2nd Edition

Fundamentals of Polymer Science An Introductory Text, Second Edition

By Michael M. Coleman, Paul C. Painter Copyright 1997

    Now in its second edition, this widely used text provides a unique presentation of today's polymer science. It is both comprehensive and readable. The authors are leading educators in this field with extensive background in industrial and academic polymer research.

    The text starts with a description of the types of microstructures found in polymer materials. This forms the basis of understanding some of the key features of the various mechanisms of homopolymerization and copolymerization that 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, the text provides a comprehensive, lucid introduction to today's polymer science as a foundation to the R&D of polymeric materials. More than 200 schematics and other figures illustrate key concepts and important aspects of polymeric materials. The text will be useful as an update for polymer and other materials scientists in industry, and as an introduction to engineers working with polymeric materials who would benefit from a better understanding of polymer science basics.

    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)