Specialty Polymers

The synthetic counterparts of natural polymeric materials are now finding applications as light weight, mechanically strong, and environmentally stable sheets, fibers, films, adhesives, paints, and foams have replaced most of the commodity and structural materials. The systematic research on the preparation, characterization, and utilization of plastics resulted in creation of polymers often containing a set of several desirable properties in a single polymer. The polymers have established their place in engineering applications as well. Although the bulk of plastics production focuses on relatively simple commodity polymers, the proportion of specially designed and tailor-made plastics for specific and sophisticated applications is also increasing at a great pace. The specialty plastics, as well as their use in specific and sophisticated applications, are the key to the continued scientific growth and technological advances in the new millennium. This book thoroughly covers today's rapidly growing field of specialty polymers and their applications in more sophisticated and specialized areas. It gives the most recent in-depth knowledge and extremely comprehensive details of the chemistry, physics, material science, technology, and device applications of specialty polymers. This comprehensive book containing 16 chapters is the result of the untiring efforts of 35 most renowned experts from the national and international scientific community. This book is thought-provoking to the researchers working in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, medicine, polymer chemistry, semiconductor physics, material science, electrochemistry, biology, electronics, photonics, material science, solid state physics, nanotechnology, electrical and electronics engineering, optical engineering, device engineering, data storage, etc.

R. W. DYSON There will be few readers of this book who are not aware of the contribution that polymers make to modern life. They are to be seen around the home, at work, in transport and in leisure pursuits. They take many forms which include plastic mouldings and extrusions, plastic film and sheet, plastic laminates (fibreglass and formica) rubber gloves, hoses, tyres and sealing rings, fibres for textiles and carpets and so on, cellular products for cushioning and thermal insulation, adhesives and coating materials such as paints and varnishes. The majority of these polymers are synthetic and are derived from oil products. The most important of these in terms of tonnage used are polymers based upon styrene, vinyl chloride, ethylene, propylene and butadiene among plastics and rubber materials, and nylons, polyethylenetere phthalate and polyacrylonitrile among fibres. The total amount of these polymers used each year runs into millions of tonnes. These polymers are sometimes known as commodity polymers because they are used for everyday artefacts. They are available in many grades and formats to meet a variety of applications and processing techniques. The and light stabilizers, properties can be adjusted by using additives such as heat plasticizers, and reinforcing materials. Often, grades are specially designed and formulated to meet particular requirements and, in a sense, these might be regarded as specialities. Much has been written about these materials elsewhere and they are not the concern of this book.

This comprehensive volume provides current, state-of-the-art information on specialty polymers that can be used for many advanced applications. The book covers the fundamentals of specialty polymers, synthetic approaches, and chemistries to modify their properties to meet the requirements for special applications, along with current challenges and prospects. Chapters are written by global experts, making this a suitable textbook for students and a one-stop resource for researchers and industry professionals. Key Features: - Presents synthesis, characterization, and applications of specialty polymers for advanced applications. - Provides fundamentals and requirements for polymers to be used in many advanced and emerging areas. - Details novel methods and advanced technologies used in polymer industries. - Covers the state-of-the-art progress on specialty polymers for a range of advanced applications.

Derived from the fourth edition of the well-known Plastics Technology Handbook, Industrial Polymers, Specialty Polymers, and Their Applications covers a wide range of general and special types of polymers, along with a wealth of information about their applications. The book first focuses on commonly used industrial polymers, including polypropylenes, low- and high-density polyethylenes, and poly(vinyl chloride), as well as less widely used polymer types, such as acrylics, ether polymers, cellulosics, sulfide polymers, silicones, polysulfones, polyether ether ketones, and polybenzimidazoles. It then explores polymer derivatives and polymeric combinations that play special and often critical roles in diverse fields of human activities. The polymers covered include liquid crystal, electroactive, ionic, and shape memory polymers; hydrogels; and nanocomposites. The volume concludes with a comprehensive overview of new developments in the use of polymers in a variety of areas.

Fluoropolymers are used in applications demanding service at enhanced temperature while maintaining their structural integrity and have excellent combination of chemical, physical and mechanical properties. Advancements in materials and processing technology mean that a huge amount of research is currently taking place into new, high performance applications for specialty fluorinated polymers. This book is a complete review of the current research in synthesizing new fluorinated high performance polymers and their application in the field of low dielectric constant materials, membrane based separation (gas and liquid) and proton exchange membranes. Special emphasis is given to the preparation of soluble high performance polymers by incorporating fluorine and different structural elements so as to use these classes of polymers in different membrane based applications, including low dielectric constant materials, gas separation, pervaporation, proton exchange membranes in fuel cells, and more. The coverage of processing properties and commercial aspects - as well as a practical assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of specialty fluoropolymers compared to other materials - enables engineers and product designers to apply the latest scientific developments in this area in a practical setting. Thorough coverage of modern applications for specialty fluorinated polymers, including membranes and coatings – giving insight into recent research and the future direction of this technology Brings researchers and engineers up to date with the latest developments in specialty fluoropolymers, to assist in future materials research and part design Includes detailed assessment of the advantages and shortcomings of specialty fluorinated polymers, for ease of comparison with alternative materials

Polymers are converted into finished products through a series of steps which include mixing in additives and various types of forming. Following an introduction to polymer science and its importance to various fields, the author describes these processes from a practical, application-oriented perspective. Global suppliers of raw materials, machinery and equipment are also given, making this book an invaluable resource for industry practitioners.

Volume 7 deals with specialty polymers and polymer processing, with eight chapters reviewing generic polymer systems and applications and seven chapters describing unit operations of polymer processing.