Short description:

Supramolecular Polymers, Second Edition focuses on a detailed analysis of the formation and properties of linear, planar, and three-dimensional polymer assemblies stabilized by supramolecular interactions, including examples of covalently bonded polymers exhibiting novel supra-molecular effects. This book presents current practices for synthesizing functional supramolecular polymers, points to compelling research in this new area of material science, and makes the necessary correlations between conventional polymers and functional biological assemblies. More than 500 drawings, photographs, micrographs, equations, and tables enhance and reinforce essential concepts presented in the book.

Long description:

Supramolecular Polymers, Second Edition details assembly processes and structure-function correlation in natural and synthetic self-assembling materials, focusing on developments occurred over the past five years.

The book highlights developments in the synthesis of complex structures, chemical design principles, and theoretical models of growth processes resulting in an increasingly accurate prediction of stability, degree of polymerization, and shape of various assemblies. It focuses on the rich variety of properties, functions, and applications of self-assembling supramolecular polymers. Supramolecular Polymers, Second Edition ties together potential applications such as those of nanostructures with dynamic-combinatorial-adaptive self-healing features, opto-electronic devices, supramolecular amphiphiles, hydrogels, organic/inorganic nanocomposites, molecular biosensors, molecular imprinting, molecular engines, templates for superlattices with prescribed symmetry. Several chapters of the first edition have been updated or rewritten, and an equal number of new chapters have been added. More than 500 drawings, photographs, micrographs, equations, and tables enhance and reinforce essential concepts presented in the book.

Authored by an expert in polymer mechanics, biopolymers, liquid crystals, and supramolecular assemblies, Supramolecular Polymers, Second Edition emphasizes fundamental principles at the basis of bottom-up nanotechnology, chemical design strategies, and exciting applications for various self-assembling materials for a unified and cutting-edge account of the field.

Table of Contents:

PART I: THEORY AND STRUCTURE: Supramolecular Polymer Chemistry ?Scope and Perspectives. Growth of Supramolecular Structures. Theory of Supramolecular Polymerization. Supramolecular Liquid Crystals: Simulation. Supramolecular Low-Molecular Weight Complexes and Supramolecular Side-Chain Polymers. Hydrogen-Bonded Supramolecular Polymers: Linear and Network Polymers and Self-Assembling Discotic Polymers. Dendrimeric Supramolecular and Supramacromolecular Assemblies. Polymers with Interwined Superstructures and Interlocked Structures. Theory of Block Copolymers. Assemblies in Complex Block Copolymer Systems. Microstructure and Crystallization of Rigid-Coil Comblike Polymers and Block Copolymers. PART II: PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONS: DNA Structures and their Applications in Nanotechnology. Soluble Amphiphilic Nanostructures and Potential Applications. Supramolecular Properties of Polymers for Plastic Electronics. Supramolecular Polymers in Action. Columnar, Helical, and Tubular Supramolecular Polymers. Crystalline Bacterial Cell Surface Layers (S-Layers): A Versatile Self-Assembly System. Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) and Synthesis of Planar Micro- and Nanostructures. Layered Polyelectrolyte Assemblies. Molecular Imprinting. Protein Polymerization and Polymer Dynamics Approach to Functional Systems. Force Generation by Cellular Polymers. Index.