Takemoto K., Ottenbrite R.M., Kamachi M. Functional Monomers and Polymers

2 edition. — New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1997. — 522 p. — ISBN: 0-8247-9991-7This book is concerned with the chemistry and technology of functional monomers and polymers in terms of new aspects relative to procedures, synthesis, and applicability, as well as up-dating the contents of the first edition, which was published several years ago. After these introductory remarks, Chapter 2 offers a review of polymeric catalysts, with emphasis on the synthesis and the functionality of metallic polymer complexes and models for metalloenzymes. The nonenzymic catalytic activity is fully discussed. In Chapter 3, the photoresponsive polymers with chromophores, such as azobenzene and spirobenzopyran, are presented in detail, with special focus on the synthesis and photoresponsive behavior. For example, we can see how light energy can cause changes in conformation. Chapter 4 deals with newer problems for electrically conducting polymers and their application as functional materials. One of the coeditors, Dr. Kamachi, presents a current review of magnetic polymers, a new class of the functional polymers. Chapter 5 describes the trend of research concerning polymers with magnetic properties.
Oxygen-carrying and oxygen-permeative polymers are very important and attractive materials. Chapter 6 contains the development of new research, especially related to the problem of oxygen-binding and selective oxygen adsorption with specifically designed polymers. Polymeric inclusion complexes are the contents of Chapter 7; in this chapter, several polymeric complexes are systematically reviewed. Studies on inclusion polymerization, particularly asymmetric polymerizations, are further introduced. In Chapter 8, Dr. Ottenbrite presents new aspects of anionic polymeric drugs. In this chapter, several new in vitro assays reveal interesting biological activities that are related to new polymers with a designed hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance. Chapter 9 is a review of aramid-silicone resins as novel biomaterials. The synthesis, properties, including gas permeability and thermomechanical behavior, are described in detail.
The polymers containing nonlinear optical moieties are considered to be essential for the development of photonic devices. These polymeric materials have second-order nonlinear optical applications, and current research is described in detail in Chapter
10. In succession, Chapter 11, contains a review of ion-conducting polymers. This article depicts how macromolecules can be used as solvents for electrolytes, instead of the usual low molecular weight solvents. Recent studies on the use of polymer electrolytes as the media for electrochemical reactions are presented.
Chitin—chitosan chemistry is receiving much attention recently owing to the natural occurrence and abundance of the base material chitin. In Chapter 12, the preparation and the specificities of chiotsan heparinoids are described, some of which have a high nontoxic, antithrombongenic activity. On the other hand, various types of amphiphilic water-soluble polymers were recently developed that form unimer micelles. This novel intramolecular assembly, with a highly ordered structure, is reviewed, with emphasis on the formation and functionalization with photoactive chromophores in Chapter 13.
The final chapter, Chapter 14, is concerned with polymer gels from the standpoint of functional polymer aggregates. Of particular interest is the potential of thermoresponsive gels as well as chemically responsive ones. A description of their electrical properties and their application for biomedical use and in drug delivery as well as for selective separation is described.
This book is a new and up-to-date publication of selected important areas of functionalized monomers and polymers. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive background on this ever-expanding and promising field of science.