Polymers for Electronics and Optoelectronics (Arcler Press)

Natural polymers, such as rubber, cotton, and wood, have been used for a long time. Other biologically important natural polymes such as proteins, enzymes, and cellulose are involved in different physiological processes in animals and plants (Rethwisch & Callister, 2011). Current scientific research has discovered the molecular structures of these natural polymers, which consequently have resulted in the development of many synthetic polymers. World War II witnessed the polymer’s first major application: aircraft windows were first replaced by polymers instead of traditional glass. Bubble canopies for gun turrets were also produced from polymeric material (Ali, Khairil Juhanni Bt, & Nor Aziah, 2015).After World War II, great effort was exerted by scientists and manufacturers to replace metals with polymers in many fields due to enhancements of physical, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of polymers. Nowadays, polymers are important alternatives for designers in all fields.In 1977, polymers entered a new era of usage and applications when conductivity of polyacetylene was first discovered. Following that discovery, numerous research studies and papers were published on the conductivity of polymers. Polymers became a strong competitor to traditional conductor and semi-conductor metals used in electrical and electronics applications due to their price, low density, formability and availability (Margolis J. M., 1989).As a result of these research studies and efforts exerted by manufacturers, polymers are now used in producing diodes, transistors, printed circuit boards and other important electronics and optoelectronics applications.This book consists of two parts: the first part is a general overview on polymer structure, properties and formation. The second part will discuss special types of polymers used for electronics and optoelectronics applications.

Grace Marnecheck received her Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, in Molecular Biology from Kent State University in 2011. Following that, she worked as a chemist in the nuclear pharmaceutical industry. Grace began graduate school in 2016 at UNLV, working towards her Ph.D in Nuclear Chemistry. She currently teaches undergraduate General Chemistry II and Analytical Chemistry laboratories, along with performing independent and collaborative research.