Polymer International 43 (1997) 197È198

Book Reviews

thermoplastics : polycarbonates, polyacetals, poly-Engineeringesters, cellulose estersEdited by L. Bottenbruch.Hanser, Munich, 1996.pp. xxi ] 497, price, DM298.00.ISBN 3-446-17473-7

A brief introductory chapter provides a synoptic overview ofthe four classes of polymer which collectively form the subjectof this book, and locates them within the broader context ofall the engineering thermoplastics which are available. Theremainder is then divided into four sections, uniformlyarranged, one devoted to each of the polymer types which thebook addresses. This is a logical approach, since engineeringthermoplastics, as a group, are distinguished by exhibitingspeciÐc properties or superior property proÐles, rather than bysimilarities in chemical structure or morphology. It alsomakes the book easy to use and contributes to a clear andattractive layout, which is further enhanced by the inclusion ofnumerous photographs illustrating product applications.

Greatest space is a†orded to the section on polycarbonates(176 pages), followed by polyesters (107), polyacetals (96) andcellulose esters (58). The distribution of the 1365 referencescited is similar. A well structured and comprehensive treat-ment is provided for each polymer class, including details ofpreparation, modiÐcation, properties, processing and applica-tions. A shortcoming is the inadequate coverage of health andenvironmental aspects. With this single qualiÐcation, I wouldrecommend this book to those interested in its subject area.

D.M. Purbrick

of polymers : fundamental and technological applica-IrradiationtionsACS symposium series no. 620Edited by R. L. Clough and S. W. Shalaby.American Chemical Society, Washington DC, 1996.pp. xiii ] 433, price US$109.95.ISBN 0-8412-3377-2

Contributions to an ACS symposium held in August 1994 arereported here. About two-thirds of the papers were presentedthen, covering a wide range of radiation-related technologies.Apart from these papers, a further group of contributionsfrom experts is included to improve the comprehensivenessand to emphasize the important role of radiation in elec-tronics and sterilization.

The Ðrst group of papers reviews present understandingof radiation e†ects in polymers, charge transport and photo-ionization, and changes in the properties of irradiated poly-mers such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene andpolybut-1-ene, and heterochain polymers such as poly-hydroxybutyrate. Computational and analytical methods ofmodelling radiation events are discussed, in relation tonetwork formation, chain scission and end-group determi-nation.

The second group of contributions includes discussion ofradiation processing and sterilization in the food, biomedicaland pharmaceutical industries : this includes a novel radioche-mical sterilization process for medical devices. Further chap-ters cover use of radiation in solid-state and thin-Ðlmpolymerization, preparation of crosslinked useful gels, devel-opment of interpenetrating polymeric networks, Ðbre-reinforced composites, and improved synthetic rubbers. Latersections are concerned with speciÐc radiation e†ects, opticale†ects of radiated polymers, ageing properties, formation ofphotosensitive polymers, use of radiated polymers in X-raylithography, and use of silylated reagents in microlithography.

This volume, if not recommended reading, is certainlyrecommended browsing for those concerned with e†ects anduse of radiation on polymers.

A.C. Finch

and biodegradable polymers for bioapplicationsHydrogelssymposium series no. 627ACS

Edited by R. M. Ottenbrite, S. J. Huang and K. Park.American Chemical Society, Washington DC, 1996.pp. x ] 268, price US$99.95.ISBN 0-8412-3400-0

This publication reports an ACS symposium held in Washing-ton in August 1994. It relates studies on the biodegradationand applications of hydrogels, including reversible andstimulus-sensitive types, and also some in vivo applications.Hydrogels can be formed by adding substantial amounts ofwater to a small amount of a speciality crosslinked polymer.After swelling, such hydrogels can be collapsed by pH change,temperature change, electric Ðelds, ionic changes, salt addi-tion, salt type, solvent addition, applied stress, light or pres-sure. Such phenomena are reviewed in the Ðrst paper, of atotal of 20, which is a review contribution (with some 70references), giving a useful introduction to the basics of hydro-gel technology. Five further papers are devoted to aspects ofhydrogels in biosystems.

Biodegradation is now an important technology in suchapplications as the degradation of synthetic materials in

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