Fundamentals of Polymer Science
An Introductory Text, Second Edition
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Book Description
Now in its second edition, this widely used text provides a unique presentation of today's polymer science. It is both comprehensive and readable. The authors are leading educators in this field with extensive background in industrial and academic polymer research.
The text starts with a description of the types of microstructures found in polymer materials. This forms the basis of understanding some of the key features of the various mechanisms of homopolymerization and copolymerization that are discussed in following chapters. Also discussed in these chapters are the kinetics and statistics of polymerization with a separate chapter on the characterization of chain structure by spectroscopic methods.
The next part of the text deals with chain conformation, structure and morphology, leading to a discussion of crystallization, melting and glass transition. The discussion then moves from solid state to solution properties where solution thermodynamics is introduced. This provides the basis for discussion of the measurement of molecular weight by various solution methods.
The final chapter deals with mechanical and rheological properties, which are discussed from a phenomenological continuum approach and then in terms of a fundamental molecular perspective.
Altogether, the text provides a comprehensive, lucid introduction to today's polymer science as a foundation to the R&D of polymeric materials. More than 200 schematics and other figures illustrate key concepts and important aspects of polymeric materials. The text will be useful as an update for polymer and other materials scientists in industry, and as an introduction to engineers working with polymeric materials who would benefit from a better understanding of polymer science basics.
Table of Contents
THE NATURE OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS
What Are Polymers - What Is Polymer Science?
Some Basic Definitions
Molecular Weight
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Appendix: Chemical Structures of Some Common Polymers
POLYMER SYNTHESIS
Introduction
Step-Growth Polymerization
Chain or Addition Polymerization
Polymerization Processes
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
KINETICS OF STEP-GROWTH AND ADDITION POLYMERIZATION
Introduction
The Kinetics of Step-Growth Polymerization
Kinetics of Free Radical Polymerization
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
STATISTICS OF STEP-GROWTH POLYMERIZATIONS
Introduction
The Statistics of Linear Polycondensation
Molecular Weight Distributions in Linear Condensation Polymers
Multichain Condensation Polymers
Theory of Gelation
Random Branching without Network Formation
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
COPOLYMERIZATION
General Overview
The Copolymer Equation
Reactivity Ratios and Copolymer Composition
Copolymer Sequence Distribution and the Application of Probability Theory
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
SPECTROSCOPY AND THE CHARACTERIZATION OF CHAIN STRUCTURE
Introduction
Fundamentals of Spectroscopy
Basic Infrared Spectroscopy
Characterization of Polymers by Infrared Spectroscopy
Basic NMR Spectroscopy
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
STRUCTURE
Introduction
States of Matter and Bonding in Polymer Materials
The Conformations or Configurations of Polymer Chains
Random Walks, Random Flights and Disordered Polymer Chains
Polymer Morphology
Final Words - A Brief Comment on Size
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
CRYSTALLIZATION, MELTING AND THE GLASS TRANSITION
Overview and General Approach
Some Fundamentals
Crystallization and Melting: Some Equilibrium Considerations
The Kinetics of Polymer Crystallization
The Crystalline Melting Temperature
The Glass Transition Temperature
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
THERMODYNAMICS OF POLYMER SOLUTIONS AND BLENDS
Introduction
The Free Energy of Mixing
The Phase Behavior of Polymer Solutions and Blends
Dilute Solutions, Excluded Volume and the Theta Temperature
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
MOLECULAR WEIGHT AND BRANCHING
Introduction
Osmotic Pressure and the Determination of Number average Molecular Weight
Light Scattering and the Determination of Weight Average Molecular Weight
Solution Viscometry and the Viscosity Average Molecular Weight
Size Exclusion Chromatography
SEC and the Determination of Long Chain Branching
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
MECHANICAL AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Introduction and Overview
A Brief Review of Some Fundamentals
Deviations form Ideal Behavior
Introduction to Viscoelasticity
Mechanical and Theoretical Models of Viscoeleastic Behavior
Non-Linear Mechanical and Rheological Behavior
Ultimate Properties
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
INDEX
Reviews
"This is, quite simply, the best…textbook on polymer science I have ever read. Why such strong praise? Because the writing style is colloquial…and the whole book screams of the authors' tremendous enthusiasm for the subject…. The authors are clearly experienced teachers."
- Chemistry in Britain (The Royal Society of Chemistry)
"The topics covered are treated in considerable detail and generally with high credibility. [T]he writing style and format are quite accessible to the reader."
- Robert Burford, Department of Materials Science, University of NSW in Materials Australia
"The book is very strong on experimental techniques (especially spectroscopic techniques) for polymer characterization…. Recommended."
- Nicholas A. Peppas, School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University
"…deep and understandable view of specific aspects of the chemistry and physics of polymers."
- Revista de Plasticos Modernos (Journal of Modern Plastics)