Introduction to Physical Polymer Science

A revised edition of a classic textPolymers are macromolecules built up by linking large numbers of smaller molecules. Due to their diverse physical properties, polymers have become central to a number of important industries, including plastics, rubber, adhesives, fiber, and paint industries. Introduction to Physical Polymer Science, Third Edition is the definitive reference for polymer researchers.Emphasizing interrelationships between molecular structure and the morphology and mechanical behavior of polymers, the Third Edition incorporates new findings in processing and characterizing polymers. Many new worked examples and study problems have been added. The new material includes:*New chapters devoted to polymer surfaces and polymer blends *Discussions on solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance methods, self-assembled polymers, scaling law basics, polymer processing, hyperbranched dendrimers, and the kinetics of polymerization*Current research interests, such as polyolefins, thermoset plastics, pyroelectric and piezoelectric polymers, supercritical fluids, biomedical applications, film formation, and natural polymersIntroduction to Physical Polymer Science, Third Edition continues to be the ideal resource for students and professional chemists, chemical engineers, materials scientists, and polymer scientists.

Table of Contents

• Preface to the First Edition.
• Symbols and Definitions.
• Introduction to Polymer Science.
• Chain Structure and Configuration.
• Molecular Weights and Sizes.
• Concentrated Solutions and Phase Separation Behavior.
• The Amorphous State.
• The Crystalline State.
• Polymers in the Liquid Crystalline State.
• Glass-Rubber Transition Behavior.
• Cross-linked Polymers and Rubber Elasticity.
• Polymer Viscoelasticity and Rheology.
• Mechanical Behavior of Polymers.
• Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces.
• Multicomponent Polymeric Materials.
• Modern Polymer Topics.
• Index.