Phase Transitions in Polymers: The Role of Metastable States

Phase Transitions in Polymers: The Role of Metastable States

Author: Stephen Z.D. Cheng

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2008-09-10

Total Pages: 325

ISBN-13: 0080558208

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A classical metastable state possesses a local free energy minimum at infinite sizes, but not a global one. This concept is phase size independent. We have studied a number of experimental results and proposed a new concept that there exists a wide range of metastable states in polymers on different length scales where their metastability is critically determined by the phase size and dimensionality. Metastable states are also observed in phase transformations that are kinetically impeded on the pathway to thermodynamic equilibrium. This was illustrated in structural and morphological investigations of crystallization and mesophase transitions, liquid-liquid phase separation, vitrification and gel formation, as well as combinations of these transformation processes. The phase behaviours in polymers are thus dominated by interlinks of metastable states on different length scales. This concept successfully explains many experimental observations and provides a new way to connect different aspects of polymer physics.* Written by a leading scholar and industry expert* Presents new and cutting edge material encouraging innovation and future research* Connects hot topics and leading research in one concise volume


Alternating Copolymers

Alternating Copolymers

Author: J.M.G. Cowie

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2013-06-29

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 1475791399

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Examination of the early literature attests to the fact that the study of copolymerization was initiated when polymer science was in its infancy. It has continued to grow to a subject of major importance and has been a source of interest to both academic and industrialist alike. The wide spectrum of structures and properties available in the statistical copolymer has made this a fruitful field of exploration, but one particular and more restricted form which has held its own fascination for many is the limiting case of the strictly alternating copolymer. This is formed, in the ideal situation, when two monomers in a reaction mixture add consecutively to create a polymer chain with a regular {ABABAB} structure, irrespective of the monomer feed ratio. When this happens the resulting copolymer will always have the same composition, a feature which can be advantageous but also somewhat restrictive, as the ability to vary the properties is then limited. Within a series entitled Speciality Polymers it seems appropriate then to deal with this subject, particularly as no previous attempt has been made to draw together the various facets of alternating copolymerization into one volume. It also seems timely to present a more unified picture of the subject which will also illustrate the progress made.


Mother's Day Crafts

Mother's Day Crafts

Author: Trudi Strain Trueit

Publisher:

Published: 2016-08

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781503808195

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Explains the history behind Mother's Day and provides step-by-step instructions for six crafts, including a pop-up card, pope cleaner flowers, and a photo flowerpot.


Amphiphilic Block Copolymers

Amphiphilic Block Copolymers

Author: P. Alexandridis

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2000-10-18

Total Pages: 449

ISBN-13: 0080527108

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It is the belief of the editors of this book that the recognition of block copolymers as being amphiphilic molecules and sharing common features with other well-studied amphiphiles will prove beneficial to both the surfactant and the polymer communities. An aim of this book is to bridge the two communities and cross-fertilise the different fields. To this end, leading researchers in the field of amphiphilic block copolymer self-assembly, some having a background in surfactant chemistry, and others with polymer physics roots, have agreed to join forces and contribute to this book.The book consists of four entities. The first part discusses theoretical considerations behind the block copolymer self-assembly in solution and in the melt. The second part provides case studies of self-assembly in different classes of block copolymers (e.g., polyethers, polyelectrolytes) and in different environments (e.g., in water, in non-aqueous solvents, or in the absence of solvents). The third part presents experimental tools, ranging from static (e.g., small angle neutron scattering) to dynamic (e.g., rheology), which can prove valuable in the characterization of block copolymer self-assemblies. The fourth part offers a sampling of current applications of block copolymers in, e.g., formulations, pharmaceutics, and separations, applications which are based on the unique self-assembly properties of block copolymers.


Block Copolymers

Block Copolymers

Author: Allen Noshay

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2013-10-22

Total Pages: 533

ISBN-13: 1483218937

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Block Copolymers: Overview and Critical Survey is a critical review of block copolymer technology and a comprehensive critical survey on the synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of the specific block copolymer structures reported in the literature. The copolymers are organized according to segmental architecture and chemical composition. Comprised of seven chapters, this book begins with an overview of what block copolymers are, how they are made, and what they can and cannot be expected to do. The next chapter defines block copolymers and compares them with other types of polymer "hybrids," that is, polymer blends, random copolymers, and graft copolymers. The various segmental architectures that are possible with block copolymers are then described, followed by a discussion on the various synthesis techniques applicable to block copolymers; the characterization methods capable of elucidating block copolymer structures; some applications of commercially available block copolymers; and some future challenges for block copolymer technology. The last three chapters are devoted to A-B diblock copolymers, A-B-A triblock copolymers, and (A-B)n multiblock copolymers. This monograph should be useful to readers who want to become generally conversant with block copolymer technology and to those who need to delve more deeply into the subject.


Block Copolymers

Block Copolymers

Author: Francisco Balta Calleja

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2000-06-09

Total Pages: 604

ISBN-13: 9780824703820

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A summary of block copolymer chemical structures and synthesis. It discusses physical methods of characterization such as computer simulation, microhardness, dielectric spectroscopy, thermal mechanical relaxation, ultrasonic characterization, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray scattering, and NMR, among others. It also outlines rheological and processing parameters in the multiphase polymer systems with stable microstructures.


Block Copolymers in Solution

Block Copolymers in Solution

Author: Ian W. Hamley

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2005-12-13

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 0470016973

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This unique text discusses the solution self-assembly of block copolymers and covers all aspects from basic physical chemistry to applications in soft nanotechnology. Recent advances have enabled the preparation of new materials with novel self-assembling structures, functionality and responsiveness and there have also been concomitant advances in theory and modelling. The present text covers the principles of self-assembly in both dilute and concentrated solution, for example micellization and mesophase formation, etc., in chapters 2 and 3 respectively. Chapter 4 covers polyelectrolyte block copolymers - these materials are attracting significant attention from researchers and a solid basis for understanding their physical chemistry is emerging, and this is discussed. The next chapter discusses adsorption of block copolymers from solution at liquid and solid interfaces. The concluding chapter presents a discussion of selected applications, focussing on several important new concepts. The book is aimed at researchers in polymer science as well as industrial scientists involved in the polymer and coatings industries. It will also be of interest to scientists working in soft matter self-assembly and self-organizing polymers.


Self-Assembly of Polymers

Self-Assembly of Polymers

Author: Dmitry Volodkin

Publisher: MDPI

Published: 2020-04-22

Total Pages: 186

ISBN-13: 3039285068

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Nowadays, polymer self-assembly has become extremely attractive for both biological (drug delivery, tissue engineering, scaffolds) and non-biological (packaging, semiconductors) applications. In nature, a number of key biological processes are driven by polymer self-assembly, for instance protein folding. Impressive morphologies can be assembled from polymers thanks to a diverse range of interactions involved, e.g., electrostatics, hydrophobic, hots-guest interactions, etc. Both 2D and 3D tailor-made assemblies can be designed through modern powerful techniques and approaches such as the layer-by-layer and the Langmuir-Blodgett deposition, hard and soft templating. This Special Issue highlights contributions (research papers, short communications, review articles) that focus on recent developments in polymer self-assembly for both fundamental understanding the assembly phenomenon and real applications.


Advances and Applications of Block Copolymers

Advances and Applications of Block Copolymers

Author: Nikolaos Politakos

Publisher:

Published: 2023

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9783036584881

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The most important class of polymers is block copolymers (BCPs) since they can be prepared through different methods and exhibit various properties combined with chemically different segments. The importance of block copolymers can be supported by the multitude of related manuscripts published daily, their use in practical applications in almost all areas, and novel discoveries based on BCPs in many aspects of life. This Special Issue focuses on various matters from different areas of block copolymer research, showing advances and applications in self-assembly, crystallization, synthesis, chemical modification, 3D printing, membranes, energy materials, nanotechnology, hybrid materials, micelles, order-disorder transition, and biomaterials.