Designed Monomers and Polymers 

About: Designed Monomers and Polymers is an academic journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Polymerization & Polymer. It has an ISSN identifier of 1385-772X. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 1095 publications have been published receiving 13402 citations.

Polymeric Hydrogels: Characterization and Biomedical Applications

Abstract: Hydrogels are cross-linked polymeric networks, which have the ability to hold water within the spaces available among the polymeric chains. The hydrogels have been used extensively in various biomedical applications, e.g., drug delivery, cell carriers and/or entrapment, wound management and tissue engineering. Though far from extensive, this article has been devoted to study the common methods used for the characterization of the hydrogels and to review the range of applications of the same in health care.

Hydrogels as controlled release devices in agriculture

Abstract: Recently, there has been a great deal of research activity in the development of hydrogels as controlled release devices. The present review provides a brief introduction to various methods of synthesis, properties, types of hydrogels, and cross-linking agents which have been used for the preparation of hydrogels exhibiting suitable properties for agricultural applications.

Polymers in Mucoadhesive Drug-Delivery Systems: A Brief Note

Abstract: Bioadhesion can be defined as the process by which a natural or a synthetic polymer can adhere to a biological substrate. When the biological substrate is a mucosal layer then the phenomena is known as mucoadhesion. The substrate possessing bioadhesive property can help in devising a delivery system capable of delivering a bioactive agent for a prolonged period of time at a specific delivery site. The current review provides a good insight on mucoadhesive polymers, the phenomenon of mucoadhesion and the factors which have the ability to affect the mucoadhesive properties of a polymer.

Toughening of epoxy resins

Abstract: Epoxy resins constitute an important class of thermosets which are used extensively in the field of composites, adhesives surface coatings, etc. They are of aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or aromatic backbones. Epoxy resins based on bisphenol A are commercially available and they have good thermal and mechanical properties. They are cured by a variety of curatives, such as amines and anhydrides, and the mechanism of curing largely depends on the type of curing agent used. They show comparatively low cure shrinkage. Cured epoxies are brittle with poor resistance to crack initiation and growth. Their mechanical properties, in particular toughness, can be modified by incorporating a rubbery phase into the resin matrix. The epoxy matrix can also be modified by various other methods such as incorporation of thermoplastics and particulate fillers. The toughening process leads to improvement in fracture toughness and impact resistance. This review examines the various options and the state-of-the-art vis-a-vis epoxy ...

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) - a versatile monomer for polymer synthesis

Abstract: Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) is a by-product of the cashew industry. It is a naturally occurring substituted phenol which can take part in a variety of reactions. It is a cheap and renewable substance and can be employed for the manufacture of a multitude of useful products. It can replace phenol in many applications with equivalent or better results. CNSL by itself is useful for insecticidal, fungicidal, anti-termite, and medicinal applications, and as an additive, in many plastic formulations. Resins derived from CNSL are employed widely in the fields of friction materials, automobiles, surface coatings, adhesives, laminates, rubber compounding, and have several miscellaneous applications. Greater utilization of CNSL as a monomer for indusrial polymer products can be an attractive proposal in view of its low cost, abundant availability, and chemically reactive nature, amongst other attributes. This review gives an accounts of the composition, extraction, reactions, and applications of CNSL based on th...