A summary of block copolymer chemical structures and synthesis. It discusses physical methods of characterization such as computer simulation, microhardness, dielectric spectroscopy, thermal mechanical relaxation, ultrasonic characterization, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray scattering, and NMR, among others. It also outlines rheological and processing parameters in the multiphase polymer systems with stable microstructures.

    Introduction and plan. Methacrylate butadiene-based triblock copolymers - synthesis, characterisation, and properties; block copolymers with polyethers as flexible blocks; new multiblock terpoly (ester-ether-amide) with various chemical constitutive amide blocks; copolymers poly (eta-caprolactam)-block-(butadiene containing elastomers); dynamics and viscoelastic effects in block copolymers - real and simulated systems; structure - microhardness correlations in condensation copolymers; correlation between phase behaviour, mechanical properties, and deformation mechanisms in weakly segregated block copolymers; ultrasonic characterisation of block copolymers; dielectric relaxation of block copolymers; polymer blends with block copolymers; two multiblock copolymer blends; multiblock copolymer/homopolymer blends; structure and melt rheology of block copolymers; orientation behaviour in axial tension of half-melt poly (ether-beta-ester) copolymers; polyurethane grafted onto styrene sulfonic acid copolymers; poly (esther-ester) block copolymers with LC segments; triblock copolymers for toughness modification of immiscible engineering polymer blends; poly (esther-beta-ester) copolymers, blends, composites, and their applications; future trends in block copolymers.

    Biography

    Francisco Balta Calleja, Zbigniew Roslaniec

    ". . .contain[s] a good amount of useful information and a number of well-written papers on current subjects of interest in the field and is worthy of review by those involved in the filed of block copolymers. . ..recommended."
    ---Polymer News, 2000
    "...There are few texts that cover this technology separately, more importantly few which cover it thoroughly, which makes it a valuable reference text. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED."
    ---Adhesives & Sealants Newsletters, 2001