Light scattering is a very powerful method for characterizing the structure of polymers and nanoparticles in solution. As part of the Springer Laboratory series, this book provides a simple-to-read and illustrative textbook probing the seemingly very complicated topic of light scattering from polymers and nanoparticles in dilute solution, and goes further to cover some of the latest technical developments in experimental light scattering.

'The overall book content is excellently coordinated to form a synchronised story, interesting to a broad scientific audience … The book summarises the present knowledge in the field, introduces fundamental concepts to the beginners, describes key measuring methods and presents several different typical demonstrative systems, some of them exhibiting an extraordinary rich spectrum of structures and superstructures. I am sure that with time the book will become an attractor to a broad audience (physicists, chemists, material scientists, engineers, etc.), ranging from students, beginners in the field to experienced researchers. To summarise, this is the book that I have been missing on my bookshelf.'Liquid Crystals TodayWhile liquid crystals are today widely known for their successful application in flat panel displays (LCDs), academic liquid crystal research is more and more targeting situations where these anisotropic fluids are put to completely different use, in varying contexts. A particularly strong focus is on colloidal liquid crystals, where particles, bubbles or drops are dispersed in a liquid crystal phase. The liquid crystal can act as a host phase, with the inclusions constituting foreign guests that disturb the local order in interesting ways, often resulting in large-scale positional arrangement and/or uniform alignment of the guests. But it may also be formed by solid particles themselves, if these are of nanoscale dimensions and of disc- or rod-shape, and if they are suspended in an isotropic liquid host at sufficient concentration.This book aims to cover both the modern research tracks, gathering pioneering researchers of the different subfields to give a concise overview of the basis as well as the prospects of their respective specialties. The scope spans from curiosity-driven fundamental scientific research to applied sciences. Over the course of the next decade, the former is likely to generate new tracks of the latter type, considering the exploratory and productive phase of this young research field.

Micro and Nanolignin in Aqueous Dispersions and Polymers: Interactions, Properties, and Applications presents the very latest research on lignin biorefinery treatments, production, chemistry, and refining, exploring a range of innovative applications of lignin and lignin-based composites at both the micro and the nanoscale. The book begins by presenting the latest developments in extraction methods and properties, with topics including methods for value-added microlignin, color characteristics, refining and functionalization, depolymerization for phenolic monomer production, and production of sulphur-free lignin nanoparticles. This is followed by in-depth sections focusing on the preparation of lignin for advanced applications at the microscale, then at the nanoscale, covering a range of areas such as construction, fiber manufacturing, food packaging, biomedicine, wood preservation, wastewater treatment, and agriculture. This valuable resource enables the reader to identify the high added value of a biomass residue and supports possible development and use for mass and niche high impact application sectors. This information is of interest to researchers, scientists, and advanced students, across bio-based polymers and bio-composites, polymer science and engineering, nanomaterials, chemistry, sustainable materials, materials science, and chemical engineering. Moreover, it is also addressed to the professionals that as well as those in an R&D industrial setting to are looking on ideas and perspectives on how to utilize bio-based materials in advanced industrial applications. Provides detailed information on extraction methods, properties, refining and functionalization processes Guides the reader through the preparation of lignin both at the micro and nanoscale, as a filler, a matrix, and in all-lignin composites Takes a design-for-application approach, opening the door to high value applications across a range of sectors

Nanoparticle-Based Polymer Composites discusses recent advancements on the synthesis, processing, characterization and applications of this new class of hybrid materials. Chapters cover recycling and lifecycle assessment, with contributions from leading researchers in industry, academics, the government and private research institutes from across the globe. As nanoparticle-based polymer composites are now replacing traditional polymer composites in a broad range of applications such as fuel cells, electronic and biomedical devices, this book presents the latest advancements in the field.Studies have shown that incorporating metal nanoparticles in polymer matrices can improve their mechanical, thermal, electrical and barrier properties. The unique combination of these properties makes this new class of materials suitable for a broad range of different and advanced applications. - Features recent advancements on the synthesis, processing and characterization of nanoparticle-based polymer composites - Discusses recycling and lifecycle assessment - Highly application-orientated, with contributions from leading international researchers in industry, academia, the government and private research institutes

This Special Issue deals with the fascinating material class of nanocomposites consisting of extremely small particles (nanoparticles) which are embedded in polymers. Such materials are of paramount interest in various disciplines, especially chemistry, physics, biomedicine and materials science. Due to the diversity of the components of nanocomposites, they provide a broad spectrum of material properties and applications. The versatility of nanocomposites is indeed reflected by the research covered in this Special Issue. The field of nanocomposites includes innovative science and a source of inspiration for currently relevant economic topics as well as for envisaged technologies of the future. Indeed, this volume alludes to strategies for the preparation of nanocomposites and possibilities for a variety of applications, such as catalytic reactions, gas barriers, high refractive index materials, corrosion protection, electromagnetic inference (EMI) shielding, lithium ion batteries, tissue engineering and plastic surgery.

Nanocomposite Structures and Dispersions summarizes the fundamentals and mechanistic approaches in preparation and characterization of colloidal nanoparticles and dispersions, providing the readers a systematic and coherent picture of the field. The book serves as an introduction to the interesting field of nanoscience based on polymer and metal colloidal nanoparticles, and also presents the basic knowledge of polymer colloids preparation. It places a special emphasis on polymer, inorganic and metal nanomaterials classified as nanoparticles, nanocrystals, nanorods, nanotubes, nanobelts, etc. deals with the chemistry of the reaction approaches by which polymer and metal particles are synthesized. The book explores both organic (synthetic and natural) and inorganic materials, as well as their hybrids. It describes in detail terms, definitions, theories, experiments, and techniques dealing with synthesis of polymer and metal particles. It also discusses a variety of synthetic approaches including emulsion, miniemulsion and microemulsion approaches, homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation approaches under mild and high temperatures. There is also a chapter on modification and passivation of colloidal particles. This book would be of interest to chemical engineers, polymer chemists, organic chemists, colloid chemists, materials scientists and nanotechnologists. Although the text discusses nanoscience and nanotechnology from the viewpoint of a chemist, it would also appeal to those just entering the field and experts seeking information in other sub-fields. - Serves as a general introduction for those just entering the field and experts seeking information in other sub-fields - Variety of synthetic approaches is described including emulsion, miniemulsion and microemulsion approaches, hogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation approaches under mild and high temperatures - Focused on both the organic (synthetic and natural) and inorganic materials, and their hybrids

Polymer latex particles continue to become increasingly important in numerous commercial applications. Advanced synthesis techniques are the key to developing new functionality for nanoparticles. These methods make it possible to tailor the size, chemical composition, or properties of these particles, as well as the molecular weight of the polymer

A comprehensive and up to date survey of the science and technology of polymeric dispersions. The book discusses the kinetics and mechanisms of polymerization in dispersed media, examines the processes controlling particle morphology, presents both off-line and on-line methods for the characterization of polymer colloids, considers reactor engineering and control, and covers a wide variety of applications, such as latex paint formulations, encapsulation of inorganic particles, reactive latexes, adhesives, paper coating, and biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Audience: A valuable resource for scientists and engineers, academic and industrial, who are involved in the manufacture or application of polymeric dispersions.

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.