This book conveys advances in synthetic and characterization methods in 9 selected areas of polymer chemistry reported in 2007-2008 US Patents to academic and industrial researchers and students. It reviews the impact of newer bulk anionic, cationic, and free radical polymerization methods within selected industrial applications.

A practical overview of significant advances in polymer chemistry

This guide provides academic, government, and industrial researchers and managers with a snapshot explanation of specific advances in nine selected areas of polymer chemistry. To compile this formation, the author reviewed 2006-2007 US patents in twenty-three broad subject areas:

• Additives

• Adhesives

• Bioactive

• Coatings

• Cosmetics

• Dental

• Electroactive

• Energetic Polymers

• Fibers

• Fluorine

• Gels

• Imaging Agents

• Ink

• Liquid Crystals

• Nanoparticles

• New Synthetic Methods

• Optical Materials

• Photoactive Polymers

• Polymerization Methods

• Regulators

• Photoresists

• Separations

• Thermosets

Advances in Polymer Chemistry and Methods Reported in Recent US Patents provides systematically organized and concise coverage of:

• Newer bulk anionic, cationic, and free radical polymerization methods, and their impact within selected industrial applications such as electronics, biomedical/biomaterials, and adhesives

• Bulk and surface cross-linking agents using selected bi- and tri-functional reagents, photochemical methods, or free radical agents

• Cationic and cationic ring opening polymerization reaction, including a description of di- and tri-heterocyclic monomers and their use in medical devices

The first section focuses exclusively on polymerization reactions. For each entry, explicit experimental procedures of all intermediates, polymers, and materials characterization methods are provided. In addition, each entry is referenced with relevant US patents, methods for preparing derivatives and analogues, and product applications. The second section emphasizes modification of existing polymeric materials using well-established synthetic organic methods, photochemical reactions, and pyrolysis and thermal rearrangements. Methods for preparing and using cross-linking agents are also provided.

This guide helps practicing chemists and researchers stay up to date on developments and identify trends. It's also an excellent reference for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in related chemistry courses.