Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR) is a synthetic polymer that results from the hydrogenation of Nitrile Rubber (NBR). It is widely known for its physical strength and retention of properties after long-term exposure to heat, oil and chemicals. The unique properties attributed to it have resulted in wide adoption of HNBR in...

This work deals with a well-defined class of probabilistic models. The focus is on polymers. More precisely I should say that the focus is on the equilibrium statistical mechanics of a class of polymers: dynamical and non-equilibrium phenomena are not treated, reflecting the fact that these directions are at the moment...

I first met Peter Plesch in the late 1950s when he had established his vacuum techniques in Keele and I was embarking on my PhD. My visit to Keele was to seek advice (freely given) on handling sensitive reaction systems. I rapidly came to appreciate that Peter operated on a somewhat higher intellectual plane than many academics. All...

Polymericmaterials, both “inert” and degradable, constantly interact with the surroundings. Because of this interaction changes take place in the polymer matrix and small molecules are released to the environment. Reliable methods for testing biodegradability and environmental interaction of renewable resources and...

Microsensors and MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) are revolutionising the semiconductor industry. A microsystem or the so-called "system-on-a-chip" combines microelectronic circuitry with microsensors and microactuators. This emergent field has seen the development of applications ranging from the electronic nose and...