Introduction to Polymer Chemistry

Most of the available texts for polymer chemistry are written for graduate students, foregoing some of the concepts that are the basis for understanding polymers. Building on the core elements of organic and physical chemistry, Introduction to Polymer Chemistry provides an articulate, well-rounded presentation of the principles and applications for natural, synthetic, inorganic, and organic polymers. The book organizes its organic-intensive chapters in the front, allowing greater time for students and teachers to become familiar with the topic before embarking on physical aspects. Relating to all types of polymers, the chapters examine synthesis and polymerization reactions, reactivities, techniques for characterization and analysis, energy absorption and thermal conductivity, physical and optical properties, and more. Each chapter contains up-to-date problems, learning summaries, practical glossaries, and recommended Web sites for further study. The author uses compelling examples from real-world applications that underscore the impact of polymers on society and emphasize the increasing role of polymers for resolving worldwide health challenges such as clean and abundant water, food preservation, clean air, and clean energy. Placing less emphasis on physical topics, Introduction to Polymer Chemistry contains sufficient coverage of kinetics and thermodynamics to qualify as an advanced course for the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training approval process. It also fulfills the advanced course requirements of the ACS for the chemistry major, offering a solutions manual for qualifying course adoptions.

Table of Contents:
INTRODUCTION TO POLYMERS History of Polymers Why Polymers? Today’s Marketplace POLYMER STRUCTURE (MORPHOLOGY) Stereochemistry of Polymers Molecular Interactions Polymer Crystals Amorphous Bulk State Polymer Structure–Property Relationships Crystalline and Amorphous Combinations MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF POLYMERS Introduction Solubility Average Molecular Weight Values Fractionation of Polydisperse Systems Chromatography Colligative Molecular Weight Techniques Light-Scattering Photometry Other Techniques Viscometry NATURALLY OCCURRING POLYMERS Polysaccharides Cellulose Cellulose-Regenerating Processes Esters and Ethers of Cellulose Starch Other Polysaccharides Proteins Nucleic Acids Naturally Occurring Polyisoprenes Lignin Melanins Polymer Structure Genetic Engineering DNA Profiling STEP-REACTION POLYMERIZATION (POLYCONDENSATION REACTIONS) Comparison Between Polymer Type and Kinetics of Polymerization Introduction Stepwise Kinetics Polycondensation Mechanisms Polyesters and Polycarbonates Synthetic Polyamides Polyimides Polybenzimidazoles and Related Polymers Polyurethanes and Polyureas Polysulfides Polyethers Polysulfones Poly(ether ether ketone) and Polyketones Phenolic and Amino Plastics Synthetic Routes Liquid Crystals Microfibers IONIC CHAIN-REACTION AND COMPLEX COORDINATION POLYMERIZATIONS (ADDITION POLYMERIZATIONS) Chain-Growth Polymerizations — General Cationic Polymerizations Anionic Polymerizations Stereoregularity and Stereogeometry Polymerization with Complex Coordination Catalysts Soluble Stereoregulating Catalysis Polyethylenes Polypropylene Polymers from 1,4-Dienes Polyisobutylene Metathesis Reactions Zwitterionic Polymerizations Isomerization Polymerizations Precipitation Polymerizations FREE RADICAL CHAIN POLYMERIZATIONS (ADDITION POLYMERIZATIONS) Initiators for Free Radical Chain Polymerizations Mechanism for Free Radical Chain Polymerizations Chain Transfer Polymerization Techniques Fluorine-Containing Polymers Polystyrene Poly(vinyl chloride) Solid-State Irradiation Polymerizations Plasma Polymerizations COPOLYMERIZATION Kinetics of Copolymerization The Q–eScheme Commercial Copolymers Block Copolymers Graft Copolymers Elastomers Polymer Blends Polymer Mixtures: IPNs and Alloys Dendrites Ionomers ORGANOMETALLIC AND METALLOID POLYMERS Introduction Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms Condensation Organometallic Polymers Coordination Polymers Addition Polymers INORGANIC POLYMERS Introduction Portland Cement Other Cements Silicates Silicon Dioxide (Amorphous) Sol–Gel Silicon Dioxide (Crystalline Forms): Quartz Forms Silicon Dioxide in Electronic Chips Asbestos Polymeric Carbon: Diamond Polymeric Carbon: Graphite Internal Cyclization: Carbon Fibers and Related Materials Carbon Nanotubes Bitumens Carbon Black Polysulfur Ceramics High-Temperature Superconductors Zeolites REACTIONS OF POLYMERS Reactions with Polyolefines and Polyenes Reactions of Aromatic and Aliphatic Pendant Groups Degradation Cross-linking Reactivities of End Groups Supramolecules and Self-Assembly Transfer and Retention of Oxygen Nature’s Macromolecular Catalysts Mechanisms of Energy Absorption Breakage of Polymeric Materials SPECTROMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION AND TESTING OF POLYMERS Spectronic Characterization of Polymers Surface Characterization Amorphous Region Determinations Thermal Analysis Thermal Property Tests Flammability Electrical Properties: Theory Electric Measurements Weatherability Optical Properties Tests Chemical Resistance RHEOLOGY AND PHYSICAL TESTS Rheology Typical Stress–Strain Behavior Stress–Strain Relationships Specific Physical Tests ADDITIVES Fillers Reinforcements Nanocomposites Plasticizers Antioxidants Heat Stabilizers Ultraviolet Stabilizers Flame Retardants Colorants Curing Agents Antistatic Agents: Antistats Chemical Blowing Agents Compatibilizers Impact Modifiers Processing Aids Lubricants Microorganism Inhibitors SYNTHESIS OF REACTANTS AND INTERMEDIATES FOR POLYMERS Monomer Synthesis From Basic Feedstocks Reactants for Step-Reaction Polymerization Synthesis of Vinyl Monomers POLYMER TECHNOLOGY Fibers Elastomers Films and Sheets Polymeric Foams Reinforced Plastics (Composites) and Laminates Molding Casting Extrusion Coatings Adhesives Conductive Polymeric Materials Drug Design and Activity Synthetic Biomedical Polymers Emerging Polymers APPENDICES Structures of Common Polymers Syllabus Polymer Core Course Committees Comments on Health ISO 9000 and 14000 Symbols Web Information *Each chapter contains a summary, a glossary, a guide to further reading, and exercises