The rapidly-developing field of confined polymers is reviewed in this volume. Special emphasis is given to polymer aspects of this interdisciplinary problem. Taken together, the contributions offer ample evidence of how the field of polymer science continues to evolve with the passage of time. The topics revolve around the tendency of surfaces to impede chain relaxation and to stimulate new sorts of chain organization. These have been implicated in a variety of spectacular phenomena. Here is a listing of authors and affiliations: K. Binder (Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany); P.-G. de Gennes (College de France, France); E.P. Giannelis, R. Krishnamoorti, and E. Manias (Cornell University and University of Houston, USA); G.S. Grest (Exxon Research and Engineering Co., USA); L. Leger, E. Raphael, and H. Hervet (College de France, France); S.-Q. Wang (Case Western Reserve University, USA).

The rapidly-developing field of confined polymers is reviewed in this volume. Special emphasis is given to polymer aspects of this interdisciplinary problem. Taken together, the contributions offer ample evidence of how the field of polymer science continues to evolve with the passage of time. The topics revolve around the tendency of surfaces to impede chain relaxation and to stimulate new sorts of chain organization. These have been implicated in a variety of spectacular phenomena. Here is a listing of authors and affiliations: K. Binder (Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Germany); P.-G. de Gennes (College de France, France); E.P. Giannelis, R. Krishnamoorti, and E. Manias (Cornell University and University of Houston, USA); G.S. Grest (Exxon Research and Engineering Co., USA); L. Leger, E. Raphael, and H. Hervet (College de France, France); S.-Q. Wang (Case Western Reserve University, USA).

Polymers are one of the most versatile and important materials used for capsule preparation despite various others available. Suitably formulated capsules can securely protect ingredients, deliver them to targeted sites, and release them expeditiously, improving functions and minimizing adverse effects. New polymers are constantly being explored to develop more efficient capsules as they are routinely used in pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare products, nutrients, and food. This book focuses on the current state of the art of polymer-based capsules and delivery systems. It describes the formulation processes of capsules developed from redox-responsive polymers and polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes, in addition to shedding light on coacervation of polymers for encapsulation. It reviews different active ingredients that can be used with polymer capsules in various products, encapsulation of essential oils using such capsules, and development of polymer capsules of cells and bacteriophages.

Integrating latest research results and characterization techniques, this book helps readers understand and apply fundamental principles in nonlinear polymer rheology. The author connects the basic theoretical framework with practical polymer processing, which aids practicing scientists and engineers to go beyond the existing knowledge and explore new applications. Although it is not written as a textbook, the content can be used in an upper undergraduate and first year graduate course on polymer rheology. • Describes the emerging phenomena and associated conceptual understanding in the field of nonlinear polymer rheology • Incorporates details on latest experimental discoveries and provides new methodology for research in polymer rheology • Integrates latest research results and new characterization techniques like particle tracking velocimetric method • Focuses on the issues concerning the conceptual and phenomenological foundations for polymer rheology • Has a companion website for readers to access with videos complementing the content within several chapters

This book examines the current state of the art, new challenges, opportunities, and applications in the area of polymer nanocomposites. Special attention has been paid to the processing-morphology-structure-property relationship of the system. Various unresolved issues and new challenges in the field of polymer nanocompostes are discussed. The infl

The design of polymer blends constitutes an interesting alternative to obtaining micro- and nanostructured surfaces. The cost is reasonable and it is free from time-consuming procedures. Blending of polymers can yield materials with unprecedented properties that cannot be provided otherwise by using a single polymer. The free surface topography of polymer blend films, often related to phase domain structure, is critical to the applications. Two main aspects need to be considered in the preparation of multistructured blends: the interfaces involved and the morphology to be obtained. The control of these two aspects depends further on materials-related parameters involving the composition of the blend, the interfacial tension or viscosity ratio, and the processing conditions related to the temperature, time, or intensity of mixing, among others. Both domain structure and topography of the blend films have garnered increasing interest over the past decade. This chapter describes the nanomicrostructures formed at the polymer surface from polymer blends. Despite the crucial role that surfaces play in the final application of the material, up to now most of the studies concerning polymer blends have been related to the control of the mechanical properties (toughness, stiffness, thermal expansion, etc.), their barrier properties, or the electrical conductivity. This chapter focuses on the analysis of the structured polymer surfaces and thin films, giving an overview of the role of these structures on the final application. The principles of phase separation and the resulting structures formed are briefly discussed, followed by a wide overview of the possibilities of producing stimuli-responsive interfaces by introducing, among other things, pH- or temperature-responsive polymers within the blend. Finally, we look at how using particular preparation conditions and/or self-assembly of block copolymers, the formation of films and surfaces with hierarchical order length-scales can be induced. We also examine the main areas in which multiscale-ordered interfaces obtained from polymer blends have been applied.

Zusammenfassung: This book is a compilation of carefully chosen chapters that cover the subjects of nanoscale matter, sensing, and labelling applications. It is aimed primarily at scientists and researchers who are already involved in theme-based research or who are just starting their careers. Despite the diverse nature of the topics covered, which include a range of materials in various forms and uses, the emphasis is primarily on sensing and labelling phenomena. The book begins with materials quantification in nanoscale systems by using an innovative technique like "molecular secondary ion mass spectrometry without calibration standards". Subsequently, the book features an array of materials such as inorganic semiconductor nanoscale particles, carbon dots, rare-earth oxides, polymer nanocomposites, and a few biomaterials, all of which illustrate their functionality and potential for deployment in a wide variety of sensing applications. Although the book delves into the technical aspects of fabrication workouts to some extent, the focus is predominantly on the physical principles, mechanisms, and relevance involved in sensing and labelling applications. The book covers a wide range of topics that leverage the unique properties of nanoscale materials. By carefully selecting appropriate active materials, the authors explore the detection of LPG, hazardous and explosive gases, as well as humidity sensing and hydrogen evolution. It also delves into photo-sensing and persistent photoconductivity by using nanoscale semiconductors, which are used for heavy metal sensing and UV sensing, respectively. The use of metal nanoparticles in various forms is reviewed to address issues related to water contamination, biofilm protection, and food-borne pathogens. The book also discusses surface plasmon resonance, starting with its basic principles and expanding to its relevance in a broader perspective, with a greater focus on applied biosensing. Nanoscale ferrites and magnetic systems are explored with an emphasis on magnetic sensing and actuation. Lastly, the book explores the use of rare-earth-based nanosystems, highlighting persistent luminescence and up/down-converted transitions, which have unprecedented applications in bioimaging and biolabeling. Every effort has been made to strike a balance between the observed phenomena in the emerging areas of sensing applications and suitable theoretical treatments there in.

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This book shines a spotlight on the significance and usefulness of nanomaterials for the development of optoelectronic devices and their real-life applications. It presents an informative overview of the role of nanoscale materials in the development of advanced optoelectronic devices at nanoscale and discusses the applications of nanomaterials in different forms prepared by diverse techniques in the field of optoelectronic and biomedical devices. Major features, such as type of nanomaterials, fabrication methods, applications, tasks, benefits and restrictions, and saleable features, are well covered. Key features: • Explains the features of 0D, 1D, 2D and 3D nanomaterials • Exhibits the wide range of applications of nanomaterials in optoelectronics, photonics, biosensing, x-rays and x-ray detectors, medical imaging, visible light photodetectors, etc. • Discusses the advances in miniaturized nanoscale devices for biomedical applications • Describes the various preparation methods for advanced nanomaterials and their functionalization for fabrication of nanoelectronics devices

Rubber Nanocomposites: Preparation, Properties and Applications focuses on the preparation, characterization and properties of natural and synthetic rubber nanocomposites. The book carefully debates the preparation of unmodified and modified nanofillers, various manufacturing techniques of rubber nanocomposites, structure, morphology and properties of nanocomposites. The text reviews the processing; characterization and properties of 0-, 1D and 2D nanofiller reinforced rubber nanocomposites. It examines the polymer/filler interaction, i.e., the compatibility between matrix and filler using unmodified and modified nanofillers. The book also examines the applications of rubber nanocomposites in various engineering fields, which include tyre engineering. The book also examines the current state of the art, challenges and applications in the field of rubber nanocomposites. The handpicked selection of topics and expert contributions make this survey of rubber nanocomposites an outstanding resource for anyone involved in the field of polymer materials design. A handy "one stop" reference resource for important research accomplishments in the area of rubber nanocomposites. Covers the various aspects of preparation, characterization, morphology, properties and applications of rubber nanocomposites. Summarizes many of the recent technical research accomplishments in the area of nanocomposites, in a comprehensive manner It covers an up to date record on the major findings and observations in the field