Different polymer formulations possess unique chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. Small variations in the structure of a given polymer formulation can significantly change its characteristics, resulting in new functions and applications. For example, polyvinyl alcohol is a water-soluble synthetic polymer made by alcoholysis of polyvinyl acetate. Its chemical and physical properties d...

This thesis is concerned with the synthesis of acid labile co-polymers. Two polymer systems were examined (1) polyacetals and (2) poly(ortho esters). As for poly(ortho esters), there is a need for better synthetic methods to prepare these polymers more easily without the need of stringent anhydrous conditions, with more broad structural variation, and in a more cost effective manner. Pendent fu...

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) show great promise for productivity improvement and energy conservation in conventional bioprocesses for wastewater reclamation. In order to attain high productivity in a bioprocess, it is crucial to retain the microorganisms in the bioreactors by preventing wash out. This enables recycling of the microorganisms, and is consequently saving energy. The main feature of...

Solution and solid state two dimensional NMR are important tools for materials characterization, and for understanding the structure and dynamics of polymers. The power of NMR as a tool arises from its ability to visualize individual sites along the polymer main chain and side chain, making it possible to relate the structure and dynamics at the molecular level to the bulk macroscopic propertie...

The cellular phenomena of pinocytosis and lysosomal digestion are described, with particular emphasis on the handling of soluble macromolecules by living cells. A drug delivery system based on poly(hydroxypropylmethacrylamide) conjugated to drug analogues by oligopeptide sequences has been evaluated. The conjugates, which are stable in the bloodstream, are captured by pinocvtosis and taken to t...

Polymer scientists, working closely with those in the device and medical fields, have made tremendous advances over the past 30 years in the use of synthetic materials in the body. In this article we will focus on properties of biodegradable polymers which make them ideally suited for orthopedic applications where a permanent implant is not desired. The materials with the greatest history of us...

Metal displacement reactions between conducting polymers-"synthetic metals"-and noble metals (Pt, Au and Ag) have been demonstrated using a seeding polymerization technique, to produce a synthetic metal nanofiber network decorated with noble metal nanoparticles, in one-step.

introduction: colloidal materials and suspended solids cause turbidity in water. to remove turbidity, clarification method is used that includes processes of coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation. due to the long duration of coagulation process, coagulant aids are applied. despite the favorable efficiency of synthetic polyelectrolytes as a coagulant aid, due to their harmful effects on h...