Coleman, Michael M. : Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
Michael M. Coleman, Ph.D., brings to this new text his extensive experience in industrial and academic polymer
research. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science from Case Western Reserve University. His industrial
R&D experience includes work with E. I. du Pont de Nemours Co. He is the author or co-author of more than 130
published technical papers, the book, Theory of Vibrational Spectroscopy and Its Application to Polymeric Materials,
the book/software package, Specific Interactions and the Miscibility of Polymer Blends, and a chapter
in the Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Engineering. He is presently Professor of Polymer Science at
The Pennsylvania State University.
Painter, Paul C. : Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
Paul C. Painter, Ph.D., received his doctorate in Macromolecular Science from Case Western Reserve University.
He is now Professor of Polymer Science at The Pennsylvania State University. He is the author or co-author of more
than 100 articles as well as the chapter on "Infrared Absorption Spectroscopy" in the Encyclopedia
of Polymer Science and Engineering, the book, Theory of Vibrational Spectroscopy and Its Application to
Polymeric Materials, and the book/software package Specific Interactions and the Miscibility of Polymer
Blends.
Summary
Comprehensive new presentation of basic polymer science
Coverage ranges from synthesis and structure to thermal, solution and mechanical properties, with separate
chapters on characterization of chain microstructure and molecular weight
This is a new, basic introduction to polymer science. It is both comprehensive and readable. The authors are
leading educators in this field with extensive backgrounds in industrial and academic polymer research. The text
starts with a description of the types of microstructures found in polymer materials. This provides an understanding
of some of the key features of the various mechanisms of homopolymerization and copolymerization which 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, this new text provides
a comprehensive, readable introduction to and overview of polymer science. It is well illustrated with schematics
prepared for this text to help in the understanding of key concepts. It will provide a basic understanding of today's
polymer science for technical and engineering personnel not already familiar with the subject, and a convenient
update and overview for materials scientists.
"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)
Table of Contents
Each chapter ends with Suggestions for Further Reading.
1. The Nature of Polymeric Materials
What Are Polymers-What is Polymer Science?
Some Basic Definitions-The Elements of Polymer Microstructure
Molecular Weight-Some Initial Observations
Appendix: Chemical Structures of Some Common Polymers
2. Polymer Synthesis
Introduction
Step-Growth Polymerization
Chain or Addition Polymerization
Polymerization Processes
3. Kinetics of Step-Growth and Addition Polymerization
Introduction
The Kinetics of Step-Growth Polymerization
Kinetics of Free Radical Polymerization
4. Statistics of Step-Growth Polymerization
Introduction
The Statistics of Linear Polycondensation
Molecular Weight Distribution in Linear Condensation Polymers
Multichain Condensation Polymers
The Theory of Gelation
Random Branching without Network Formation
5. Copolymerization
General Overview
The Copolymer Equation
Reactivity Ratios and Copolymer Composition
Copolymer Sequence Distribution and the Application of Probability Theory
6. Spectroscopy and the Characterization of Chain Structure
Introduction
Fundamentals of Spectroscopy
Basic Infrared Spectroscopy
Characterization of Polymers by Infrared Spectroscopy
Basic NMR Spectroscopy
Characterization of Polymers by NMR Spectroscopy
7. 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
A Brief Comment on Size
8. Crystallization, Melting and the Glass Transition
Overview and General Approach
Some Fundamentals
Some Equilibrium Considerations
The Kinetics of Polymer Crystallization
The Crystalline Melting Temperature
The Glass Transition Temperature
9. 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
10. Molecular Weight and Branching
Introduction
Osmotic Pressure and the Determination of Weight Average Molecular Weight
Solution Viscometry and the Viscosity Average Molecular Weight
Size Exclusion (or Gel Permeation) Chromatography
SEC and the Determination of Long Chain Branching
11. Mechanical and Rheological Properties
Introduction and Overview
A Brief Review of Some Fundamentals
Stress-Strain Behavior
The Viscosity of Polymer Melts
Viscoelasticity
The Molecular Basis of Mechanical Behavior
Failure
