Polymeric Gels

Polymeric Gels: Characterization, Properties and Biomedical Applications covers the fundamentals and applications of polymeric gels. Particular emphasis is given to their synthesis, properties and characteristics, with topics such as natural, synthetic, and smart polymeric gels, medical applications, and advancements in conductive and magnetic gels presented. The book covers the basics and applications of hydrogels, providing readers with a comprehensive guide on the types of polymeric gels used in the field of biomedical engineering. Provides guidance for decisions on the suitability and appropriateness of a synthetic route and characterization technique for particular polymeric networks Analyzes and compares experimental data Presents in-depth information on the physical properties of polymeric gels using mathematical models Uses an interdisciplinary approach to discuss potential new applications for both established polymeric gels and recent advances

This is a fully revised and up-dated edition of the popular book 'Surface Coatings' first published in 1985. The book provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of coating technology including composition, preparation and application, and the parameters controlling their ultimate performance. Techniques in their infancy at the time of the first edition, such as the synthesis of industrial resins, have now been developed and their applications are discussed here in detail. The basic principles of paint formulation have been revised and an extra section has been added on new technologies. The new sections have been written by experts working in the industry which gives the book a new dimension; covering both theoretical and practical aspects of the state-of-the-art. The editor has extensive experience in the surface coating field and runs his own research and development company specializing in the chemistry of surface coatings, adhesives and polymeric materials.

This book addresses a range of synthesis and characterization techniques that are critical for tailoring and broadening the various aspects of polymer gels, as well as the numerous advantages that polymer gel-based materials offer. It presents a comprehensive collection of chapters on the recent advances and developments in the science and fundamentals of both synthetic and natural polymer-based gels. Topics covered include: synthesis and structure of physically/chemically cross-linked polymer-gels/polymeric nanogels; gel formation through non-covalent cross-linking; molecular design and characterization; polysaccharide-based polymer gels: synthesis, characterization, and properties; modified polysaccharide gels: silica-based polymeric gels as platforms for the delivery of pharmaceuticals; gel-based approaches in genomic and proteomic sciences; emulgels in drug delivery; and organogels. The book provides a cutting-edge resource for researchers and scientists working in various fields involving polymers, biomaterials, bio-nanotechnology and functional materials.

This book summarizes the recent advances in the science and engineering of polymer-gel-based materials in different fields. It also discusses the extensive research developments for the next generation of smart materials. It takes an in-depth look at the current perspectives and market opportunities while pointing to new possibilities and applications. The book addresses important topics such as stimuli responsive polymeric nanoparticles for cancer therapy; polymer gel containing metallic materials; chemotherapeutic applications in oncology; conducting polymer-based gels and their applications in biological sensors; imprinted polymeric gels for pharmaceutical and biomedical purposes; applications of biopolymeric gels in the agricultural sector; application of polymer gels and their nanocomposites in electrochemistry; smart polyelectrolyte gels as a platform for biomedical applications; agro-based polymer gels and their application in purification of industrial water wastes; polymer gel composites for bio-applications. It will be of interest to researchers working in both industry and academia.

This book exclusively focuses on the science and fundamentals of polymer gels, as well as the numerous advantages that polymer gel-based materials offer. It presents a comprehensive collection of chapters on the recent advances and developments in the core science and fundamentals of both synthetic and natural polymer-based gels, and pays particular attention to applications in the various research fields of biomedicine and engineering. Key topics addressed include: polysaccharide-based gels and their fundamentals; stimuli-responsive polymer gels; polymer gels applied to enzyme and cell immobilization; chitosan-based gels for cancer therapy; natural polymeric and gelling agents; radiation dosimetry; polymeric gels as vehicles for enhanced drug delivery across the skin; transport in and through gel; and polymer gel nanocomposites and functional gels. The book’s extensive and highly topical coverage will appeal to researchers working in a broad range of fields in industry and academia alike.

Explains the correlation between the physical properties and structure of polymer gels This book elucidates in detail the physics of polymer gels and reviews their unique properties that make them attractive for innumerable applications. Geared towards experienced researchers and entrants to the field, it covers rubber elasticity, swelling and shrinking, deformation and fracture of as well as mass transport in polymer gels, enabling the readers to purposefully design polymer gels fit for specific purposes. Divided into two parts, Physics of Polymer Gels starts by explaining the statistical mechanics and scaling of a polymer chains, and that of polymer solutions. It then introduces the structure of polymer gels and explains the rubber elasticity, which predicts the solid-like nature of polymer gels. Next, it describes swelling/deswelling, which can be understood by combining the rubber elasticity and the osmotic pressure of a polymer solution. Large deformation and fracture, and the diffusion of substances in polymer gels, which are essential for practical applications, are also introduced. The last half of the book contains the authors' experimental results using Tetra-PEG gels and provides readers with the opportunity to examine and compare it with the first half in order to understand how to utilize the models to experiments. This title: * Is the first book dedicated to the physics of polymer gels * Describes in detail the properties of polymer gels and their underlying physics, facilitating the development of novel, polymer gel-based applications * Serves as a reference for all relevant polymer gel properties and their underlying physics * Provides a unified treatment of the subject, explaining the physical properties of polymer gels within a common nomenclature framework Physics of Polymer Gels is a must-have book for experienced researchers, such as polymer chemists, materials scientists, organic chemists, physical chemists, and solid-state physicists, as well as for newcomers to the field.

This volume contains a series of papers originally presented at the Symposium on Polymer Gels organized and sponsored by the Research Group on Polymer Gels,The Society of Polymer Science of Japan and co-sponsored by the Science and Technology Agency (ST A) and MIT!, Japan. The Symposium took place at Tsukuba Science City on 18th and 19th September, 1989. Recognized experts in their fields were invited to speak and there was a strong attendance from government, academic and industrial research centers. The purpose of the Symposium was to review the state of the art and to present and discuss recent progress in the understanding of the behavioral properties of polymer gels and their application to biomedical, environmental and robotic fields. Most of the papers and related discussions concentrated on the swelling behavior of hydrogels and chemomechanical systems, both artificial and naturally occurring, in which external stimuli of a physical or chemical nature control energy transformation or signal transduction. The recent great interest in chemomechanical systems based on polymer gels has stimulated considerable effort towards the development of new sensors and actuators, controllable membrane separation processes, and delivery systems in which the functions of sensing, processing and actuation are all built into the polymeric network device. Artificial chemomechanical systems, through the use of environmentally sensitive polymer gels, are emerging as interesting materials for mimicking basic processes previously only confined to the biological world, and commercially viable applications are also foreseen in the not-too-distant future.

Engineering of Natural Polymeric Gels and Aerogels for Multifunctional Applications brings together detailed information on gels, hydrogels, and aerogels derived from natural polymers, covering materials, processing, fabrication techniques, structure-property relationships, and novel applications. The book begins by introducing polymeric gels, hydrogels, and aerogels, the different types and properties, advantages and disadvantages, manufacturing techniques, production and scalability, and the possible applications. This is followed by thorough coverage of processing methods for obtaining natural polymer-based gels and hydrogels, with separate chapters focusing on physical processes, chemical processes, green processes, and processing for aerogels. The final chapters of the book focus on the preparation of natural polymer-based gels, hydrogels, and aerogels for many state-of-the-art applications, including biomedical, absorbent, energy saving, filtration, and sensing areas. Engineering of Natural Polymeric Gels and Aerogels for Multifunctional Applications is an essential resource for all those with an interest in polymeric gels and natural polymers, including researchers and scientists in polymer engineering, polymer chemistry, sustainable materials, biomaterials, materials science and engineering, and chemical engineering. In industry, this book supports scientists, R&D, and engineers looking to utilize novel bio-based materials for advanced applications. Covers the physical, chemical, and green processing methods for obtaining gels, hydrogels, and aerogels from natural polymers Explores a range of cutting-edge uses, including in biomedical, absorbent, energy-saving, filtration, and bio-sensing applications Presents the latest innovations in the field, including the preparation of lightweight, highly open porous polysaccharide and protein aerogels