Introduction to Polymers

CONCEPTS, NOMENCLATURE AND SYNTHESIS OF POLYMERS
Concepts and Nomenclature
The Origins of Polymer Science and the Polymer Industry
Basic Definitions and Nomenclature
Molar Mass and Degree of Polymerization

Principles of Polymerization
Introduction
Classification of Polymerization Reactions
Monomer Functionality and Polymer Skeletal Structure
Functional Group Reactivity and Molecular Size: The Principle of Equal Reactivity

Step Polymerization
Introduction
Linear Step Polymerization
Non-Linear Step Polymerization

Radical Polymerization
Introduction to Radical Polymerization
The Chemistry of Conventional Free-Radical Polymerization
Kinetics of Conventional Free-Radical Polymerization
Free-Radical Polymerization Processes
Reversible-Deactivation (‘Living’) Radical Polymerizations
Non-Linear Radical Polymerizations

Ionic Polymerization
Introduction to Ionic Polymerization
Cationic Polymerization
Anionic Polymerization
Group-Transfer Polymerization

Stereochemistry and Coordination Polymerization
Introduction to Stereochemistry of Polymerization
Tacticity of Polymers
Geometric Isomerism in Polymers Prepared from Conjugated Dienes
Ziegler–Natta Coordination Polymerization
Metallocene Coordination Polymerization

Ring-Opening Polymerization
Introduction to Ring-Opening Polymerization
Cationic Ring-Opening Polymerization
Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization
Free-Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization
Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Specialized Methods of Polymer Synthesis
Introduction
Solid-State Topochemical Polymerization
Polymerization by Oxidative Coupling
Precursor Routes to Intractable Polymers
Supramolecular Polymerization (Polyassociation)

Copolymerization
Introduction
Step Copolymerization
Chain Copolymerization
Block Copolymer Synthesis
Graft Copolymer Synthesis

CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMERS
Theoretical Description of Polymers in Solution
Introduction
Thermodynamics of Polymer Solutions
Chain Dimensions
Frictional Properties of Polymer Molecules in Dilute Solution

Number-Average Molar Mass
Introduction to Measurements of Number-Average Molar Mass
Membrane Osmometry
Vapour Pressure Osmometry
Ebulliometry and Cryoscopy
End-Group Analysis
Effects of Low Molar Mass Impurities upon M_n

Scattering Methods
Introduction
Static Light Scattering
Dynamic Light Scattering
Small-Angle X-Ray and Neutron Scattering

Frictional Properties of Polymers in Solution
Introduction
Dilute Solution Viscometry
Ultracentrifugation

Molar Mass Distribution
Introduction
Fractionation
Gel Permeation Chromatography
Field-Flow Fractionation
Mass Spectroscopy

Chemical Composition and Molecular Microstructure
Introduction
Principles of Spectroscopy
Ultraviolet and Visible Light Absorption Spectroscopy
Infrared Spectroscopy
Raman Spectroscopy
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Mass Spectroscopy

PHASE STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGY OF BULK POLYMERS
The Amorphous State
Introduction
The Glass Transition
Factors Controlling the T_g
Macromolecular Dynamics

The Crystalline State
Introduction
Determination of Crystal Structure
Polymer Single Crystals
Semi-Crystalline Polymers
Liquid Crystalline Polymers
Defects in Crystalline Polymers
Crystallization
Melting

Multicomponent Polymer Systems
Introduction
Polymer Blends
Block Copolymers

PROPERTIES OF BULK POLYMERS
Elastic Deformation
Introduction
Elastic Deformation
Elastic Deformation of Polymers

Viscoelasticity
Introduction
Viscoelastic Mechanical Models
Boltzmann Superposition Principle
Dynamic Mechanical Testing
Frequency Dependence of Viscoelastic Behaviour
Transitions and Polymer Structure
Time–Temperature Superposition
Effect of Entanglements
Non-Linear Viscoelasticity

Elastomers
Introduction
Thermodynamics of Elastomer Deformation
Statistical Theory of Elastomer Deformation
Stress–Strain Behaviour of Elastomers
Factors Affecting Mechanical Behaviour

Yield and Crazing
Introduction
Phenomenology of Yield
Yield Criteria
Deformation Mechanisms
Crazing

Fracture and Toughening
Introduction
Fundamentals of Fracture
Mechanics of Fracture
Fracture Phenomena
Toughened Polymers

Polymer Composites
Introduction to Composite Materials
Matrix Materials
Types of Reinforcement
Composite Composition
Particulate Reinforcement
Fibre Reinforcement
Nanocomposites

Electrical Properties
Introduction to Electrical Properties
Dielectric Properties
Conduction in Polymers
Polymer Electronics

Answers to Problems

Index

Problems and Further Reading appear at the end of each chapter.

Biography

Robert J. Young is a professor of polymer science and technology at the University of Manchester and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He has published extensively and is listed on ISIHighlyCited.com. His research focuses on the relationships between structure and properties in polymers and composites. Peter A. Lovell is a professor of polymer science at the University of Manchester. His research and publications focus on aspects of emulsion polymerization and related processes, especially in relation to understanding how to control the chemical structure, morphology and properties of the polymers produced.

The second edition of this book is currently the recommended text for a second year undergraduate lecture course I deliver. In future I will recommend the third edition for both this course and a fourth year (Masters) lecture course on advanced polymer synthesis. Moreover, not only have Young and Lovell produced an excellent text (again) for supporting undergraduate teaching, this book is also a superb entry level text for postgraduates students with limited experience of polymers.
—Chemistry World, 2012