Characterization of Polymer Blends

Multiphase polymeric systems include a wide range of materials such as composites, blends, alloys, gels, and interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). A one-stop reference on multiphase polymer systems, this book fully covers the preparation, properties, and applications of advanced multiphase systems from macro to nano scales. Edited by well-respected academics in the field of multiphase polymer systems, the book includes contributions from leading international experts. An essential resource for plastic and rubber technologists, filler specialists and researchers in fields studying thermal and electrical properties.

Materials scientists, polymer chemists, surface physicists and materials engineers will find this book a complete and detailed treatise on the field of polymer brushes, their synthesis, characterization and manifold applications. In a first section, the various synthetic pathways and different surface materials are introduced and explained, followed by a second section covering important aspects of characterization and analysis in both flat surfaces and particles. These specific surface initiated polymerization (SIP) systems such as linear polymers, homopolymers, block copolymers, and hyperbranched polymers are unique compared to previously reported systems by chemisorption or physisorption. They have found their way in both large-scale and miniature applications of polymer brushes, which is covered in the last section. Such 'hairy' surfaces offer fascinating opportunities for addressing numerous problems of both academic and, in particular, industrial interest: high-quality, functional or protective coatings, composite materials, surface engineered particles, metal-organic interfaces, biological applications, micro-patterning, colloids, nanoparticles, functional devices, and many more. It is the desire of the authors that this book will be of benefit to readers who want to «brush-up on polymers».

This two-volume book provides an overview of physical techniques used to characterize the structure of solid materials, on the one hand, and to investigate the reactivity of their surface, on the other. Therefore this book is a must-have for anyone working in fields related to surface reactivity. Among the latter, and because of its most important industrial impact, catalysis has been used as the directing thread of the book. After the preface and a general introduction to physical techniques by M. Che and J.C. Vedrine, two overviews on physical techniques are presented by G. Ertl and Sir J.M. Thomas for investigating model catalysts and porous catalysts, respectively. The book is organized into four parts: Molecular/Local Spectroscopies, Macroscopic Techniques, Characterization of the Fluid Phase (Gas and/ or Liquid), and Advanced Characterization. Each chapter focuses upon the following important themes: overview of the technique, most important parameters to interpret the experimental data, practical details, applications of the technique, particularly during chemical processes, with its advantages and disadvantages, conclusions.

Serves as a guide for seasoned researchers and students alike, who wish to learn about the cross-fertilization between biology and materials that is driving this emerging area of science This book covers the most relevant topics in basic research and those having potential technological applications for the field of biopolymer brushes. This area has experienced remarkable increase in development of practical applications in nanotechnology and biotechnology over the past decade. In view of the rapidly growing activity and interest in the field, this book covers the introductory features of polymer brushes and presents a unifying and stimulating overview of the theoretical aspects and emerging applications. It immerses readers in the historical perspective and the frontiers of research where our knowledge is increasing steadily—providing them with a feeling of the enormous potential, the multiple applications, and the many up-and-coming trends behind the development of macromolecular interfaces based on the use of polymer brushes. Polymer and Biopolymer Brushes: Fundamentals and Applications in Materials offers chapters on: Functionalization of Surfaces Using Polymer Brushes; Polymer Brushes by ATRP and Surface-Mediated RAFT Polymerization for Biological Functions; Electro-Induced Copper Catalyzed Surface Modification with Monolayer and Polymer Brush; Polymer Brushes on Flat and Curved Substrates; Biomimetic Anchors for Antifouling Polymer Brush Coating; Glycopolymer Brushes Presenting Sugars in Their Natural Form; Smart Surfaces Modified with Phenylboronic Acid-Containing Polymer Brushes; DNA Brushes; Polymer Brushes as Interfacial Materials for Soft Metal Conductors and Electronics; and more. Presents a comprehensive theory/simulation section that will be valuable for all readers Includes chapters not only on the biological applications of polymer brushes but also on biological systems that resemble polymer brushes on flat surfaces Addresses applications in coatings, friction, sensors, microelectromechanical systems, and biomaterials Devotes particular attention to the functional aspects of hybrid nanomaterials employing polymer brushes as functional units Polymer and Biopolymer Brushes: Fundamentals and Applications in Materials is aimed at both graduate students and researchers new to this subject as well as scientists already engaged in the study and development of polymer brushes.

The book focuses on advanced characterization methods for thin-film solar cells that have proven their relevance both for academic and corporate photovoltaic research and development. After an introduction to thin-film photovoltaics, highly experienced experts report on device and materials characterization methods such as electroluminescence analysis, capacitance spectroscopy, and various microscopy methods. In the final part of the book simulation techniques are presented which are used for ab-initio calculations of relevant semiconductors and for device simulations in 1D, 2D and 3D. Building on a proven concept, this new edition also covers thermography, transient optoelectronic methods, and absorption and photocurrent spectroscopy.

Very thin film materials have emerged as a highly interesting and useful quasi 2D-state functionality. They have given rise to numerous applications ranging from protective and smart coatings to electronics, sensors and display technology as well as serving biological, analytical and medical purposes. The tailoring of polymer film properties and functions has become a major research field. As opposed to the traditional treatise on polymer and resin-based coatings, this one-stop reference is the first to give readers a comprehensive view of the latest macromolecular and supramolecular film-based nanotechnology. Bringing together all the important facets and state-of-the-art research, the two well-structured volumes cover film assembly and depostion, functionality and patterning, and analysis and characterization. The result is an in-depth understanding of the phenomena, ordering, scale effects, fabrication, and analysis of polymer ultrathin films. This book will be a valuable addition for Materials Scientists, Polymer Chemists, Surface Scientists, Bioengineers, Coatings Specialists, Chemical Engineers, and Scientists working in this important research field and industry.

This first systematic scientific reference in the area of micro- and nanostructured biopolymer systems discusses in two volumes the morphology, structure, dynamics, properties and applications of all important biopolymers, as well as their blends, composites, interpenetrating networks and gels. Selected leading researchers from industry, academia, government and private research institutions around the globe comprehensively review recent accomplishments in the field. They examine the current state of the art, new challenges, and opportunities, discussing all the synthetic routes to the generation of both micro- and nano-morphologies, as well as the synthesis, characterization and application of porous biopolymers. An outstanding resource for anyone involved in the fi eld of eco-friendly biomaterials for advanced technologies.