Your search for the perfect polymers textbook ends here - with "Polymer Science and Technology". By incorporating an innovative approach and consolidating in one volume the fundamentals currently covered piecemeal in several books, this efficient text simplifies the learning of polymer science. The book is divided into three main sections: polymer fundamentals; polymer formation and conversion into useful articles; and polymer properties and applications. "Polymer Science and Technology" emphasizes the basic, qualitative understanding of the concepts rather than rote memorization or detailed mathematical analysis. Since the book focuses on the ultimate property of the finished product, it minimizes laborious descriptions of experimental procedures used for the characterization of polymers.Instead, the author highlights how the various stages involved in the production of the finished product influence its properties. Well-organized, clear-cut, and user-friendly, "Polymer Science and Technology" is an outstanding textbook for teaching junior and senior level undergraduates and first year graduate students in an introductory course covering the challenging subject of polymers.

Table of Contents

FUNDAMENTALS: Introduction Historical Development Basic Concepts and Definitions Classification of Polymers Polymerization Mechanisms Chain-Reaction Polymerization Ionic and Coordination Polymerizations Step-Growth Polymerization Ring-Opening Polymerization Chemical Bonding and Polymer Structure Chemical Bonding Primary Structure Secondary Structure Tertiary Structure Crystallinity and Polymer Properties Thermal Transitions in Polymers The Glass Transition Temperature The Crystalline Melting Point Polymer Modification Copolymerization Postpolymerization Reactions Functional Polymers POLYMER PREPARATION AND PROCESSING METHODS: Condensation (Step-Reaction) Polymerization Mechanism of Condensation Polymerization Kinetics of Condensation Polymerization Stoichiometry in Linear Systems Molecular Weight Control Molecular Weight Distribution in Linear Condensation Systems Molecular Weight Averages Ring Formation vs. Chain Polymerization Three-Dimensional Network Step-Reaction Polymers Prediction of the Gel Point Morphology of Cross-Linked Polymers Chain Reaction (Addition) Polymerization Vinyl Monomers Mechanism of Chain Polymerization Steady-State Kinetics of Free-Radical Polymerization Autoacceleration (Trommsdorff Effect) Kinetic Chain Length Chain-Transfer Reactions Temperature Dependence of Degree of Polymerization Ionic and Coordination Chain Polymerization Copolymerization The Copolymer Equation Types of Copolymerization Polymer Composition Variation with Feed Conversion Chemistry of Copolymerization The Q-e Scheme Polymer Additives and Reinforcements Plasticizers Fillers and Reinforcements (Composites) Alloys and Blends Antioxidants and Thermal and UV Stabilizers Flame Retardants Colorants Antistatic Agents (Antistats) Polymer Reaction Engineering Polymerization Processes Polymerization Reactors Unit Operations in Polymer Processing Extrusion Injection Molding Blow Molding Rotational Molding Thermoforming Compression and Transfer Molding Casting PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS: Solution Properties of Polymers Solubility Parameter (Cohesive Energy Density) Conformations of Polymer Chains on Solution Thermodynamics of Polymer Solutions Solution Viscosity Mechanical Properties of Polymers Mechanical Tests Stress-Strain Behavior of Polymers Deformation of Solid Polymers Compression vs. Tensile Tests Effects of Structural and Environmental Factors on Mechanical Properties Polymer Fracture Behavior Polymer Viscoelasticity Simple Rheological Responses Viscoelasticity Mechanical Models for Linear Viscoelastic Response Material Response Time -The Deborah Number Relaxation and Retardation Spectra Superposition Principles Polymer Properties and Applications The Structure of the Polymer Industry Raw Materials for the Polymer Industry Polymer Properties and Applications Other Vinyl Polymers Acrylics Engineering Polymers Elastomers Thermosets Appendices Polymer Nomenclature Answers to Selected Problems Conversion Factors Index **An Introduction is included at the beginning of each chapter and Problems and References are included at the end of each chapter**

Reviews

"a comprehensive textbook on the many aspects of polymer chemistry, physics, and engineeringprovides excellent problem examples for self study by the studentGiven the nature of the text, I thought that the book was a good value. It provided references to many areas in polymer science, minimizing the number of books on my shelf. The format was very readable and consistent throughout the book. The examples greatly aided in understanding of the subject matteran outstanding undergraduate book." --Andrew Auerbach, in Polymer News, Vol. 26, No. 8