Modification and Blending of Synthetic and Natural Macromolecules - new book

The book provides a unique collection of 15 contributions by 15 internationally recognized scientists performing intensive research activity on the preparation and characterization of complex and multiphase materials based on macromolecules as well as on the evaluation and simulation of structure/properties relations. The topic is assuming a general increasing importance as providing a highly sustainable and modern approach to the present and future development of the important area of materials science and technology. The scientific route along the successive contributions goes from the controlled preparation of functional MM both by innovative polymerization reactions and preformed polymers modification (intramacromolecular complexity), to their combination with other MMs and materials to give blends and composites where new properties are conveniently achieved by morphologic complexity. The synergic behaviour of the different components in these last is obtained by reactive processing producing the necessary interfacial adhesion. Even if most examples deal with man-made MMs, biopolymers are also included. The various chapters provide in most cases an exhaustive fundamental description assisted by an up- to-date and broad list of relevant references The book is therefore an excellent informative and formative instrument for those involved in complex materials preparation and application in research and industry. TOC:From the contents: Poly(alkylene phosphate) chains and block copolymers thereof.- Combinations of transition metal catalysts for reactor blending.- Free radical processes in water dispersion: New developments.- Functionalization of polyolefins in the melt.- Hyperbranched architectures.- Effects of intramolecular composition and topology on intermolecular structure and bulk properties of complex polymer systems: Experimental characterization and computer simulation.- Preparation of nanocomposites well-defined organic (co)polymers.- Role of interfaces in multicomponent polymer systems and biocomposites.- Reactive processing of polymer blends using reactive compatibilization and dynamic crosslinking: Phase morphology control and microstructure - property relations.- Processing for ultimate properties.- Development and processing of thermoplastic starch materials.- Theoretical considerations on the reactions in polymer blends.- Copolymer functional macromolecules: Design, characterization and properties.- High performance engineering thermoplastics via reactive compatibilization.- Characterization of complex polymer systems by fluorescence spectroscopy.- Index.