Jörg Friedrich Books

The result of decades of research by a pioneer in the field, this is the first book to deal exclusively with achieving high-performance metal-polymer composites by chemical bonding. Covering both the academic and practical aspects, the author focuses on the chemistry of interfaces between metals and polymers with a particular emphasis on the chemical bonding between the different materials. He elucidates the various approaches to obtaining a stable interface, including, but not limited to, thermodynamically driven redox reactions, bond protection to prevent hydrolysis, the introduction of barrier layers, and stabilization by spacer molecules. Throughout, chemical bonding is promoted as a simple and economically viable alternative to adhesion based on reversible weak physical interaction. Consequently, the text equips readers with the practical tools necessary for designing high-strength metal-polymer composites with such desired properties as resilience, flexibility, rigidity or degradation resistance.

More than 99% of visible matter in the universe exists as highly ionized gas plasma, characterized by a continuous source of moderate energy transferred mainly as kinetic energy of electrons. These energetically unbalanced plasmas have low gas temperatures but generate enough energy for inelastic collisions with gas-phase atoms and molecules, leading to the production of reactive species and photons. This process can initiate various polymerizations or activate low-reactive polymer surfaces. However, the diverse energy levels in plasma often exceed the binding energies in polymers, resulting in unselective reactions and potential polymer degradation. This work presents innovative plasma processes and reactions that achieve high selectivity and yield. It aims to connect classical and plasma chemistry, with a focus on polymer chemistry both in bulk and at surfaces exposed to plasma. Key topics include the stability of surface functionalization and the measurement of functional groups on polymer surfaces, along with proposed chemical pathways to mitigate undesirable side effects of plasma exposure. Numerous examples illustrate the transition from inanimate to modified bioactive polymer surfaces, showcasing a variety of techniques, plasma types, and applications.

Al-Jazeera and other satellite television stations have revolutionized Arab politics by breaking state control over information and amplifying previously silenced voices. This new media landscape has fostered open debate on critical issues such as Iraq, Palestine, Islamism, and Arab identity, redefining what it means to be Arab and reshaping political possibilities. As Marc Lynch illustrates, the era of a singular Arab opinion has ended. The ways in which Arab governments and the United States respond to this empowered public sphere will significantly influence the future of the region. Lynch utilizes interviews from the Middle East and analyzes Arab satellite programs, op-eds, and public opinion polls to explore the development and impact of this new public sphere. He focuses on the contentious issue of Iraq, which has deeply divided Arab opinion, to demonstrate how media has transformed public discourse. Detailed discussions reveal how differing views on Saddam’s regime led to a shared perception of the sanctions' impact as a symbol of collective suffering. This shared anger and despair have shaped Arab perspectives on America, their governments, and their identities. Lynch suggests that the U.S. should engage with the Arab public sphere authentically, rather than treating it as an adversary or a tool for manipulation, advocating for a more genuine approach to understanding and interacting with Arab public sentiment.

„Jörg Friedrich opisuje z niezwykłą szczegółowością historyczną bombardowania 150 niemieckich miast w latach 1940–1945. Jest pierwszym niemieckim historykiem, który w tak bezlitosny i pozbawiony upiększeń oraz patosu sposób odsłania zniszczenia, jakich dokonały bomby samozapalające w niemieckich miastach pełnych ludności cywilnej. Większość czytelników zna historię Drezna, którego los stał się symbolem horroru wojny totalnej XX wieku. Obok Drezna były inne miasta, takie jak Kassel, Paderborn, Aachen czy Świnoujście, które zostały wskutek bombardowań zmiecione z powierzchni ziemi. Z kolei duże miast, jak Kolonia czy Essen, doświadczyły ponad 250 nalotów, tak wielu, że w ostatniej fazie obracały już tylko ruiny w jeszcze większą ruinę. Pożoga stała się ważnym głosem w dyskursie historycznym. Po raz pierwszy bowiem agresor został przedstawiony jako ofiara. W Niemczech wywołała niezwykle emocjonalną dyskusję, rozwijając debatę nad własną odpowiedzialnością i winą, a także nad ofiarami – własnymi oraz obcymi – wywołanej przez Niemcy wojny". Stephan Georg Raabe Dyrektor Biura Fundacji Konrada Adenauera w Polsce

Polarität: das ist die Idee, dass die Naturphänomene von Gegensätzen beherrscht werden, die einander symmetrisch gegenüberstehen. Diese Idee leitete so verschiedene Forscher wie Goethe und Ritter, den Entdecker des UV-Lichts.Während derzeit über die richtige Methode in der Grundlagenforschung heftig gestritten wird, lohnt ein Blick in die Vergangenheit. Nicht anders als heute hielten schon um 1800 viele Denker nach tiefen Symmetrien Ausschau - eine Suche, die sie in ihren eigenen Kategorien führten. Was das damals genau bedeutet hat und was sich daraus noch heute lernen lässt, zeigen in diesem Band auf kontroverse Weise Physiker, Philosophen und Wissenschaftshistoriker. Genies von Newton bis Hegel werden in frisches Licht getaucht und etablierte Resultate zum Auge oder zum UV-Licht werden neu beleuchtet.