Polymer science faces the challenge of meeting growing market demand for polymers whilst achieving sustainability through environmentally friendly processes. Microwave heating has emerged as a greener technique that accelerates a variety of chemical reactions, including polymerization. Microwave-assisted reactions can be cleaner and more rapid and economic analyses suggest that the cost of curing polymers may be reduced by switching over to the use of microwaves.
This book provides comprehensive coverage of microwave-assisted polymerization. The first chapter introduces readers to the theory behind the accelerating effects of microwaves on chemical reactions and covers the types of commercial microwave reactors being used for synthesis and processing of polymers that are available on the market. Subsequent chapters are organised by type of reaction, including radical homo and co-polymerizations, step growth polymerization and peptide synthesis. Importantly, analysis of processes and product properties in comparison with conventional methods is also detailed.
This book will be a valuable resource for green chemists and polymer scientists and engineers who want to develop sustainable processes.

Professor Anuradha Mishra has made significant contribution in the field of synthesis of polysaccharide based materials for wastewater treatment. She has more than 70 research publications in reputed journals/Books/conference proceedings to her credit. She has also authored a book on polymers. She is recipient of coveted commonwealth fellowship award, UK and Research Award for teachers by University Grants Commission, India. She had been Head of Chemistry department at CSJM University, Kanpur, India and worked at four internationally reputed institutions including Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York, a world leading research centre. She has guided 14 Ph.D. and 10 Masters theses. She has supervised 6 sponsored research projects.

Microwave Radiations: Theory and Instrumentation; Radical Polymerization; Step-Growth Polymerization; Ring-Opening Polymerization; Microwave-assisted Peptide Synthesis; Hydrogels; Conducting Polymers; Polymer Modifications