems, their micro- and nanostructural evolutions in advanced technologies, and provides future outlooks, new challenges and opportunities. Discusses multicomponent structures that offer enhanced physical, mechanical, thermal, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties adapted to current requirements of modern technologies. Covers a wide range of materials, such as composites, blends, alloys, gels and interpenetrating polymer networks. Presents new strategies for controlling the micro- and nanomorphology and the mechanical properties of multiphase polymeric materials. Describes different applications of multiphase polymeric materials in various fields, including automotive, aeronautics and space industry, displays, and medicine.