El. knyga: Gels Handbook, Four-Volume Set

This comprehensive four-volume reference was originally published in Japanese in 1997 (virtually all of the contributors are Japanese researchers and academics). It is intended for scientists particularly concerned with gels as well as those in the many fields affected by this burgeoning science. Volume 1 covers the fundamentals, including definition and classification of gels, theory of gelation and preparation of gels, and structure and properties. Volume 2 reviews such functions as absorptivity of water, transport and permeation, transparency, energy conversion, shape memory properties, electrical and magnetic properties, and biocompatibility of hydrogels. Volume 3 covers applications in many arenas, among them: sanitary products, cosmetics, photographic films, food packaging, cell culture, plastic surgery, transdermal patches, ointments for antinflammatory drugs, prevention of water condensation, fireproof materials, communication cables, batteries, sensors, and, certainly of interest to a wide community, the whole problem of bad hair days. The fourth and slimmest volume contains discussion related to the environment, including forestation, and sanitary products and environmental problems, as well as several appendices. Each volume is separately indexed. Considering the price affixed to this reference, the publishers should have sprung for something better than perfect binding. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

This major reference work, covering the important materials science area of gels, is a translation of a Japanese handbook. The three-volume set is organized to cover the following: fundamentals, functions, and environmental issues. Gels Handbook also contains an appendix, complete references, and data on gel compounds.
Recently, polymer gels have attracted many scientific researchers, medical doctors, and pharmaceutical, chemical, and agricultural engineers to the rapidly growing field. Gels are considered to be one of the most promising materials in the 21st Century. They are unique in that they are soft, gentle, and can sense and accommodate environmental changes. Because of these unique characteristics gels have a huge potential in technological and medical applications. They are irreplaceable in the separation of molecules, the release of drugs, artificial skins and organs, sensors, actuators, chemical memories, and many other applications.
The 21st century is also said to be the century of biotechnology, where two kinds of biopolymers play crucial roles: DNA as a bearer of genetic
information and proteins as molecular machines. In spite of the dramatic progress in molecular biology and the Human Genome project, the basic principles behind the function and design of such polymeric machines are in the black box. Science and technologies that will emerge from those of polymer gels will shed light on such principles.
Some researchers have already developed prototypes of artificial glands (pancreas), artificial muscles and actuators, and chemical sensors and molecular recovery systems using polymer gels.
The Gels Handbook is an invaluable source of information on this rapidly growing field. It covers the entire area from the scientific basics to the applications of the materials. The authors are among the leading researchers, doctors, engineers, and patent officers in Japan. This book can be used as a textbook or an encyclopedia and is a must for those involved in gel research or applications.

Key Features
* Comprehensive coverage of a popular topic in materials science
* Is the first english-language gels handbook
* Includes numerous figures, tables, and photos