The molecular structure and composition of ionomers lead to a complex superposition of properties of organic chains and of polyelectrolytes. The potential use of this class of polymers in applications such as surfactants, ion selective membranes in electrochemical processes, coatings, fuel cells and batteries has sparked a vast amount of research.

Ionomers, that is polymers containing a low concentration of charged units along the chain, have been the subject of increasing interest during the past twenty years. The presence of ionic groups in the poly mer changes some of its properties dramatically. Increases in the modu lus and the viscosity of several orders of magnitude have been observed, and changes in the glass transition of hundreds of degrees are possible. In addition, diffusion coefficients can be modified drastically. These changes are due primarily to the presence of reversible ionic cross links in these materials. Because of the low dielectric constant of most organic polymers, the ions or ionic dipoles tend to aggregate ; this aggregation process, however, is limited, because the ionic groups are covalently bonded to the organic chain. Host of the fundamental research done on these materials has been devoted to a determination of the extent of association, the structure of the aggregates, the limi ting factors, and the correlations between molecular and supermolecular structure and the resul ting properties.

Polymers have achieved an enviable position as the class of materials having the highest volume of production, exceeding that of both metals and ceramics. The meteoric rise in the production and utilization of polymers has been due to advances in polymer synthesis which allow the creation of specific and well-defined molecular structures, to new knowledge concerning the relationships between polymer structure and properties, and to an improved understanding of how processing can be used as a tool to develop morphological features which result in desired properties. Polymers have truly become 'engineered materials' in every sense of the term. Polymer scientists and engineers are forever seeking to modify and improve the properties of synthetic polymeric systems for use in specific applications. Towards this end they have often looked to nature for advice on how to design molecules for specific needs. An excellent illustration of this is the use of noncovalent bonding (ionic, hydrogen, and van der Waals) in lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, where these noncovalent bonds, acting both intra and intermolecularly, precisely control the structure and thus the function of the entire system. The utilization of ionic bonding, in particular in man-made polymers has attracted widespread interest in recent years, since ionic interactions exert a similar strong influence on the structure and properties of these synthetic systems.

Fluorinated ionomer polymers form impermeable membranes that conduct electricity, properties that have been put to use in large-scale electrochemical applications, revolutionizing the chlor-alkali industry and transforming production methods of some of the world’s highest-production commodity chemicals: chlorine, sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. The use of fluorinated ionomers such as Nafion® have removed the need for mercury and asbestos in these processes and led to a massive reduction in electricity usage in these highly energy-intensive processes. Polymers in this group have also found uses in fuel-cells, metal-ion recovery, water electrolysis, plating, surface treatment of metals, batteries, sensors, drug release technologies, gas drying and humidification, and super-acid catalysis used in the production of specialty chemicals. Walther Grot, who invented Nafion® while working for DuPont, has written this book as a practical guide to engineers and scientists working in electrochemistry, the fuel cell industry and other areas of application. His book is a unique guide to this important polymer group and its applications, in membranes and other forms. The 2e expands this handbook by over a third, with new sections covering developments in electrolysis and membranes, additional information about the synthesis and science of the polymer group, and an enhanced provision of reference data. An essential reference for scientists working with electrolysis and electrochemical processes (the use of this polymer group in industrial chemistry processes is credited with a 1% reduction in global electricity usage) Covers the techniques involved in the growing range of applications for fluorinated ionomers, including fuel cells, batteries and drug delivery The only book on this important polymer group, written by Walther Grot, the inventor of the leading fluorinated ionomer, Nafion® from DuPont

This text comprehensively reviews bonding to enamel, dentin and cementum, and analyses relevent adhesion mechanisms. Emphasis is placed on the characterization of material interfaces with dental tissues in situ.

Introduction -- History -- Manufacture -- Properties -- Applications -- Fuel cells and batteries -- Commercial membrane types -- Economic aspects -- Experimental methods -- Heat sealing and repair -- Handling, storage and installation -- Toxicology, safety, and disposal -- Appendices.

This concise handbook covers all aspects of glass-ionomer cements, from the development of these materials in the early 1970s through to the current state of the art. Their physical, chemical, biological, and clinical properties are described as well as how their formulation and usage have evolved over time, giving rise to newer subcategories of the parent materials. Detailed coverage is provided on the clinical use of glass-ionomer cements in restorative and pediatric dentistry and in widely taught and practiced newer approaches, including atraumatic restorative treatment and minimal intervention dentistry. The authors are internationally acclaimed experts who present information in an easy-to-follow format that will appeal to readers. With the renewed worldwide quest for substitute materials for the more traditional amalgam, glass-ionomer cements have the potential for further development and may play a significant role in future trends.​

A practical introduction to one of today's most exciting and rapidly growing areas of polymer science. Introduction to Ionomers affords chemists, engineers, and graduate students an opportunity to familiarize themselves quickly and thoroughly with one of today's most commercially important classes of polymers. Featuring a balanced, fully integrated presentation of basic science and state-of-the-art applications, the book provides the depth of knowledge researchers need to make optimal use of established ionomeric processes or to develop new systems of their own. The book's primary conceptual thrust is the relationship between polymeric architecture and polymeric morphology and properties when affected by ionic groups. While it provides in-depth coverage of all common classes of ionomeric materials--including polystyrenes, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, and polyacrylics--non-crystalline materials are emphasized over partly-crystalline materials. Co-author Adi Eisenberg, a leading ionomer pioneer and innovator, provides a uniquely intimate historical perspective on the field as it has developed over the past three decades. Newcomers to ionomers will appreciate the authors' clear and methodical presentations of difficult concepts, designed to promote rapid mastery of the core principles involved. The product of an exhaustive survey of the huge and rapidly growing world literature on the subject, Introduction to Ionomers is also an excellent resource for experienced professionals attempting to stay abreast of important recent developments in the field.

The status of glass-ionomers as a restorative material continues to improve along with their reputation for longevity. They have now been shown to be moderately bioactive, so they have a very important role to play in remineralizing tooth structure and helping to heal carious lesions. This comprehensive clinical guide to their uses in operative den