Feedstock Recycling and Pyrolysis of Waste Plastics:

Converting Waste Plastics into Diesel and Other Fuels

Editors: John Scheirs, Walter Kaminsky

Description
Pyrolysis is a recycling technique converting plastic waste into fuels, monomers, or other valuable materials by thermal and catalytic cracking processes. It allows the treatment of mixed, unwashed plastic wastes. For many years research has been carried out on thermally converting waste plastics into useful hydrocarbons liquids such as crude oil and diesel fuel. Recently the technology has matured to the point where commercial plants are now available. Pyrolysis recycling of mixed waste plastics into generator and transportation fuels is seen as the answer for recovering value from unwashed, mixed plastics and achieving their desired diversion from landfill.

This book provides an overview of the science and technology of pyrolysis of waste plastics. It describes the types of plastics that are suitable for pyrolysis recycling, the mechanism of pyrolytic degradation of various plastics, characterization of the pyrolysis products and details of commercially mature pyrolysis technologies. This book also covers co-pyrolysis technology, including: waste plastic/waste oil, waste plastics/coal, and waste plastics/rubber.

Block Copolymers in Solution: Fundamentals and Applications

Author: Ian W. Hamley

Description
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.

Polymers in Drug Delivery

Authors: Ijeoma F. Uchegbu, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Andreas G. Schatzlein, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK

Description
Together, the nano explosion and the genomic revolution are ushering in a new frontier in drug delivery. In recent years we've seen how polymers can play a crucial role in controlling the rate of drug release, enhancing solubility and uptake, and limiting degradation and toxicity. In the very near future, they may well be used to deliver gene therapy.

While Polymers in Drug Delivery offers much new insight for the veteran specialist, this work has been compiled with the non-specialist in mind. It includes contributions from many of the world's leading drug delivery specialists, yet avoids jargon and presents background information that initiates the next generation of scientists into the amazing work going on at the frontiers of this rapidly evolving science.

Targeting specific issues at the forefront of drug delivery today, this engaging volume-

• Outlines the issues that must be considered when selecting a polymer for fabricating a drug delivery agent or other medical devices
  
• Explains the more commonly used methods by which polymers may be characterized prior to use
  
• Profiles polymer matrices that have been used in the formulation of solid oral dosage forms, drug delivery scaffolds, and hydrogels
  
• Examines the issues surrounding the encapsulation of biologics within microspheres
  
• Explores the use of nanoparticulates, especially solid nanoparticles and nanocapsules prepared from largely-water-insoluble cyanoacrylate polymers
  
• Discusses polymeric micelles and investigates the potential of soluble polymer prodrugs and polymer nanomedicines
  
• Details the contribution made by polymers and dendrimers to the gene delivery effort, which may one day lead to effective treatments for largely incurable diseases

Noting a dramatic paradigm shift that is bridging the gap between materials science and life science, the editor's have compiled this volume to paint an interdisciplinary portrait of drug delivery that will challenge young scientists to turn their attention and effort towards this critical branch of biomedicine. Containing state-of-the-art information for drug delivery scientists, it is also a great choice for medical and pharmaceutical students and others seeking an in-depth introduction to the field.

Composites for Construction: Structural Design with

FRP Materials

Authors: Lawrence C. Bank

Description
The first textbook on the design of FRP for structural engineering applications

Composites for Construction is a one-of-a-kind guide to understanding fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) and designing and retrofitting structures with FRP. Written and organized like traditional textbooks on steel, concrete, and wood design, it demystifies FRP composites and demonstrates how both new and retrofit construction projects can especially benefit from these materials, such as offshore and waterfront structures, bridges, parking garages, cooling towers, and industrial buildings.

The code-based design guidelines featured in this book allow for demonstrated applications to immediately be implemented in the real world. Covered codes and design guidelines include ACI 440, ASCE Structural Plastics Design Manual, EUROCOMP Design Code, AASHTO Specifications, and manufacturer-published design guides. Procedures are provided to the structural designer on how to use this combination of code-like documents to design with FRP profiles.

In four convenient sections, Composites for Construction covers:

• An introduction to FRP applications, products and properties, and to the methods of obtaining the characteristic properties of FRP materials for use in structural design
  
• The design of concrete structural members reinforced with FRP reinforcing bars
  
• Design of FRP strengthening systems such as strips, sheets, and fabrics for upgrading the strength and ductility of reinforced concrete structural members
  
• The design of trusses and frames made entirely of FRP structural profiles produced by the pultrusion process

Advanced Polymers, Composites and Technologies

Editors: György J. Marosi, Tibor Czigany

Description

Advancement in modern polymer technologies such as photo-electronics, pharmaceutical and biomedical fields, biodegradable systems and specific composites are increasingly interrelated. Urgent demands are apparent for new, eco-efficient, advanced polymer systems, the development of which requires interdisciplinary knowledge. The common thinking of scientists specialized in certain segments of polymer science and technology was strongly initiated by the 8th International Symposium on Polymers for Advanced Technologies (PAT 2005) held in Budapest, September 2005.This issue of Macromolecular Symposia is focusing mainly on the papers presented in the field of synthesis, characterization and technology of modified polymer systems . It represents a valuable choice of very recent results in a multidisciplinary area.