Crystallization in Multiphase Polymer Systems

Crystallization in Multiphase Polymer Systems is the first book that explains in depth the crystallization behavior of multiphase polymer systems. Polymeric structures are more complex in nature than other material structures due to their significant structural disorder. Most of the polymers used today are semicrystalline, and the subject of crystallization is still one of the major issues relating to the performance of semicrystalline polymers in the modern polymer industry.

The study of the crystallization processes, crystalline morphologies and other phase transitions is of great significance for the understanding the structure-property relationships of these systems. Crystallization in block copolymers, miscible blends, immiscible blends, and polymer composites and nanocomposites is thoroughly discussed and represents the core coverage of this book. The book critically analyzes the kinetics of nucleation and growth process of the crystalline phases in multi-component polymer systems in different length scales, from macro to nanoscale.

Various experimental techniques used for the characterization of polymer crystallization process are discussed. Written by experts in the field of polymer crystallization, this book is a unique source and enables professionals and students to understand crystallization behavior in multiphase polymer systems such as block copolymers, polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites.

1. Introduction on Crystallization in Multiphase Polymer Systems 2. Theoretical aspects of polymer crystallization in multiphase systems 3. Developments of experimental techniques in understanding the polymer crystallization 4. Effects of Mass Transport on Crystallization from Miscible Polymer Blends 5. Crystallization behavior of crystalline-amorphous and crystalline-crystalline block copolymers containing poly(?-lactide) 6. Crystallization and Morphology of Block Copolymers and Terpolymers with more than one Crystallizable Block 7. Crystallization behaviour of semicrystalline immiscible polymer blends 8. Crystallization behaviour of semicrystalline miscible blends 9. Fractionated crystallisation of polymer blends 10. Crystallization behaviour of polymer nanocomposites 11. Crystallisation of polymer blend nanocomposites 12. Trans-crystallization in polymer composites and nanocomposites 13. Crystallization of polymers in confined geometries 14. Crystallization behavior of semicrystalline polymers in the presence of nucleating agent 15. Strain induced crystallization 16. Effect of Ionic Liquids on the Crystallization Kinetics of various Polymers and Polymer electrolytes 17. Stereocomplex Crystallization of Polymers with Complementary Configuration

Academics, industrial researchers, undergraduate students, postgraduate students and research students working in the area of polymer structure and morphology , polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites

Professor Sabu Thomas is the Director of Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. He is also currently the Chairman of the Trivandrum Engineering Science and Technology Research Park (TrESPARK), Trivandrum, Kerala, India. He was the former Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, Kerala, India. Prof. Thomas is a highly committed teacher and a remarkably active researcher well-known nationally and internationally for his outstanding contributions in polymer science and nanotechnology. He has published over 1400 research articles in international refereed journals. and has also edited and written 210 books. His H-index is 140 and total citations are more than 94,000. He has supervised 125 PhD theses. He has received many international and national awards and recognitions. Under the leadership of Prof. Thomas, Mahatma Gandhi University has been transformed into a top University in India.

• Covers crystallization of multiphase polymer systems, including copolymers, blends and nanocomposites
• Features comprehensive, detailed information about the basic research, practical applications and new developments for these polymeric materials
• Analyzes the kinetics of nucleation and growth process of the crystalline phases in multi-component polymer systems in different length scales, from macro to nanoscale