Annotation 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.

This book combines theoretical explanations of the reactions of light and polymeric materials with development of light responsive polymeric materials for various practical applications. Photo associated reactions and light responsive materials have great potential to improve existing industrial processes, including capturing solar energy. This book presents a range of reactions and materials with some of the most exciting current and future applications.

Introduction to photochemistry and photophysics. Polymer structure and reactivity. Diffusion and permeability in polymers. Determination of scission and crosslinking in polymers. Photoprocesses in solid polymer matrices. Fluorescence. Excimers and exciplexes. Phosphorescence. Energy transfer and migration in polymers. Photochemistry of carbonyl-containing polymers. Photopolymerization. Photocyclization. Miscellaneous photoprocesses. Photo- and radiation chemistry of polymers.

Presents the state of the technology, from fundamentals to new materials and applications Today's electronic devices, computers, solar cells, printing, imaging, copying, and recording technology, to name a few, all owe a debt to our growing understanding of the photophysics and photochemistry of polymeric materials. This book draws together, analyzes, and presents our current understanding of polymer photochemistry and photophysics. In addition to exploring materials, mechanisms, processes, and properties, the handbook also highlights the latest applications in the field and points to new developments on the horizon. Photochemistry and Photophysics of Polymer Materials is divided into seventeen chapters, including: Optical and luminescent properties and applications of metal complex-based polymers Photoinitiators for free radical polymerization reactions Photovoltaic polymer materials Photoimaging and lithographic processes in polymers Photostabilization of polymer materials Photodegradation processes in polymeric materials Each chapter, written by one or more leading experts and pioneers in the field, incorporates all the latest findings and developments as well as the authors' own personal insights and perspectives. References guide readers to the literature for further investigation of individual topics. Together, the contributions represent a series of major developments in the polymer world in which light and its energy have been put to valuable use. Not only does this reference capture our current state of knowledge, but it also provides the foundation for new research and the development of new materials and new applications.

S. Georgiou: Laser Cleaning Methodologies of Polymer Substrates; T. Lippert: Laser Application of Polymers; J. Krueger, W. Kautek: Ultrashort Pulse Laser Interactions with Polymers and Dielectrics; Y. Zhang: Synchrotron Radiation Direct Photo-Etching of Polymers.

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.