This new volume presents leading-edge research in the rapidly changing and evolving field of chemical materials characterization and modification. The topics in the book reflect the diversity of research advances in physical chemistry and electrochemistry, focusing on the preparation, characterization, and applications of polymers and high-density materials. Also covered are various manufacturing techniques. Focusing on the most technologically important materials being utilized and developed by scientists and engineers, the book will help to fill the gap between theory and practice in industry.

This comprehensive anthology covers many of the major themes of physical chemistry and electrochemistry, addressing many of the major issues, from concept to technology to implementation. It is an important reference publication that provides new research and updates on a variety of physical chemistry and electrochemistry uses through case studies and supporting technologies, and it also explains the conceptual thinking behind current uses and potential uses not yet implemented. International experts with countless years of experience lend this volume credibility.

Ana C. F. Ribeiro, PhD, is a researcher in the Department of Chemisty at the University of Coimbra, Portugal. Her area of scientific activity is physical chemistry and electrochemistry. Her main areas of research interest are transport properties of ionic and non-ionic components in aqueous solutions. She has experience as a scientific adviser and teacher of different practical courses. Dr. Ribeiro has supervised master degree theses as well as some PhD theses, and has been a theses jury member. She has been referee for various journals as well an expert evaluator of some of the research programs funded by the Romanian government through the National Council for Scientific Research. She has been a member of the organizing committee of scientific conferences and she is an editorial member of several journals. She has received several grants, consulted for a number of major corporations, and is a frequent speaker to national and international audiences. She is a member of the Research Chemistry Centre, Coimbra, Portugal.

Cecilia I. A. V. Santos, PhD, is a researcher in physical chemistry in the Chemistry Department of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology of University of Coimbra, Portugal. She obtained her European PhD in chemistry from both the University of Coimbra and the University of Alcala, Spain, where she also served as a professor for general chemistry classes along with corresponding laboratories. She is the author or co-author of over 30 papers in international journals and has made numerous presentations at international symposia. She has received several grants. Her research interests range from thermodynamics of drug release systems and transport properties of electrolytes to electroremediation and thermal diffusion. Currently, she is studying the thermodynamics in petrochemical models, CO₂ and energy management.

Gennady E. Zaikov, DSc, is head of the Polymer Division at the N. M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, and professor at Moscow State Academy of Fine Chemical Technology, Russia, as well as professor at Kazan National Research Technological University, Kazan, Russia. He is also a prolific author, researcher, and lecturer. He has received several awards for his work, including the Russian Federation Scholarship for Outstanding Scientists. He has been a member of many professional organizations and on the editorial boards of many international science journals.