Introduction to Synthetic Polymers

Taking a few common polymers as examples, this undergraduate text describes the basic principles of polymer science, and explains how and why they can be made to have properties tailored to a particular use. The book aims to open up the huge field of polymer science to students on first degree courses in chemistry, material science and related subjects. By focusing on the few major polymers which are in common use, it illustrates clearly the basic principles of polymer science, looks at the factors which give rise to the special properties of polymers, and emphasizes how polymer molecules can be synthesized with different sizes and architectures to tailor the properties of the resulting bulk material. The later chapters introduce a wide range of polymers, some with special applications now, and others with exciting potential for the future. Problems and exercises, some derived directly from recent research, appear at the end of the chapters, and some are designed simply to test whilst others aim to extend the student's understanding.