Polymer International 37 (1995) 83-84

Book Reviews

Molecular modeling of polymer structures and properties Bruce R. Gelin. Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich, Vienna, New York, 1994. pp. vii + 168, price DM98.00. ISBN 1-56990-125-2

We all know the DNA model of Watson and Crick, and how novel and helpful it was. Nowadays it is just a piece of history, because computers allow one to calculate and model so much (e.g. Van der Waals or hydrogen bonds). Computer modeling is already widely used in the aeronautical and motor industries, and in recent years it has been used in chemistry to save time and money. Experiments (synthesis, analyses) are indeed expensive and take time, whereas computers give a good estimate of what is going on, and can predict results.

In fact, computers are not a panacea because of their own limitations, although these are extended daily, and because the algorithm and mathematical model must be simplified for computer use. However, currently the computer capabilities allow a fair degree of application to polymer chemistry as shown in Molecular modeling of polymer structures and proper- ties.

The book begins with a general description of the rationale for scientific modeling and the desirable characteristics of a model, then goes on with descriptions of building and struc- ture modeling of polymers, and simulation of mechanical properties, diffusion, surface phenomena, energy transfer, and electrical properties of polymers. This step-by-step progression is widely illustrated with recent examples, with references, in the second part. Each chapter has its own customised intro- duction and conclusion, which are very helpful, though refer- ences to software used for modeling or simulating the examples could, however, have been given in order to be more complete.

This book is for those interested in molecular modeling and simulation, and in particular for polymer scientists because of its relative accessibility.

J. F. Kennedy R. Pons

Calorimetry and thermal analysis of polymers Edited by V. B. F. Mathot. Hanser, Munich, 1994. pp. 377, price f59.00. ISBN 3-446-17511-3

This book is ‘intended to be an aid in the training of thermal analysts’.

One-third of the 360 pages is taken up with two verbose chapters by the editor on thermal characterization of states of matter and the crystallization and melting region. The first third of the book has chapters on thermodynamics, calorimet- ric methods and the fundamentals of DSC and DTA. Most polymer technologists buy commercial equipment so these chapters are of limited use. On the other hand, anyone who requires results of very high accuracy will find them invalu- able.

The final third of the book contains excellent articles on experimental conditions for the DSC of polymers, the glass transition region, gelation in polymer solutions, micro- calorimetry and reaction calorimetry for polymerization studies. Two very short articles on coupled techniques (TG, DTA, MS), EGA, FTIR and MS appear to have been an after- thought. The article ?n curing of thermosets is very good. Epoxy resins, very important commercially and easier to study, are well covered and an indication of the difficulties met in studying condensation resins is given. One striking omis- sion is any reference to the use of mass spectroscopy in the study of phenolic resins. An alert editor would have at least provided a cross-reference to the relevant figure in a later chapter.

The book is not recommended to students but it is worth a place on the shelves of a library.

T. R. Manley

Polymeric site-specific pharmacotberapy Edited by A. J. Domb. John Wiley 8c Sons, Chichester, 1994. pp. x + 464, price f75.00. ISBN 0-471-93824-6

Biomedical polymers: Designed-todegrade systems Edited by Shalaby W. Shalaby. Hanser Publishers, Munich, Vienna, New York, 1994. pp. 263, price €59.80, US$114.00, DM188.00. ISBN 3-446-16531-2

The first book is really a collection of review articles, to a very high standard, on a specific area of applied polymer tech- nology, principally concerned with developments in site- specific drug administration using mainly absorbable polymers. Research in this field has concentrated on the che- motherapy of cancer, where most anti-cancer drugs are non- specific, and have high toxicity. However, in recent years, the use of site-specific delivery has tended to other areas, includ-

83 Polymer International (37) (1995bO 1995 SCI. Printed in Great Britain

84 Book reviews

ing treatment of bacterial infections, lung diseases, arthritis, heart and other vascular diseases. All the articles (except one from the University of Nottingham) originate either from Israel or the United States, and display the importance of the applications of polymers in developing carrier systems for drug delivery to the target tissue, cell, or cell compartments.

The fundamental concepts of site-specific drug therapy using absorbable polymers are discussed and technologies available described. The earlier chapters review the chemistry, biocompatibility, tissue-drug distribution, regulation, and dosage forms of polymeric drug implants which may be avail- able. Since the properties of the controlling polymers are all- important, the chemical types studied vary widely-they include biodegradable (and, therefore, implantable) materials, such as lactide/glycolide polyesters, polycaprolactones, poly(p- hydroxybutyrate), poly(orthoesters), polyphosphazenes, poly(phosphate esters), polyanhydrides, natural polymers (notably proteins, such as collagen, gelatin, fibrin and albu- mins, and some carbohydrates) and also related synthetic poly(amino acids). Water-soluble polymers, used mainly for chemical bonding of the drug to the polymer, include some of those mentioned, and also polymers such as poly(viny1 alcohol) and derivatives, and dextrans of microbiological origin.

The second volume listed above covers some of the same ground, with some of the same authors, with a rather different emphasis, more oriented towards the polymer scientist, rather than the designer of drug delivery systems. There is an empha- sis on methods of synthesis of polymers (including many of those mentioned above) and on the chemical mechanisms by which they are degraded.

Both volumes are clearly presented, and well referenced. They should be considered together, in terms of their simi- larity of subject interest, but are complementary rather than competitive, and the study of both is recommended for polymer scientists interested in the application of polymers in drug delivery systems.

C. A. Finch

Polymer surface modification and characterization Edited by Chi-Ming Chan. Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich, Vienna, New York, 1993. pp. x + 285, price DM128.00, US$79.95, f49.00. ISBN 3-446-15870-7

Over the last decade polymers have been successfully used in a wide range of applications including adhesion, packaging, thin film and coatings. A knowledge of the chemical structure of the surface of these polymers is academically and technologi- cally important. In the last few years there has been a con- siderable increase in interest in factors which influence the nature of the polymer surface.

This is a collection of concise reviews of the potential of various techniques for surface analysis and modification. Chapter 1 considers briefly the topics of surface analysis, handling and modification. Chapter 2 summarizes use of

contact angle measurements for the characterization of polymer surfaces and discusses how to deal with problems of roughness and solubility of the substrate in the solvent being used to carry out the measurements. Chapter 3 is con- cerned with X-ray photon electron spectroscopy. Chapter 4 considers secondary ion mass spectrometry. The last three chapters in the book are concerned with ways of modifying the surface and cover topics of surface grafting, plasma modi- fication and chrona flame treatment.

This book covers both the academic basis of the techniques, but, more importantly, their application to specific problems. It is an up-to-date review of the characterization of polymer surfaces and includes scanning tunnelling spectroscopy and some startling electron micrograph pictures of various types of surfaces. Each chapter contains a significant number of ref- erences providing an adequate lead into the primary liter- ature. The chapter on X-ray proton electron spectroscopy has 190 references, contact angle measurements has 143 and the introductory chapter 129 references.

For anyone wanting an introduction into the character- ization of polymer surfaces and a broad appreciation of the literature on this topic, this book can be recommended.

R. A. Pethrick

CeUdosic polymers-Blends and composites Edited by R. D. Gilbert. Hanser Publishers, Munich, 1994. pp. xii + 244, price €39.00, US$59.60, SFr100.10, DM98.00. ISBN 3-446-16521-5

Cellulose may be the most common polymer in our daily life in fibrous forms as wood products, papers, textiles and so on, but new applications of cellulose such as liquid crystal and chemical-derived celluloses are still under development. Many references to cellulose science focus on different aspects of cel- lulose cellulase, but there are fewer references which review recent studies on blends and composites of cellulose-the subject of this book.

Cellulosic polymers-Blends and composites aims to cover developments in cellulose and its derivatives. It has 13 chap- ters : allomorphs of cellulose and other polysaccharides (Chapter l), cellulosic liquid crystals (Chapters 2, 3 and 4), cellulosic composites (Chapters 5, 6, 7 and 13), cellulose deriv- atives (Chapters 8 and 9), cellulose membranes (Chapter lo), bacteria cellulose (Chapters 11 and 13), and cellulose tri- acetate (Chapter 12). However, it reviews applications of cellu- lose and its derivatives from the theoretical rather than the practical point of view.

Cellulosic polymers-Blends and contposites is an account of applications of cellulose, especially cellulosic liquid crystals and cellulosic composites, helpful for all researchers interested in applications of cellulose.

J. F. Kennedy J. Shimizu

POLYMER INTERNATIONAL VOL. 37, NO. 1. 1995