During the last two decades, photophysical and photochemical processes have become important in many branches of polymer chemistry. The author use s such advances to illustrate his systematic description of mechanisms for the most important photoreactions, and presents a review of the field.

During the last two decades, the production of polymers and plastics has been increasing rapidly. In spite of developing new polymers and polymeric materials, only 40-60 are used commercially on a large scale. It has been estimated that half of the annual production of polymers is employed outdoors. Increasing the stability of polymers and plastics towards heat, light, atmospheric oxygen and other environmental agents and weathering conditions has always been a very important problem. The photochemical instability of most of polymers limits them to outdoor application, where they are photo degraded fast over periods ranging from months to a few years. To the despair of technologists and consumers alike, photodegrada tion and environmental ageing of polymers occur much faster than can be expected from knowledge collected in laboratories. In many cases, improved methods of preparation and purification of both monomers and polymers yield products of better quality and higher resistance to heat and light. However, without stabilization of polymers by applica tion of antioxidants (to decrease thermal oxidative degradation) and photostabilizers (to decrease photo-oxidative degradation) it would be impossible to employ polymers and plastics in everyday use.

Presents a critical perspective on photofunctional organic and organometallic polymers, with emphasis on fundamental concepts and current practical applications.

Interactions of Surfactants with Polymers and Proteins covers work done in this area over the last 30 years and examines in detail the physico-chemical, microstructural, and applications aspects of interactions of surfactants with polymers and proteins in bulk surfaces and at interfaces. The physical chemistry of individual components (surfactants, polymers, and proteins) is discussed, and extensive coverage of interactions of surfactants with uncharged, oppositely charged, and hydrophobe modified polymers is provided. Other topics addressed include water soluble and insoluble keratinous proteins, the principles and applications of fluorescence spectroscopy, the physical properties and microstructural aspects of polymer/protein-surfactant complexes, and implications of surfactant interactions with polymers and proteins in practical systems. Interactions of Surfactants with Polymers and Proteins provides a wealth of information for chemists involved in a number of different research areas, including cosmetics, pharmaceutics, foods, paints, pigments, lubrication, ceramics, minerals/materials processing, and biological systems.

Covers recent advances in polymer degradation and stabilization. Focuses on the basics of photo- and bio-degradability. Delineates special and general environmental parameters such as solar irradiation, temperature, and agrochemical exposure. Surveys plastic waste disposal strategies such as recycling, incineration, chemical recovery by pyrolysis, and source reduction.

In this book on physical characteristics and practical aspects of polymer photodegradation Rabek emphasizes the experimental work on the subject. The most important feature of the book is the physical interpretation of polymer degradation, e.g. mechanism of UV/light absorption, formation of excited states, energy transfer mechanism, kinetics, dependence on physical properties of macromolecules and polymer matrices, formation of mechanical defects, practics during environmental ageing. He includes also some aspects of polymer photodegradation in environmental and space condition.

Setting the pace for progress and innovation . . . "[Provides] a wealth of information on frontier photochemistry . . . could easily serve as a definitive source of background information for future researchers." —Journal of the American Chemical Society "The overall quality of the series and the timeliness of selections and authors warrants continuation of the series by any library wishing to maintain a first-rate reference series to the literature." —Physics Today ADVANCES IN PHOTOCHEMISTRY More than a simple survey of the current literature, Advances in Photochemistry offers critical evaluations written by internationally recognized experts. These pioneering scientists offer unique and varied points of view of the existing data. Their articles are challenging as well as provocative and are intended to stimulate discussion, promote further research, and encourage new developments in the field.

Volume one deals primarily with the basic principles of radiation curing: UV-curing; EB-curing; microwave curing; oligomer/resin technology; chemistry of imaging science; testing methods; equipment; coatings applications and emerging trends in photopolymers for holographic recording and laser induced reactions.

The breadth of scientific and technological interests in the general topic of photochemistry is truly enormous and includes, for example, such diverse areas as microelectronics, atmospheric chemistry, organic synthesis, non-conventional photoimaging, photosynthesis, solar energy conversion, polymer technologies, and spectroscopy. This Specialist Periodical Report on Photochemistry aims to provide an annual review of photo-induced processes that have relevance to the above wide-ranging academic and commercial disciplines, and interests in chemistry, physics, biology and technology. In order to provide easy access to this vast and varied literature, each volume of Photochemistry comprises sections concerned with photophysical processes in condensed phases, organic aspects which are sub-divided by chromophore type, polymer photochemistry, and photochemical aspects of solar energy conversion. Volume 34 covers literature published from July 2001 to June 2002. Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage in major areas of chemical research. Compiled by teams of leading authorities in the relevant subject areas, the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, with regular, in-depth accounts of progress in particular fields of chemistry. Subject coverage within different volumes of a given title is similar and publication is on an annual or biennial basis.

Polymers are substances containing a large number of structural units joined by the same type of linkage. These substances often form into a chain-like structure. Starch, cellulose, and rubber all possess polymeric properties. Today, the polymer industry has grown to be larger than the aluminium, copper and steel industries combined. Polymers already have a range of applications that far exceeds that of any other class of material available to man. Current applications extend from adhesives, coatings, foams, and packaging materials to textile and industrial fibres, elastomers, and structural plastics. Polymers are also used for most composites, electronic devices, biomedical devices, optical devices, and precursors for many newly developed high-tech ceramics. This book presents leading-edge research in this rapidly-changing and evolving field.