200 Book reviews

Metallization of polymers Edited by E. Saeher, J. J. Pireaux and S. P. Kowalczyk, ACS Symposium Series No. 440. American Chemical Society, Washington, 1990. pp. xiv + 528, price $99.95. ISBN 0-8412-1868-4

This volume reports the proceedings of the first International Symposium on the Metallization of Polymers held in Montreal, in September 1989. The problems encountered in the metalliz- ation of polymers concern understanding the adhesion of polymer to the metal, the surface structure of the polymer, the metal deposition process, and effects of ionic contamination. A major contribution has been made to this subject by the use of surface analytical techniques.

It reviews photoelectron spectroscopy, near edge soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy, high resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy and the effects of plasma and corona modification of surfaces, the problems of depth profiling of thin films and interfaces, quantitative trace element analysis by proton induced X-ray emission and neutron activation. A series of papers deal with surface morphology and its modification using plasma, laser beam irradiation and ion bombardment damage, and the nature of interfacial interactions and their characterisation. The last section discusses problems of adhesion between the polymer and metal. Many of the 36 papers deal with polyimides and polyesters. It is clear from the wealth of information available that considerable progress has been made over the last ten years in the understanding of metal-polymer interfaces, and the increasing commercial interest in this subject. Many detailed questions remain to be answered, but the general principles of the subjcct now appear to generally understood.

As with other ACS Symposia volumes, papers are of mixed quality and do not always form a comprehensive whole. However, this book makes a significant contribution to the subject of metallization and is likely to be a landmark in the literature.

R. A. Petkrick

The ICI polyurethane book George woods, John WiJey, New York, 1990. pp.364, price f35.00. ISBN 0-471-92658-2

This book covers polyurethane technology wrth (unsprprisingly) a distinct ICI slant, with respect 10 material types, processes and properties As such, is this ICI’s answer to Oertler’v Polyurethane Handbook (Hanser, 1985) (which relied extensively on Bayer’s personnel as contributing authors)? The book is intended for ‘those who wish to obtain a better understanding of polyurethane- without necessarily having to study the subtle- ties of chemistry and physics involved’ (‘also without the engineering theory’, it might be added)

When the two editions are placed side by side, little obvious change will be found in the first 12 chapters. Chapter 1 is a brief overview of the types and properties of commercial PUS. Chapter 2 reviews the principles of manufacturing and processing PU materials. Chapter 3 deals briefly with the

chemicals and chemistry of PU synthesis and the additives necessary to meet certain process and end product requirements. Chapter 4 covers the processing and properties of slabstock and moulded products based on low density flexible foams. Chapter 5 deals with high density flexible foams and microcellular elastomers. Chapter 6 deals specifically with PU products based on reaction injection moulding (RIM) and reinforced RIM, although additional details are elsewhere. Chapter 7 is long and well describes the production and properties of rigid PU foams. Chapter 8 deals with P U elastomers with emphasis on cast and thermoplastic grades. Chapter 9 (in about 20 pages) covers adhesives, paints, sealants and a miscellany of other PU products of relatively minor commercial importance. Chapter 10 covers the important issues of health and safety in the PU industry. Chapter 11 provides a good review of the major tests methods for P U products. Chapter 12 gives ‘Some Practical Advice’, from determination of reaction ratios to some diagnostics of process faults (often ignored elsewhere). Changes which have come about in the last 4 years (legislation with respect to CFCs and developments in polyurea systems and technology) are found in Chapter 13. It i s questionable whether these should not have been introduced into earlier chapters by careful rewriting.

The book has reasonable breadth and depth although it lacks detail of formulations, structure/property relationships, pro- duct design and theories of mixing. Its strength is in details of production and properties of major commercial PU products, complimented by many excellent photographs, diagrams and tables. This book should be of use to science and engineering students, or as a readable foundation text for the person who is just about to join the industry, who knows little or nothing of PU technology.

R. L. Heath

Polymers: Biomaterials and medical applications Edited by J. I. Kroschwitz, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1989. pp. xxvi + 555, price f47.00. ISBN 0-471-5 1207-9

Polymers: Biomateriuls und Medical Applications is one of a series of reprints from the Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering. It covers many aspects of biomaterials and medical applications, including detailed information on methods of manufacture, properties and uses. To help the reader, intro- ductory information concerning nomenclature, SI units and conversion factors, and related information is provided.

It will interest all involved in the manufacture and use of drug delivery systems, prosthetic devices, contact lenses, medical packaging, and other medical and dental applications. It also deals with the newest materials for skin replacement, physical and mechanical data, and standards and specifications for materials.

This series serves as a research reference tool and as a guide for teaching professionals and their students.

M. Paterson J. F. Kennedy

POLYMER INTERNATIONAL VOL. 25, NO. 3,1991