Chromogenic polymers change their visible optical properties in response to an external stimulus. The chromogenic phenomena enable the integration of sensor and actuator functionality or any kind of information into a material. Smithers Rapra has just published Thermochromic Phenomena in Polymers, which focuses on thermochromic phenomena in polymers, and is the latest book in the new Smithers Rapra Update series.

Thermochromism can appear in all different classes of polymers: thermoplastics, duroplastics, gels, inks, paints of any type of coatings. The polymer itself, an embedded thermochromic additive, or a supermolecular system built by the interaction of the polymer with an incorporated non-thermochromic additive can cause the thermochromic effect.

The content of Thermochromic Phenomena in Polymers, written by Detlef Lötzsch and Arno Seeboth, is structured by the thermochromic material type. At the end of each chapter, the state-of-the-art of existing as well as potential future applications based on specific material classes is discussed.

Thermochromic Phenomena in Polymers is the second in the new Smithers Rapra Update series. Building on the success of the long-running Rapra Review Report Series, Smithers Rapra Updates will have a greater depth of content, addressing wide-ranging aspects of polymer science and technology. Each one will provide a state-of-the-art review supported by an extensive, structured bibliography for further targeted reading. Subjects covered will include novel and widely used plastics and rubber materials, processing technologies, finished products, and analysis and testing. Each Smithers Rapra Update will be written by an industry expert or a leading academic, and will consist of approximately 20,000 words, supported by relevant illustrations and tables.

About the authors
Detlef Lötzsch is a senior staff member in the Fraunhofer-Institute for Applied Polymer Research. His interests are solar techniques, sun protecting materials, liquid crystal systems and polymer processing. Arno Seeboth is the head of the Department of Chromogenic Polymers in the Fraunhofer-Institute for Applied Polymer Research Berlin. His main fields of interest are the development of novel energy efficient polymers, thermochromic polymer materials, composites and self assembling systems. For further information on both authors, please see www.thermochromic-polymers.com.

Thermochromic Phenomena in Polymers, (ISBN: 978-1-84735-112-8, £75, $135, hardcover) is available from retailers or at www.polymer-books.com or from Publications Sales, Smithers Rapra, Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4NR, United Kingdom, Tel: +44 (0) 1939 250383, Fax: +44 (0) 1939 251118. In the U.S., Tel: 330-762-7989, Fax: 330-762-7447. E-mail is publications@rapra.net

Readers can find out all about Thermochromic polymers and keep up-to-date with further developments with a package that combines Thermochromic Phenomena in Polymers Update with a subscription to The Chromogenic Polymers Bulletin from the Polymer Library – a bi-monthly current awareness bulletin – delivered via email. Package price for the Update and an annual subscription to the bulletin is £225, a savings of £100.