Sensory Polymers: From their Design to Practical Applications discusses recent developments in the field of sensory polymers and showcases the potential applications of these materials in food control and security, civil security, the biomedical field, environmental control and remediation, industrial control of chemicals, and more. Written by worldwide experts in the field, chapters provide in-depth knowledge on several different polymer sensors and their response to different stimuli, which makes this book a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students in polymer science, materials science, and chemistry, as well as those interested on sensing applications and chemical sensory systems, including industry R&D. - Discusses the foundation of sensory polymers, from material design to development and production - Explores state-of-the-art applications in environmental control, biomedicine, sensing, the chemical industry, and food science - Provides perspectives and future applications of polymer chemosensors

Smart polymers react sharply to small changes in physical or chemical conditions and present an intelligent response to chemical stimuli (i.e., chemical species -including biomolecules-, pH, solvents, redox, stimuli that trigger controlled depolymerization) and physical stimuli (i.e., temperature, light, mechanical stress and electrical stimuli). For these reasons, the interest in smart polymers has recently increased exponentially, especially in biological stimuli (i.e., application of polymer-based biosensors, drug delivery, tissue engineering, precision medicine and cell therapy). This book offers a unique opportunity to review the physical-chemical fundamentals of smart polymers, and their behaviour. It also provides an excellent review of the main applications of smart polymers.

Smart Polymers and Their Applications, Second Edition presents an up-to-date resource of information on the synthesis and properties of different types of smart polymers, including temperature, pH, electro, magnetic and photo-responsive polymers, amongst others. It is an ideal introduction to this field, as well as a review of the latest research in this area. Shape memory polymers, smart polymer hydrogels, and self-healing polymer systems are also explored. In addition, a very strong focus on applications of smart polymers is included for tissue engineering, smart polymer nanocarriers for drug delivery, and the use of smart polymers in medical devices. Additionally, the book covers the use of smart polymers for textile applications, packaging, energy storage, optical data storage, environmental protection, and more. This book is an ideal, technical resource for chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, mechanical engineers and other professionals in a range of industries. - Includes a significant number of new chapters on smart polymer materials development, as well as new applications development in energy storage, sensors and devices, and environmental protection - Provides a multidisciplinary approach to the development of responsive polymers, approaching the subject by the different types of polymer (e.g. temperature-responsive) and its range of applications

This book is a comprehensive collaboration on intelligent polymers and coatings for industrial applications by worldwide researchers and specialists. The authors cover the basis and fundamental aspects of intelligent polymers and coatings, challenges, and potential mechanisms and properties. They include recent and emerging industrial applications in medical, smart textile design, oil and gas, electronic, aerospace, and automobile industries as well as other applications including microsystems, sensors, and actuators, among others. The authors discuss the potential for future research in these areas for improvement and growth of marketable applications of intelligent polymers and coatings.

This book introduces the most recent innovations in natural polymer applications in the food, construction, electronics, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and engineering industries. The authors provide perspectives from their respective range of industries covering classification, extraction, modification, and application of natural polymers from various sources in nature. They discuss the techniques used in analysis of natural polymers in various systems incorporating natural polymers as well as their intrinsic properties.

This comprehensive volume provides current, state-of-the-art information on specialty polymers that can be used for many advanced applications. The book covers the fundamentals of specialty polymers, synthetic approaches, and chemistries to modify their properties to meet the requirements for special applications, along with current challenges and prospects. Chapters are written by global experts, making this a suitable textbook for students and a one-stop resource for researchers and industry professionals. Key Features: - Presents synthesis, characterization, and applications of specialty polymers for advanced applications. - Provides fundamentals and requirements for polymers to be used in many advanced and emerging areas. - Details novel methods and advanced technologies used in polymer industries. - Covers the state-of-the-art progress on specialty polymers for a range of advanced applications.

A Practical Guide to Plastics Sustainability: Concept, Solutions, and Implementation is a groundbreaking reference work offering a broad, detailed and highly practical vision of the complex concept of sustainability in plastics. The book's aim is to present a range of potential pathways towards more sustainable plastics parts and products, enabling the reader to further integrate the idea of sustainability into their design process. It begins by introducing the context and concept of sustainability, discussing perceptions, drivers of change, key factors, and environmental issues, before presenting a detailed outline of the current situation with types of plastics, processing, and opportunities for improved sustainability. Subsequent chapters focus on the different possibilities for improved sustainability, offering a step-by-step technical approach to areas including design, properties, renewable plastics, and recycling and re-use. Each of these pillars are supported by data, examples, analysis and best practice guidance. Finally, the latest developments and future possibilities are considered. - Approaches the idea of sustainability from numerous angles, offering practical solutions to improve sustainability in the development of plastic components and products - Explains how sustainability can be applied across plastics design, materials selection, processing, and end of life, all set alongside socioeconomic factors - Considers key areas of innovation, such as eco-design, novel opportunities for recycling or re-use, bio-based polymers and new technologies

First published in 1997. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The combination of conductive polymer technology with the ability to produce nanofibres will facilitate major new developments in biotechnology and information technology, benefiting such areas as scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug delivery systems; wires, capacitors, transistors and diodes; sensor technology; biohazard protection; and energy transport, conversion and storage. The work on nanofibrous materials presented here is designed, first of all, to instruct scientists in the most advanced methods for the formation of nanofibres and nanotubes. The second section covers the physics and chemistry of nanofibres, while the third deals with computer simulation and modelling. The applications described in section 4 include biomedical applications, nanotube-based devices, electronic applications of nanotubes and nanofibres, nanofluidics, and composites. Finally, the fifth section discusses recent developments in nanomaterials, nanoparticles and nanostructures.

As demand has increased for new types of equipment that are more suited to the ever-evolving world of industry, demand for both new and traditional types of actuators has soared. From automotive and aeronautical to biomedical and robotics, engineers are constantly developing actuating devices that are adapted to their particular needs in their particular field, and actuators are used in almost every field of engineering that there is. This volume not only lays out the fundamentals of actuators, such as how they operate, the different kinds, and their various applications, but it also informs the engineer or student about the new actuators that are being developed and the state-of-the-art of actuators. Edited and written by highly experienced and well-respected engineers with a deep understanding of their subject, there is no other volume on actuators that is more current or comprehensive. Whether as a guide for the latest innovations in actuators, a refresher reference work for the veteran engineer, or an introductory text for the engineering student, this is a must-have for any engineer's or university's library. Covering the theory and the practical applications, this breakthrough volume is a "one stop shop" for any engineer or student interested in actuators.