Nalwa (the founder and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology) presents a two-volume reference summarizing the current knowledge of functional polymeric nanostructures for students, researchers, and practitioners working in the fields of polymer science and technology, materials science, chemistry, physics, surface science, engineering, and natochnology. The material is thematically separated, with the first volume primarily focused on types of nanostructured polymeric materials and including 11 chapters on structured polymer nanoparticles; nanostructured functional polymer assemblies; fabrication of multiscale nanostructures from polymeric mebrane templates; synthesis and applications of polysilsesquioxanes; polymer nanostructures constructed via atomic force microscopy and their applications; construction of nanostructures for use as molecular devices (polymeric design, supramolecular approach, and layer-by-layer architecture); nanostructured polymer/surfactant films; nanostructured polypyrrole and composites; nanostructures and organization of compacted single chains of polyelectrolytes; polymer ordering in nanoconfined spaces; and biomimetric particles. The second volume contains 13 review chapters discussing applications in different fields and includes coverage of layered silicate based polymeric nanocomposites; industry-relevant preparation, characterization, and applications of polymer nanocomposites; active composite polymers containing carbon nanotubes; light-induced nanostructure formation using azobenzene polymers; patterning of conjugated polymers for organic electronics and optoelectronics; electrodeposited polymers for the development of biosensors; nanosized polymers in drug delivery; nanoscale spectroscopic characterization of conductive polymer electrocoated carbon fiber surface; and nanosurface-initiated living radical polymerization. Each chapter includes an extensive list of references. Each volume includes a separate subject index. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)