New Macromolecular Architecture and Functions


Book Description

This volume summarizes the papers presented at the second Osaka University Macromolecular Symposium OUMS '95 on "New Macromolecular Architecture and Functions" which was held at Senri Life Science Center, Osaka, Japan, on June 2 through June 5, 1995. The symposium covered the three topics, (1) Controlled Polymerizations, (2) Macromolecular Organized Systems and (3) Biomimetic Polymers, and invited leading scientists in these fields. At present, any of these topics is a hot issue in itself and frequently taken up separately on many occasions. It is noted, however, that all these topics are correlated with each other with the keyword "molecular design of new types of polymers" and their combination provides a unique feature of the present symposium in reflecting the interactions among investigators working in these important fields with the common ground expressed by the keyword "molecular design of new types of polymers". Twenty five invited lectures and twenty nine posters were presented at the Symposium, and twenty of the lectures contribute to this volume. In the first topic, preparations of sequentially of stereoregularly controlled polymers were discussed from the view points of precise design of polymer preparation on the molecular level; attention was paid to a possibility of living radical polymerization, preparations of new types of living polymers, recent advances in preparation of stereospecific living polymers, sequential control in block copolymers, and molecular design of initiators and/or catalysts for the controlled polymerizations.




Complex Macromolecular Architectures


Book Description

The field of CMA (complex macromolecular architecture) stands at the cutting edge of materials science, and has been a locus of intense research activity in recent years. This book gives an extensive description of the synthesis, characterization, and self-assembly of recently-developed advanced architectural materials with a number of potential applications. The architectural polymers, including bio-conjugated hybrid polymers with poly(amino acid)s and gluco-polymers, star-branched and dendrimer-like hyperbranched polymers, cyclic polymers, dendrigraft polymers, rod-coil and helix-coil block copolymers, are introduced chapter by chapter in the book. In particular, the book also emphasizes the topic of synthetic breakthroughs by living/controlled polymerization since 2000. Furthermore, renowned authors contribute on special topics such as helical polyisocyanates, metallopolymers, stereospecific polymers, hydrogen-bonded supramolecular polymers, conjugated polymers, and polyrotaxanes, which have attracted considerable interest as novel polymer materials with potential future applications. In addition, recent advances in reactive blending achieved with well-defined end-functionalized polymers are discussed from an industrial point of view. Topics on polymer-based nanotechnologies, including self-assembled architectures and suprastructures, nano-structured materials and devices, nanofabrication, surface nanostructures, and their AFM imaging analysis of hetero-phased polymers are also included. Provides comprehensive coverage of recently developed advanced architectural materials Covers hot new areas such as: click chemistry; chain walking; polyhomologation; ADMET Edited by highly regarded scientists in the field Contains contributions from 26 leading experts from Europe, North America, and Asia Researchers in academia and industry specializing in polymer chemistry will find this book to be an ideal survey of the most recent advances in the area. The book is also suitable as supplementary reading for students enrolled in Polymer Synthetic Chemistry, Polymer Synthesis, Polymer Design, Advanced Polymer Chemistry, Soft Matter Science, and Materials Science courses. Color versions of selected figures can be found at www.wiley.com/go/hadjichristidis




Miktoarm Star Polymers


Book Description

The term ‘miktoarm polymers’ refers to asymmetric branched macromolecules, a relatively new entry to the macromolecular field. Recent advances in their synthesis and intriguing supramolecular chemistry in a desired medium has seen a fast expansion of their applications. The composition of miktoarm polymers can be tailored and even pre-defined to allow a desired combination of functions, meaning polymer chemists can have complete control of the overall architecture of these macromolecules. By carefully selecting the composition, they can create supramolecular structures with intriguing properties, particularly for applications in biology. Miktoarm Star Polymers features chapters from experts actively working in this field, and provides the reader with a unique introduction to the fundamental principles of this exciting macromolecular system. Topics covered include the design, synthesis, characterization, self-assembly and applications of miktoarm polymers. The book is an excellent overview and up to date guide to those working in research in polymer chemistry, materials science, and polymers for medical applications.




Single-Chain Polymer Nanoparticles


Book Description

This first book on this important and emerging topic presents an overview of the very latest results obtained in single-chain polymer nanoparticles obtained by folding synthetic single polymer chains, painting a complete picture from synthesis via characterization to everyday applications. The initial chapters describe the synthetics methods as well as the molecular simulation of these nanoparticles, while subsequent chapters discuss the analytical techniques that are applied to characterize them, including size and structural characterization as well as scattering techniques. The final chapters are then devoted to the practical applications in nanomedicine, sensing, catalysis and several other uses, concluding with a look at the future for such nanoparticles. Essential reading for polymer and materials scientists, materials engineers, biochemists as well as environmental chemists.




Hierarchical Macromolecular Structures: 60 Years after the Staudinger Nobel Prize I


Book Description

Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic, and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles, and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist.




Hyperbranched Polydendrons


Book Description

This thesis outlines the first synthesis of a new complex branched polymer architecture that aims to combine the benefits of dendrimers with the simplicity of conventional polymerisation. There is no other available literature on these remarkable materials, dubbed hyperbranched polydendrons, due to their novelty. The new materials were shown to have very high molecular weights (>1,000,000 g/mol), exceptional self-assembly and encapsulation behaviour and unparalleled functionalisation capabilities, and were studied pharmacologically to determine their potential as oral nanomedicine candidates. The detailed investigation of the chemical variables involved in synthesising hyperbranched polydendrons has shown that their self-assembly and pharmacological behaviour can be turned on and off and fine-tuned by altering the composition of the materials. The permeation of the self-assembled particles through model gut epithelium suggests the potential for oral dosing of drug loaded nanomedicines that result in circulating nanoparticles – a research goal that is currently being pursued by several groups around the globe.




Polymeric Biomaterials


Book Description

Biomaterials have had a major impact on the practice of contemporary medicine and patient care. Growing into a major interdisciplinary effort involving chemists, biologists, engineers, and physicians, biomaterials development has enabled the creation of high-quality devices, implants, and drug carriers with greater biocompatibility and biofunctiona




New Polymer Nanocomposites for Environmental Remediation


Book Description

New Polymer Nanocomposites for Environmental Remediation summarizes recent progress in the development of materials' properties, fabrication methods and their applications for treatment of contaminants, pollutant sensing and detection. This book presents current research into how polymer nanocomposites can be used in environmental remediation, detailing major environmental issues, and key materials properties and existing polymers or nanomaterials that can solve these issues. The book covers the fundamental molecular structure of polymers used in environmental applications, the toxicology, economy and life-cycle analysis of polymer nanocomposites, and an analysis of potential future applications of these materials. Recent research and development in polymer nanocomposites has inspired the progress and use of novel and cost-effective environmental applications. - Presents critical, actionable guidelines to the structure and property design of nanocomposites in environmental remediation - Focuses on taking technology out of the lab and into the real world - Summarizes the latest developments in polymer nanocomposites and their applications in catalytic degradation, adsorptive removal and detection of contaminants in the environment - Enables researchers to stay ahead of the curve, with a full discussion of regulatory issues and potential new applications and materials in this area







Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules


Book Description

Knowledge of thermodynamics is a necessary tool for describing and understanding the physical behavior of new polymers and polymer blends, for instance, compatibility of components, rheological properties, morphological features, and mechanical properties. This book summarizes in a fairly comprehensive manner the recent technical research accomplishments in the area of thermodynamics, characterizations, and applications of polymer blends. In the first chapter, an overview of thermodynamic behaviors of non-equilibrium polymers is discussed. In the consecutive chapters, different properties of polymer blends are discussed, including surface tension, transition, crystallization, morphology, and flow behaviors. Miscibility and molecular characterizations of polymer blends are also covered in this book. Applications to various systems are reviewed, and both experimental concerns and references are supplied. In this time when science has such a strong tendency for diversification, this book demonstrates the relevance of one’s own activities with neighboring branches of activities. This book is unique in that the mathematics of the physics of polymers are minimized in order not to discourage the interest of a junior or senior undergraduate or new graduate student by an unnecessarily rigorous approach. However, book aims to widen the readers’ general knowledge with a better understanding of the physics of polymers. Applications to various systems are reviewed, and both experimental concerns and references are supplied.