Fundamentals of Polymer Science An Introductory Text, Second Edition

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

Biography

Michael M. Coleman

"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)