1st Edition

Polyurethanes as Specialty Chemicals Principles and Applications

By Timothy Thomson Copyright 2004
    204 Pages 99 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Looking beyond the traditional applications of polyurethanes (PUR), Polyurethanes as Specialty Chemicals presents a different approach to polyurethane chemistry by examining a range of new products and new research for both environmental and medical applications. This book is also the first in its field to provide useful design tools for product designers to customize the foam surface.

    The author examines extraction methods and biodegradability of polyurethanes for removing pollutants from air and groundwater and for sanitation/wastewater treatment. Thomson also explores the behavior of polyurethanes in a biological environment, covering a broad spectrum of applications that includes artificial organs, chelating agents for pharmaceuticals, and delivery systems for skin care products and cosmetics. The in-depth treatment of biochemical processes and cellular interaction includes tissue response, cell adhesion, 3D cell scaffolding for cell propagation, the immobilization of enzymes, and the production of proteins. Other topics of interest include agricultural applications and the use of PUR as an analytical/diagnostic system for testing toxicity without the use of animals.

    Destined to become indispensable in its field, Polyurethanes as Specialty Chemicals explores conventional PUR and its composites - emphasizing formulations, reticulated foams and hydrophilics - as versatile structures that can be used for specific design objectives in environmental and medical applications.

    INTRODUCTION
    An Environmental Example
    Another Environmental Application
    Immobilization of Enzymes
    A Medical Example
    Summary
    POLYURETHANE CHEMISTRY IN BRIEF
    The Primary Building Blocks of Polyurethane
    The Basic Polyurethane reaction
    The History and Current Status of Polyurethanes
    STRUCTURE/PROPERTY RELATIONSHIPS
    Analysis of Polyurethanes and its Precursors
    Structure/Property Aspects of Polyurethane design
    EXTRACTION OF SYNTHETIC CHEMICALS
    Introduction
    Treatment of Sanitary Waste
    Summary
    Treatment of Environmental Problems by Extraction
    Theory of Extraction
    Uses for Extraction
    Application of Extraction Principles to the Removal of Pollutants from the Environment
    Extraction of Pesticides, development of a Broad-base Extraction Medium
    Case Studies
    Combination of the carbon adsorption technology and the enthalpic extraction by polyurethane
    ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATIONS CONTINUED
    The Biochemical Conversion
    The Biochemical Reactor
    The Biochemical Process
    The development of a Biofilm in an Attached Growth Bioreactor
    Summary of Biochemical Transformation of Wastewater
    Other Projects
    BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF POLYURETHANE
    Avoiding the Coagulation Cascade
    Biodegradability
    Cell Adhesion
    DEVELOPMENT OF AN ARTIFICIAL ORGAN
    Current and Anticipated Technologies in the Treatment of Liver Disease
    Surgical Approaches
    Cell-based Approaches
    Cell Transplantation
    Tissue-engineered Implants
    Extracorporeal Devices
    Design of the Ideal Scafford for an Extracorporeal BAL or Implantable Artificial Organ
    Strength of Materials
    Pore Size and Structure
    Surface to Volume Ratio
    Mass Transport Through the Device
    High Degree of Interconnected cells
    Void Volume
    Allowance for a High Flux Membrane
    Shape of Colonizing Surface
    Attachment of Ligands
    Cell Adhesion
    Current Clinical Activity in Scaffold-based Artificial Liver Development
    OTHER APPLICATIONS DEFINED
    Immobilization of Enzymes and Cells
    Techniques for Immobilization
    Immobilization of Cells
    Summary of Immobilization Studies
    Use of Hydrophilic Polyurethane for Controlled Release
    Applications in Agriculture
    Artificial Muscle Development
    Conclusion
    REFERENCES

    Biography

    Timothy Thomson

    "The reference section combines historic and current literature, with an excellent glossary at the end. The figures and photos are of high quality, and experimental data are added to reinforce the argument as to the versatility of polyurethanes. The book should serve as a very good reference to those considering the design of new products in the general areas of environmental-, pharmaceutical-, medical-, and bio-technology and is highly recommended."
    - Polymer News, May 2005


    "The Author is an expert in the field of PUR chemistry. This text provides a comprehensive coverage on a wide range of topics from physical properties of the material to its application in the chemical, medical, and biochemical industries… The author has a very lucid style of writing."
    Palligarnai Vasudaven, University of New Hampshire, Durham, USA