1st Edition

Polymer Science and Technology

By Robert O. Ebewele Copyright 2000

    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.

    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**

    Biography

    Robert O. Ebewele

    " … a comprehensive textbook on the many aspects of polymer chemistry, physics, and engineering…provides excellent problem examples for self study by the student…Given 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 matter…an outstanding undergraduate book."
    --Andrew Auerbach, in Polymer News, Vol. 26, No. 8

    "I would recommend this as a reference text from the point of view covering the principles…"
    -Physical Sciences Educational Reviews, Vol. 7