2nd Edition

Polymer Characterization Physical Techniques, 2nd Edition

    481 Pages
    by CRC Press

    481 Pages
    by CRC Press

    Discerning the properties of polymers and polymer-based materials requires a good understanding of characterization. This revised and updated text provides a comprehensive survey of characterization methods within its simple, concise chapters.

    Polymer Characterization: Physical Techniques, provides an overview of a wide variety of characterization methods, which makes it an excellent textbook and reference. It starts with a description of basic polymer science, providing a solid foundation from which to understand the key physical characterization techniques. The authors explain physical principles without heavy theory and give special emphasis to the application of the techniques to polymers, with plenty of illustrations. Topics covered include molecular weight determination, molecular and structural characterization by spectroscopic techniques, morphology and structural characterization by microscopy and diffraction, and thermal analysis. This edition contains a new chapter on surface analysis as well as some revised problems and solutions.

    The concise treatment of each topic offers even those with little prior knowledge of the subject an accessible source to relevant, simple descriptions in a well-organized format.

    INTRODUCTION: PRELIMINARY SURVEY


    The Purpose of Characterization
    Molecular Architecture
    Amorphous Polymers
    Crystallizing Polymers
    Survey of Characterization Techniques
    References
    Further Reading

    MOLECULAR MASS DETERMINATION


    Introduction
    Primary Methods
    Secondary Methods
    Other Methods
    Conclusions
    Further Reading
    Exercises
    INTRODUCTION TO SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES
    General Remarks
    Strategy in Spectroscopic Studies
    Energy Level Calculations
    Properties of Electromagnetic Radiation
    Double Beam Optics
    Fourier Transform Spectroscopy
    References

    ULTRAVIOLET-VISIBLE SPECTROSCOPY


    Introduction
    Instrumentation
    Theoretical Estimation of Electronic Energy Levels
    Application to Polymers
    References
    VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY: INFRARED AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
    Fundamentals of Vibrational Spectroscopy
    Experimental Techniques
    Applications to Polymers
    Raman Analysis
    Near-Infrared (NIR)
    Conclusions
    References
    NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY
    Introduction
    Principles of Magnetic Resonance
    Experimental Techniques
    Applications of NMR to Polymers
    NMR of Polymers in the Solid State
    Two-Dimensional NMR
    NMR Imaging
    Conclusions
    References
    Exercises

    ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY


    Introduction
    Basic Theory
    Experimental Considerations
    Polymerization Studies
    Radiation Effects in Polymers
    Mechanical Degradation
    Thermal Degradation
    Relaxation Studies
    ESR Imaging
    Conclusions
    Further Reading
    Exercises

    XRAY DIFFRACTION


    Introduction
    Generation and Properties of X-rays
    Diffraction Theory
    Practical Aspects
    Applications to Polymer Characterization
    Conclusions
    References
    Further Reading
    Exercises
    TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND DIFFRACTION
    Introduction
    Layout of the TEM
    Resolution Limitation
    Electron Diffraction
    Image Contrast
    Operating Conditions and Procedures for Beam-sensitive Materials
    Polymer Studies in TEM
    Multiple Dark Field Imaging
    Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)
    References
    Further Reading
    Exercises

    SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY


    Introduction
    Design and Operation of the SEM
    Observation of Polymers in the SEM
    Examples of SEM Applications with Polymers
    Conclusions
    Further Reading
    Exercises

    LIGHT OPTICAL TECHNIQUES


    Introduction
    Refractive Index
    Birefringence
    Light Microscopy
    Small Angle Light Scattering
    References
    Further Reading
    Advanced Reading
    Exercises

    THERMAL ANALYSIS


    Introduction
    Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
    Thermomechanical Analysis
    Thermogravimetric Analysis
    Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis
    Dielectric Thermal Analysis (DETA)
    References
    DENSITY, SURFACE PROPERTIES AND NEUTRON DIFFRACTION
    Density
    Surface Analysis of Polymeric Materials
    Chemical Analysis of the Polymer Surface
    Surface Probe or Scanning Tip Microscopy
    Neutron Scattering Studies
    References
    Further Reading
    Exercises

    MULTIPLE CHARACTERIZATION APPLICATIONS


    The Structure of a Spherulite
    Skin-core Characterization in Moulded Polymers
    Weathering of Polymers
    Particular Studies
    Conclusions
    References
    THEORETICAL PREDICTIONS OF THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS
    Introduction
    Types of Approach Available for Modelling Polymer Physical Properties
    Molecular Based Structural Additivity Calculations
    Ab initio Calculations of Polymeric Properties
    References
    APPENDIX
    INDEX

    Biography

    Campbell, Dan; Pethrick, Richard A.; White, Jim R.

    “This book contains fifteen chapters and aims to give a comprehensive coverage of methods used to identify and characterize polymers. It is intended for second and third year students of Materials Science, Polymer Technology or Chemistry as well as scientists and technologists working in the polymer industry. Although designed to be self-contained, background knowledge of thermodynamics and polymer science would be useful in suing the book. … The level of the material is entirely appropriate to the target audience, and the writing is clear and well constructed. … Overall, this is a very good collection of materials which should allow students to generate the necessary background knowledge before proceeding to the laboratory.”
    —Gareth Price, Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, in Physical Sciences Educational Reviews, Vol. 7, Issue I, May 2006