Provides a comprehensive review of interpenetrating polymer networks. Opens with four review chapters by important workers in the field--Sperling, Klempner, Utracki, and Lipatov- and continues with an international penetration of current research. Covers synthesis and structure, miscibility and morphology, structure-property relationships, transport and permeability, and functionalized triglyceride oils.

To the surprise of practically no one, research and engineering on multi polymer materials has steadily increased through the 1960s and 1970s. More and more people are remarking that we are running out of new monomers to polymerize, and that the improved polymers of the future will depend heavily on synergistic combinations of existing materials. In the era of the mid-1960s, three distinct multipolymer combinations were recognized: polymer blends, grafts, and blocks. Although inter penetrating polymer networks, lPNs, were prepared very early in polymer history, and already named by Millar in 1960, they played a relatively low-key role in polymer research developments until the late 1960s and 1970s. I would prefer to consider the IPNs as a subdivision of the graft copolymers. Yet the unique topology of the IPNs imparts properties not easily obtainable without the presence of crosslinking. One of the objectives of this book is to point out the wealth of work done on IPNs or closely related materials. Since many papers and patents actually concerned with IPNs are not so designated, this literature is significantly larger than first imagined. It may also be that many authors will meet each other for the first time on these pages and realize that they are working on a common topology. The number of applications suggested in the patent literature is large and growing. Included are impact-resistant plastics, ion exchange resins, noise-damping materials, a type of thermoplastic elastomer, and many more.

The book focuses on novel interpenetrating polymer network (IPN)/semi-IPN technologies for drug delivery and biomedical applications. The dynamism of the design and development of interpenetrating network polymers is based on their ability to provide free volume for the easy encapsulation of drugs in the three-dimensional network structure obtained by cross-linking two or more polymer networks. Natural polymer-based IPNs can deliver drugs at a controlled rate over an extended period of time, while novel IPNs ensure better mechanical strength and sustained/ controlled drug-delivery properties. This book presents an overview of the use of this technology to fabricate nanomedicine, hydrogels, nanoparticles, and microparticles, thereby unlocking IPN’s potential in the area of drug delivery and biomedical engineering. It also discusses applications of IPN systems in cancer therapy and tissue engineering, and describes the various IPN systems and their wide usage and applications in drug delivery.

Polyurethane Polymers: Blends and Interpenetrating Networks deals with almost all aspects of blends and IPNs formed by polyurethane, including the thermal, mechanical, morphological, and viscoelastic properties of each blend presented in the book. In addition, major applications related to these blends and IPNs are mentioned. - Provides an elaborate coverage of the chemistry of polyurethane, including its synthesis and properties - Includes available characterization techniques - Relates types of polyurethanes to their potential properties - Discusses blends options

Elastomer Technology Handbook is a major new reference on the science and technology of engineered elastomers. This contributed volume features some of the latest work by international experts in polymer science and rubber technology. Topics covered include theoretical and practical information on characterizing rubbers, designing engineering elastomers for consumer and engineering applications, properties testing, chemical and physical property characterization, polymerization chemistry, rubber processing and fabrication methods, and rheological characterization. The book also highlights both conventional and emerging market applications for synthetic rubber products and emphasizes the latest technology advancements. Elastomer Technology Handbook is a "must have" book for polymer researchers and engineers. It will also benefit anyone involved in the handling, manufacturing, processing, and designing of synthetic rubbers.

Hydrogels are an emerging area of interest in medicine as well as pharmaceutics, and their physico-chemical characterization is fundamental to their practical applications. Compared with synthetic polymers, polysaccharides that are widely present in living organisms and come from renewable sources are extremely advantageous for hydrogel formation.

This book examines the current state of the art, new challenges, opportunities, and applications of IPNs. With contributions from experts across the globe, this survey is an outstanding resource reference for anyone involved in the field of polymer materials design for advanced technologies. • Comprehensively summarizes many of the recent technical research accomplishments in the area of micro and nanostructured Interpenetrating Polymer Networks • Discusses various aspects of synthesis, characterization, structure, morphology, modelling, properties, and applications of IPNs • Describes how nano-structured IPNs correlate their multiscale structure to their properties and morphologies • Serves as a one-stop reference resource for important research accomplishments in the area of IPNs and nano-structured polymer systems • Includes chapters from leading researchers in the IPN field from industry, academy, government and private research institutions

Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with a diisocyanate or a polymeric isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives. Because a variety of diisocyanates and a wide range of polyols can be used to produce polyurethane, a broad spectrum of materials can be produced to meet the needs of specific applications. During World War II, a widespread use of polyurethanes was first seen, when they were used as a replacement for rubber, which at that time was expensive and hard to obtain. During the war, other applications were developed, largely involving coatings of different kinds, from airplane finishes to resistant clothing. Subsequent decades saw many further developments and today we are surrounded by polyurethane applications in every aspect of our everyday lives. While polyurethane is a product that most people are not overly familiar with, as it is generally "hidden" behind covers or surfaces made of other materials, it would be hard to imagine life without polyurethanes.