Szycher's Handbook of Polyurethanes (2^nd Ed.)

A practical handbook rather than merely a chemistry reference, Szycher's Handbook of Polyurethanes, Second Edition offers an easy-to-follow compilation of crucial new information on polyurethane technology, which is irreplaceable in a wide range of applications. This new edition of a bestseller is an invaluable reference for technologists, marketers, suppliers, and academicians who require cutting-edge, commercially valuable data on the most advanced uses for polyurethane, one of the most important and complex specialty polymers.

internationally recognized expert Dr. Michael Szycher updates his bestselling industry "bible"

With seven entirely new chapters and five that are revised and updated, this book summarizes vital contents from U.S. patent literature?one of the most comprehensive sources of up-to-date technical information. These patents illustrate the most useful technology discovered by corporations, universities, and independent inventors. Because of the wealth of information they contain, this handbook features many full-text patents, which are carefully selected to best illustrate the complex principles involved in polyurethane chemistry and technology.

Features of this landmark reference include:

• Hundreds of practical formulations
• Discussion of the polyurethane history, key terms, and commercial importance
• An in-depth survey of patent literature
• Useful stoichiometric calculations
• The latest "green" chemistry applications
• A complete assessment of medical-grade polyurethane technology

Not biased toward any one supplier?s expertise, this special reference uses a simplified language and layout and provides extensive study questions after each chapter. It presents rich technical and historical descriptions of all major polyurethanes and updated sections on medical and biological applications. These features help readers better understand developmental, chemical, application, and commercial aspects of the subject.

Basic Concepts in Polyurethane Chemistry and Technology. Structure–Property Relations in Polyurethanes. Isocyanate Chemistry.Polyols. Chain Extenders. Flexible and Semiflexible Foams. Rigid Polyurethane Foams. Polyurethane Foam Surfactants. Catalysis of Isocyanate Reactions. Elastomers. Reaction Injection Molding. Polyurethane Adhesives. Waterborne Polyurethanes. Health and Safety. Radiation-Curable Adhesives and Coatings. Processing Methods. Compounding Ingredients. Copolymers and Polyblends. Polyurethane Coatings. Castables, Sealants, and Caulking Compounds. Medical Applications. Resorbable Polyurethanes. Biodurable Polyurethanes. Antimicrobial Polyurethanes. Hydrophilic Polyurethanes. Biocompatibility Testing. Eco-Friendly Polyurethanes. Processing Thermoplastics Urethanes via Twin Screw Extrusion. Infrared Analysis of Medical-Grade Polyurethane Elastomers: Can Durometer Hardness Be Determined by IR Analysis? Appendices.

Noted entrepreneur Dr. Michael Szycher is chairman and CEO of CardioTech International, Inc., a manufacturer of medical products based on specialized polyurethanes. He holds a Ph.D from Boston University School of Medicine and an MBA from Suffolk University. He is an internationally recognized expert in medical-grade polyurethanes and blood-compatible polymers and was a pivotal force in the creation of the Medical Plastics Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). He is also founding editor of the Journal of Biomaterials Applications.