The book exhaustively covers the various polymers that are used for sensors and actuators from the perspective of organic chemistry. The field of polymeric sensors and actuators is developing very rapidly as newly derived polymer materials are suitable for sensor technology. This book uniquely and comprehensively covers the various polymers that are used for sensors and actuators. The author has researched both scientific papers and patents to include all the recent discoveries and applications. Since many chemists may not be very familiar with the physical background as well as how sensors operate, Polymeric Sensors and Actuators includes a general chapter dealing with the overall physics and basic principles of sensors. Complementary chapters on their methods of fabrication as well as the processing of data are included. The actuators sections examine the fields of applications, special designs, and materials. The final chapter is dedicated to liquid crystal displays. The book concludes with four extensive indices including one special one on analytes to allow the practitioner to easily use the text. This comprehensive text examines the following sensor types: Humidity Sensors Biosensors Mechanical Sensors Optical Sensors Surface Plasmon Resonance Test Strips Microelectromechanical (MEMS) Sensors Piezoelectric Sensors Acoustic Wave Sensors Electronic Nose Switchable Polymers

Written by pioneers in the field, this book covers optical, gas, taste, and other sensing systems using various kinds of polymers. It provides all the necessary background information and science to develop a basic understanding of the field, its supporting technologies, and current applications.

This book discusses the fundamental of bending actuation with a focus on ionic metal composites. It describes the applications of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuators, from conventional robotic systems to compliant micro robotic systems used to handle the miniature and fragile components during robotic micro assembly. It also presents mathematical modelings of actuators for engineering, biomedical, medical and environmental systems. The fundamental relation of IPMC actuators to the biomimetic systems are also included.

Polymers in Organic Electronics: Polymer Selection for Electronic, Mechatronic, and Optoelectronic Systems provides readers with vital data, guidelines, and techniques for optimally designing organic electronic systems using novel polymers. The book classifies polymer families, types, complexes, composites, nanocomposites, compounds, and small molecules while also providing an introduction to the fundamental principles of polymers and electronics. Features information on concepts and optimized types of electronics and a classification system of electronic polymers, including piezoelectric and pyroelectric, optoelectronic, mechatronic, organic electronic complexes, and more. The book is designed to help readers select the optimized material for structuring their organic electronic system.Chapters discuss the most common properties of electronic polymers, methods of optimization, and polymeric-structured printed circuit boards. The polymeric structures of optoelectronics and photonics are covered and the book concludes with a chapter emphasizing the importance of polymeric structures for packaging of electronic devices. - Provides key identifying details on a range of polymers, micro-polymers, nano-polymers, resins, hydrocarbons, and oligomers - Covers the most common electrical, electronic, and optical properties of electronic polymers - Describes the underlying theories on the mechanics of polymer conductivity - Discusses polymeric structured printed circuit boards, including their rapid prototyping and optimizing their polymeric structures - Shows optimization methods for both polymeric structures of organic active electronic components and organic passive electronic components

Giving fundamental information on one of the most promising families of smart materials, electroactive polymers (EAP) this exciting new titles focuses on the several biomedical applications made possible by these types of materials and their related actuation technologies. Each chapter provides a description of the specific EAP material and device configuration used, material processing, device assembling and testing, along with a description of the biomedical application. Edited by well-respected academics in the field of electroactive polymers with contributions from renowned international experts, this is an excellent resource for industrial and academic research scientists, engineers, technicians and graduate students working with polymer actuators or in the fields of polymer science.

The book provides a pedagogical approach that emphasizes the physical processes of active materials and the design and control of engineering systems. It will also be a reference text for practicing engineers who might understand the basic principles of active materials but have an interest in learning more about specific applications. The text includes a number of worked examples, design problems, and homework problems (with a solutions manual) that will be useful for both instructors and practicing engineers.

Since the establishment of the conductive properties of intrinsic conductive polymers, a huge variety of basic and applied research has been carried out, involving different polymers, copolymers, blends, mixtures and composites. Thus, fundamental understanding of physical and chemical properties of these materials has been sought, while the applied aspects have advanced very rapidly, crossing the boundaries between disciplines. Today, the applications of conducting polymers in various fields such as neuroscience, nanotechnology and green chemistry, are easily found. This development is dynamic and it needs to be updated and hence the motivation for the set of results presented in this book; which provides information about the development of fundamentals, and about some applications of conductive polymers.

Electrospun Polymers and Composites: Ultrafine Materials, High Performance Fibres and Wearables reviews the latest technological developments and innovations in electrospun polymers and composites, highlighting the multifunctionality of these ultrafine materials as high performance fibers. The book's chapters investigate a wide range of different electrospinning applications, including drug delivery, tissue scaffolding, fiber reinforcement and nanofiltration, with a particular focus on shape memory effect and the wearable characteristics of electrospun polymers and composites. This will be a valuable reference resource for research and for industrial communities working in the field of electrospinning. - Covers two important material systems in electrospun materials, including electrospun polymers and composites - Emphasizes areas in shape memory effect and wearable features of electrospun polymers and composites - Presents a multidisciplinary work that will attract a wide spectrum of readers in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, pharmacy, environmental science, materials science and engineering, as well as mechanical and electrical engineering

A comprehensive resource on ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) edited by the leading authority on the subject.

Handbook of Nanomaterials for Intelligent Sensing Applications provides insights into the production of nanosensors and their applications. The book takes an interdisciplinary approach, showing how nano-enhanced sensing technology is being used in a variety of industry sectors and addressing related challenges surrounding the production, fabrication and application of nanomaterials-based sensors at both experimental and theoretical levels. This book is an important reference source for materials scientists and engineers who want to learn more about how nanomaterials are being used to enhance sensing products and devices for a variety of industry sectors. The pof miniaturized device components and engineering systems of micro- and nanoscale is beyond the capability of conventional machine tools. The production of intelligent sensors at nanometer scale presents great challenges to engineers in design and manufacture. The manufacturing of nano-scaled devices and components involves isolation, transportation and re-assembly of atoms and molecules. This nanomachining technology involves not only physical-chemical processes as in the case of microfabrication, but it also involves application and integration of the principles of molecular biology. - Explains how the functionalization of nanomaterials is being used to create more effective sensors - Explores the major challenges of using nanoscale sensors for industrial applications on a broad scale - Assesses which classes of nanomaterial should best be used for sensing applications