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Thin film miscible blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and a branched random copolymer of methyl methacrylate and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate, P(MMA-r-MnG), were investigated by neutron reflectivity. The branched copolymer, which has a higher surface tension than PMMA, was nevertheless found to segregate to and completely cover both the surface and silicon substrate following annealing in 2000 Å thick films with ≥2 wt % P(MMA-r-MnG). This is in contrast to linear polyethylene oxide, which was depleted at both film interfaces when blended with PMMA and annealed. The reflectivity results were confirmed by contact angle studies, which indicate that the surfaces of P(MMA-r-MnG)/PMMA blends behave like that of pure P(MMA-r-MnG), resulting in a hydrophilic surface that is stable against dissolution in water-based environments. The branched hydrophilic additive is further shown to render PMMA resistant to protein adsorption and cell adhesion.

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reports the latest developments with materials, pipe design, processing, jointing, pipe system performance and examples of the successful use of plastics pipes systems for the transport of drinking water, heating (hot) water, dirty water, fuel gas and other fluids. The Conference is sponsored, via the PPCA (Plastics Pipes Conference Association), by the Plastics Pipes Institute of the USA, PVC4 Pipes, the PE100z Association and TEPPFA (the European Plastic Pipes and Fittings Association), the last three all based in Europe. Together with other sponsors the current structure creates an event to help the industry and its customer base take the plastics pipes industry forward for the benefit of all stakeholders.Plastics Pipes XIII was a success in terms of the number of delegates attending (433), the delegates' countries of origin ( 28), the number of papers presented (101) and the exhibition (21 exhibitors) that runs parallel to the conference. But the most important measure of its success was the high technical content of the presentations. Delegates were able to learn of the latest developments, and then to network with their colleagues from around the world. It is this cutting edge technical content, combined with the quality of the authors and delegates, that makes the Plastics Pipes series key events to attend.The papers in this issue are a selection from the 101 presented, providing a representative cross-section of the topics covered. Many of the other good papers presented will be of equal interest to readers of this special issue of PRC:ME. The other papers presented and included in the conference CD can be accessed via one of the sponsors identified above (see www.plasticspipes.com). The next event is planned to be in Budapest, Hungary on 22-25 September 2008. Potential authors and delegates should note this date in their diaries.Finally, the event was a success due to the support of the Organising Committee, to the Conference Organiser (Tim Ball Everett of Reed Meetings z Events, LLC) but in particular to Stephen Boros of the Plastics Pipes Institute, who dedicated many additional hours to make sure the event was a success.