New Polymeric Materials

The development of new polymeric materials has caused a considerable expansion in the field of reactive processing. These new materials are very competitive compared to the traditional ones with respect to production costs and performance. The reports published in this volume present the recent developments and emerging trends in the field of reactive processing and the physical properties of the resulting polymeric materials. Special attention is given to the chemical, kinetic and rheological aspects of reactive processing.

This book introduces the recent progress that has resulted from utilizing the idea of "element-block polymers". A structural unit consisting of various groups of elements is called an "element-block." The design and synthesis of new element-blocks, polymerization of these blocks, and development of methods of forming higher-order structures and achieving hierarchical interface control in order to yield the desired functions are expected to result in manifold advantages. These benefits will encourage the creation of new polymeric materials that share, at a high level, electronic, optical, and magnetic properties not achievable with conventional organic polymeric materials as well as forming properties of molding processability and flexible designability that inorganic materials lack. By pioneering innovative synthetic processes that exploit the reactivity of elements and the preparation techniques employed for inorganic element-blocks, the aim is (1) to create a new series of innovative polymers based on the novel concept of element-block polymers, in which the characteristics of elements are extensively combined and utilized, and (2) to formulate theories related to these polymers. This book demonstrates especially the design strategies and the resulting successful examples offering highly functional materials that utilize element-block polymers as a key unit.

The development of new polymeric materials has caused a considerable expansion in the field of reactive processing. These new materials are very competitive compared to the traditional ones with respect to production costs and performance. The reports published in this volume present the recent developments and emerging trends in the field of reactive processing and the physical properties of the resulting polymeric materials. Special attention is given to the chemical, kinetic and rheological aspects of reactive processing.

This book reviews several domains of polymer science, especially new trends in polymerization synthesis, physical-chemical properties, and inorganic systems. Composites and nanocomposites are also covered in this book, emphasizing nanotechnologies and their impact on the enhancement of physical and mechanical properties of these new materials. Kinetics and simulation are discussed and also considered as promising techniques for achieving chemistry and predicting physical property goals. This book presents a selection of interdisciplinary papers on the state of knowledge of each topic under consideration through a combination of overviews and original unpublished research.

This book covers recent advancements in the field of polymer science and technology. Frontiers areas, such as polymers based on bio-sources, polymer based ferroelectrics, polymer nanocomposites for capacitors, food packaging and electronic packaging, piezoelectric sensors, polymers from renewable resources, superhydrophobic materials and electrospinning are topics of discussion. The contributors to this book are expert researchers from various academic institutes and industries from around the world.

Polymers are substances containing a large number of structural units joined by the same type of linkage. These substances often form into a chain-like structure. Starch, cellulose, and rubber all possess polymeric properties. Today, the polymer industry has grown to be larger than the aluminium, copper and steel industries combined. Polymers already have a range of applications that far exceeds that of any other class of material available to man. Current applications extend from adhesives, coatings, foams, and packaging materials to textile and industrial fibres, elastomers, and structural plastics. Polymers are also used for most composites, electronic devices, biomedical devices, optical devices, and precursors for many newly developed high-tech ceramics. This new book presents leading-edge research in this rapidly-changing and evolving field.

This book covers the theory of the strength of laminated and reinforced structures made of polymer materials with regard to the changeability of physico-chemical properties is examined. It presents an experimental-theoretical method on the definition of physico-mechanical properties of polymers composite materials and polymerized bundles made of fibers with emphasis on the changes of physico-chemical properties of the materials. With mathematical strictness, the experimental and theoretical studies presented here will aid in the development of reliable methods and new practices of analyzing structures with the influence of chemically aggressive liquids and gases and in the creation of specific production structures that will withstand corrosive environments.