Krzysztof Pielichowski
Professor Krzysztof Pielichowski is the Head of Department of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers at the Cracow University of Technology, Poland. He is an expert in thermal analysis of polymeric materials, especially polymer nanocomposites along with engineering polymers and hybrid organic-inorganic materials containing POSS. Prof. Pielichowski has co-authored over 160 peer-reviewed papers and he has been recipient of a number of international and national awards, such as Kosciuszko Foundation Fellowship in 2000, Fulbright Fellowship Award in 2003 and the Rector of CUT Awards. He is the president of the Polish Society for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry (2015 until now) and member of the Committee of Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (2012 until now).
 
Kinga Pielichowska
Assoc. Prof. Kinga Pielichowska leads her research group in the Department of Biomaterials and Composites at AGH University of Science and Technology. Her research is focused on polymer chemistry and technology as well as nanotechnology, she particularly specializes in the areas of phase transition and thermal degradation of polymeric materials studied by advanced thermal analysis methods, polymeric phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage and polymer (nano)composites for biomedical applications. She has (co)authored more than 80 publications in peer-reviewed international journals. She is an academic editor in `Advances in Polymer Technology? (Wiley-Hindawi) and member of the Polish Society for Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry and Polish Society of Biomaterials.

INTRODUCTION
 
PART I METHODS

Thermal Analysis Methods
Modulated Temperature Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Fast Scanning Calorimetry
Use of Different Thermal Analysis Techniques Coupled with FTIR Spectroscopy to Simultaneously Induce and Identify the Chemical Reactions on Polymers
 
PART II FUNDAMENTALS
 
Glass Transition and Relaxation Phenomena
Polymer Crystallization
Curing Kinetics
Heat Capacity
Thermo(oxidative) Stability
 
PART III MATERIALS
 
Liquid Crystalline Polymers
Polymer Nanocomposites and Hybrid Materials
Biocomposites and Biomaterials
Polymer Additives
 
PART IV APPLICATION
Thermal Analysis in Polymers Recycling
Application of Thermal Analysis Methods for Life-Time Predictions
Thermal Analysis in Energy
Thermal Analysis of Pharmaceutical Materials Stabilized by Polymers
Thermal Analysis in Aerospace and Automotive Sectors
Application of Thermal Analysis Methods for Characterization of Textiles and Fibers
 
CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES

This book delivers a detailed understanding of the thermal behaviour of the polymeric materials which aid in efficient analysis of polymeric thermal properties. It covers the most widely applied principles which are used in method development to substantiate what happens on heating of polymers and their key application areas in materials science. This book supplies the reader with well-chosen information in the field. The power of thermal analytical techniques in polymer science is demonstrated by reporting recent developments in (i) latest advancement in techniques, such as modulated temperature DSC and Fast Scanning calorimetry, (ii) studying the crucial thermal phenomena glass transition, crystallization behaviour, curing kinetics, and (iii) investigating polymeric materials that have gained interest over the last decade. The book also includes the recent hyphenated techniques and their applications.