Smart polymers react sharply to small changes in physical or chemical conditions and present an intelligent response to chemical stimuli (i.e., chemical species -including biomolecules-, pH, solvents, redox, stimuli that trigger controlled depolymerization) and physical stimuli (i.e., temperature, light, mechanical stress and electrical stimuli). For these reasons, the interest in smart polymers has recently increased exponentially, especially in biological stimuli (i.e., application of polymer-based biosensors, drug delivery, tissue engineering, precision medicine and cell therapy). This book offers a unique opportunity to review the physical-chemical fundamentals of smart polymers, and their behaviour. It also provides an excellent review of the main applications of smart polymers.

Smart materials have been produced by conceiving of the idea of materials/systems having a fourth dimension. To match advances in instrumentation, efforts are being made to develop materials, resulting in smart materials with enhanced performance. In nature, the action of stimuli-responsive materials is reversible; this idea has attracted interest for its potential research and industrial applications. The challenge remains how to couple these applications with environmental consciousness. This book presents the basics of smart polymers and describes their current and future applications. This book is different from other books on the subject in that it explores polymer materials’ smart behavior in more depth, covering vibration damping, thermal and electrochemical energy, sensing at trace level, biotechnology, and so on. The 14 chapters in this book cover diverse areas, including: • Photoresponsive polymers that can be manipulated using a specific frequency of light • Designing polymers for vibration damping • Smart manipulations of hydrophobic and super-hydrophobic polymers • Biopolymers, including hydrogels for smart application, drug delivery, and other uses • Smart paints • Self-healing and shape memory polymers • Holography for data storage • Phase change polymers and solid polymer electrolytes for thermal and electrochemical energy • Molecular imprinting polymers for sub-ppm sensing and removal of unwanted materials • Smart textiles, and the concept of advanced textiles This book will be of particular interest to researchers, postgraduates, and industry experts. It offers an extensive introduction to the basics of smart polymers and their possible applications.

Smart polymers are polymers that respond to different stimuli or changes in the environment. Smart Polymers and their Applications reviews the types, synthesis, properties, and applications of smart polymers. Chapters in part one focus on types of polymers, including temperature-, pH-, photo-, and enzyme-responsive polymers. Shape memory polymers, smart polymer hydrogels, and self-healing polymer systems are also explored. Part two highlights applications of smart polymers, including smart instructive polymer substrates for tissue engineering; smart polymer nanocarriers for drug delivery; the use of smart polymers in medical devices for minimally invasive surgery, diagnosis, and other applications; and smart polymers for bioseparation and other biotechnology applications. Further chapters discuss the use of smart polymers for textile and packaging applications, and for optical data storage. Smart Polymers and their Applications is a technical resource for chemists, chemical engineers, mechanical engineers, and other professionals in the polymer industry; manufacturers in such sectors as medical, automotive, and aerospace engineering; and academic researchers in polymer science. - Reviews the different types of smart polymer, discussing their properties, structure, design, and characterization - Reviews applications of smart polymers in such areas as biomedical engineering, textiles, and food packaging

Smart polymers are macromolecules capable of undergoing rapid, reversible phase transitions from a hydrophilic to a hydrophobic microstructure when triggered by small changes in their immediate environment, such as slight variations in temperature, pH or ionic strength. Until now, it has always been considered that polymers are passive participants within the Bioseparation procedure. Smart Polymers for Bioseparation and Bioprocessing addresses an entirely novel theory that advocates a much more active role for smart polymers within this process than has previously been envisaged, and therefore focuses on the role of these smart polymers within bioseparation. With contributions from the leading researchers working on smart polymers and their applications, this volume offers a comprehensive overview of both the current state-of-affairs within this research field and the potential for future developments. This book will be of interest to those working on techniques of bioseparation and bioprocessing, polymer chemists developing new smart polymers, as well as graduates in biotechnology.

Smart Polymer Nanocomposites: Biomedical and Environmental Applications presents the latest information on smart polymers and their promising application in various fields, including their role in delivery systems for drugs, tissue engineering scaffolds, cell culture sports, bioseparation, and sensors or actuator systems. - Features detailed information on the preparation, characterization and applications of smart functional polymer composites - Covers a broad range of applications in both the biomedical and environmental engineering fields - Chapters are written by authors with diverse background expertise from the faculties of chemistry, engineering and the manufacturing industry

Smart Polymer Catalysts and Tunable Catalysis describes the latest advances in smart polymer catalysts and tunable catalysis. This book will serve as an ideal reference for scientists, students and researchers working in the fields of catalysis, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, biotechnology and nanotechnology. Users will find this to be a distinct, systematic and comprehensive body of knowledge on the field with its compilation of essential knowledge and discussions of extensive potential in both social and commercial impacts. - Provides a single-source summary of the emerging frontiers in scientific research in smart polymer catalysts and tunable catalysis - Includes very well-organized chapters that are illustrated with over 130 illustrations and figures - Written by scientists from prestigious universities and industries across the world - Edited by veteran researchers in the field of smart polymers and catalysis

Polymeric compounds are generally blended with inorganic/organic materials to prepare composites to tailor the desired properties for specific requirements. The present book reviews new research in the fields of composite green polymers for environmental applications, polyaniline based composites for wastewater treatment, smart polymeric coating materials, polymer decorated bimetallic nanosorbents for dye removal, fuel cell materials, polymeric membranes, green bio-nanocomposites and polymer based catalysts. Composite Green Polymers, Polyaniline Based Composites, Smart Polymeric Materials, Nanosorbents, Polymeric Membranes, Bio-Nanocomposites, Polymer Based Catalyst, Wastewater Treatment, Dye Removal, Fuel Cell Materials, Dehydrogenation

Smart Polymers and Their Applications, Second Edition presents an up-to-date resource of information on the synthesis and properties of different types of smart polymers, including temperature, pH, electro, magnetic and photo-responsive polymers, amongst others. It is an ideal introduction to this field, as well as a review of the latest research in this area. Shape memory polymers, smart polymer hydrogels, and self-healing polymer systems are also explored. In addition, a very strong focus on applications of smart polymers is included for tissue engineering, smart polymer nanocarriers for drug delivery, and the use of smart polymers in medical devices. Additionally, the book covers the use of smart polymers for textile applications, packaging, energy storage, optical data storage, environmental protection, and more. This book is an ideal, technical resource for chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, mechanical engineers and other professionals in a range of industries. - Includes a significant number of new chapters on smart polymer materials development, as well as new applications development in energy storage, sensors and devices, and environmental protection - Provides a multidisciplinary approach to the development of responsive polymers, approaching the subject by the different types of polymer (e.g. temperature-responsive) and its range of applications

Smart polymers react sharply to small changes in physical or chemical conditions and present an intelligent response to chemical stimuli (i.e., chemical species -including biomolecules-, pH, solvents, redox, stimuli that trigger controlled depolymerization) and physical stimuli (i.e., temperature, light, mechanical stress and electrical stimuli). For these reasons, the interest in smart polymers has recently increased exponentially, especially in biological stimuli (i.e., application of polymer-based biosensors, drug delivery, tissue engineering, precision medicine and cell therapy). This book offers a unique opportunity to review the physical-chemical fundamentals of smart polymers, and their behaviour. It also provides an excellent review of the main applications of smart polymers.

The first book to tackle the application of smart polymers in bioseparation and bioprocessing, Smart Polymers: Applications in Biotechnology and Biomedicine broke new ground in this challenging field. Completely revised, updated, and following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the second edition is poised to take its place as a premier reference