Ultrathin Polymer Films

Ultrathin Polymer Films: Confinement Effects and Structural Properties brings together cutting-edge research into polymeric ultrathin films below 100nm, covering preparation, characterization, measurement of structural properties, and applications.The book begins by introducing polymer confinement and anomalous behavior, and then describes the latest techniques for the preparation and characterization of ultrathin film. Subsequent chapters provide detailed, methodical coverage of the various steps and key factors in the process, especially relating to properties, including glass transition behavior, density variation, dewetting and stability, effect of supercritical carbon dioxide, relaxation of the swollen polymer, and the structure and swelling of block copolymer thin films. Throughout the book, the authors address the existing discrepancies and challenges relating to the effect of confinement on structural properties and their measurement, and aim to guide the reader towards novel applications.This is a valuable resource for researchers and advanced students in polymer science, polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, materials science, and chemical engineering, as well as for engineers, scientists, and R&D professionals with an interest polymer-based ultrathin films for industrial applications.

Prof. Sabu Thomas is a globally renowned scientist and one of the leading researchers in polymer science and nanotechnology. He currently serves as Professor of Polymer Science & Engineering and was the former Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. Prof. Thomas is internationally recognized for his pioneering work on polymer blends, nanocomposites, green materials, and sustainable polymers. Dr. Jayanta Kumar Bal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics of Abhedananda Mahavidyalaya (affiliated college under University of Burdwan) at Sainthia, Birbhum, West Bengal, India, India. He previously held an INSPIRE Faculty position at the Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CRNN), University of Calcutta, and his current research activities continue under his INSPIRE grant and DST SERB Core Research Grant. These two major projects are based on Polymer Ultrathin Films. The author is specialized in the field of confined polymers. He is an expert in probing polymer thin films using X-ray scattering (lab source as well as synchrotron source).