Micro- and Nanostructured Polymer Systems

This book focuses on the recent trends in micro- and nano-structured polymer systems, particularly natural polymers, biopolymers, biomaterials, and their composites, blends, and IPNs. This valuable volume covers the occurrence, synthesis, isolation, production, properties and applications, modification, as well as the relevant analysis techniques to reveal the structures and properties of polymer systems.

Biobased polymer blends and composites occupy a unique position in the dynamic world of new biomaterials. The growing need for lubricious coatings and surfaces in medical devices―an outcome of the move from invasive to noninvasive medicines and procedures―is playing a major role in the advancement of biomaterials technology. Natural polymers have attained their cutting-edge technology through various platforms, and this book presents a multitude of information about them.

Topics include biopolymer–synthetic systems, nanomaterial–polymer structures, multi-characterization techniques, polymer blends and composites, polymer gels and polyelectrolytes, and many other interesting aspects of interests to researchers.

This book will be valuable to scientists, physicians, pharmacists, engineers, and other specialists in a variety of disciplines, both academic and industrial.

Sabu Thomas, PhD, is a professor of polymer science and engineering at the School of Chemical Sciences and Director of the International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology at Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. He received his BSc degree (1980) in chemistry from the University of Kerala, BTech. (1983) in polymer science and rubber technology from the Cochin University of Science and Technology, and PhD (1987) in polymer engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. The research activities of Professor Thomas include surfaces and interfaces in multiphase polymer blend and composite systems, phase separation in polymer blends, compatibilization of immiscible polymer blends, thermoplastic elastomers, phase transitions in polymers, nanostructured polymer blends, macro-, micro- and nanocomposites, polymer rheology, recycling, reactive extrusion, processing–morphology–property relationships in multiphase polymer systems, double networking of elastomers, natural fibers and green composites, rubber vulcanization, interpenetrating polymer networks, diffusion and transport and polymer scaffolds for tissue engineering. He has supervised 65 PhD theses, 30 MPhil theses, and 40 masters theses. He has three patents to his credit. He also received the coveted Sukumar Maithy Award for the best polymer researcher in the country for the year 2008. Very recently Professor Thomas received the MRSI and CRSI medals for his excellent work. With over 600 publications to his credit and over 17,500 citations, with an h-index of 67, Dr. Thomas has been ranked fifth in India as one of the most productive scientists.

Dr. Robert Shanks is a professor of polymer science at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of over 230 refereed journal papers, 22 book chapters, 8 patents and 378 conference papers on or related to polymer science. He is the recipient of many awards, including the BHERT (Business Higher Education Round Table) Award for academic–industry collaboration, 2005; RACI Polymer Division Citation, 1990; the CRC Association Award and CRC for Polymers Chairman Award 2005; RMIT University Supervisor of the Year 1997; and RMIT University Most Published Awards 1995, 1996. Dr. Shanks has extensive consulting experience with several major industrial projects with many major companies and small businesses. This work included problem solving related to product failures, production problems and selection of materials. His research interests include synthesis and modification of nano-structured materials and biopolymers with enhanced physical, chemical, and thermal properties; development of functional nano-materials; and the investigation of processes of controlling the self-assembly of nano-structures, with emphasis on thermochemical and thermophysical properties.

Jithin Joy is a research scholar in the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. He has co-edited the book Natural Rubber Materials: Volume 2: Composites and Nanocomposites and is the author of several articles and conference presentations.