​This book provides an introduction of how radiation is processed in polymeric materials, how materials properties are affected and how the resulting materials are analyzed. It covers synthesis, characterization, or modification of important materials, e.g. polycarbonates, polyamides and polysaccharides, using radiation. For example, a complete chapter is dedicated to the characterization of biodegradable polymers irradiated with low and heavy ions. This book will be beneficial to all polymer scientists in the development of new macromolecules and to all engineers using these materials in applications. It summarizes the fundamental knowledge and latest innovations in research fields from medicine to space.

Covers the main theoretical and practical problems involved in radiation chemistry of polymers. The processes of polymerization and modification of polymers induced by ionizing radiation, are described, as well as the radiation resistance of polymers and their protection from radiation.

This text examines the effect of radiation on polymers and the versatility of its industrial applications. By helping readers understand and solve problems associated with radiation processing of polymers, it serves as an important reference and fills a gap in the literature. Radiation processing can significantly improve important properties of polymers, however, there are still misconceptions about processing polymers by using ionizing radiation. This book explains the radiation processing of polymeric materials used in many industrial products including cars, airplanes, computers, and TVs. It even addresses emerging "green" issues like biomaterials and hydrogels.

The study of radiation effects has developed as a major field of materials science from the beginning, approximately 70 years ago. Its rapid development has been driven by two strong influences. The properties of the crystal defects and the materials containing them may then be studied. The types of radiation that can alter structural materials consist of neutrons, ions, electrons, gamma rays or other electromagnetic waves with different wavelengths. All of these forms of radiation have the capability to displace atoms/molecules from their lattice sites, which is the fundamental process that drives the changes in all materials. The effect of irradiation on materials is fixed in the initial event in which an energetic projectile strikes a target. The book is distributed in four sections: Ionic Materials; Biomaterials; Polymeric Materials and Metallic Materials.

Photoacoustic and Photothermal Spectroscopy: Principles and Applications introduces the basic principles, instrumentation and major developments in the many applications of Photoacoustic and Photothermal Spectroscopy over the last three decades. The book explains the processes of sound generation by periodic optical excitation and ultrasonic generation by pulsed laser excitation and describes the workings of photoacoustic cells equipped with microphones and piezoelectric transducers. Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is one of the fastest-growing imaging modalities of recent times. It combines the advantages of ultrasound and optical imaging techniques. These non-invasive and non-destructive techniques offer many benefits to users by enabling spectroscopy of opaque and inhomogeneous materials, (solid, liquid, powder, gel, gases) without any sample preparation, and more. - Written in a non-mathematical, simple-to-read manner - Presents recent developments in the field, along with the scope of future progress, including up-to-date references - Includes detailed illustrations, such as equipment layout, spectra, experimental setups, tables, photographs, and more

Today engineers, designers, buyers and all those who have to work with plastics face a dilemma. There has been a proliferation of test methods by which plastic properties are measured. The property data measured by these test methods are not identical and sometimes have large differences. How are engineers, designers, buyers going to decide the type and resin grade and their property data? Which are the valid test methods? The right plastic property data are the difference between success and failure of a design, thus making the property selection process critical. For the first time this book provides a simple and efficient approach to a highly complex and time consuming task. There are over 26,000 different grades of polymers and millions of parts and applications, further adding to the difficulty of the selection process.Selection of Polymeric Materials steers engineers and designers onto the right path to selecting the appropriate values for each plastic property. A large amount of property information has been provided to teach and assist the plastic part designer and others in selecting the right resin and properties for an application. Various standards including ASTM, ISO, UL, and British Specifications have been discussed to help the readers in making sound decisions - A simple and efficient approach to a highly complex and time consuming task - Allows engineers to select from various standards including ASTM, ISO, UL, and British Specification - Presents information on properties such as tensile strength, melt temperature, continuous service temperature, moisture exposure, specific gravity and flammability ratings - Tried and true values narrow myriad choices down quickly for readers