Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION. The Origins of Polymer Science and the Polymer Industry. Basic Definitions and Nomenclature. Molar Mass and Degree of Polymerization. SYNTHESIS. Classification of Polymerization Reactions. Linear Step Polymerization. Non-Linear Step Polymerization. Free-Radical Polymerization. Ionic Polymerization. Cationic Polymerization. Anionic Polymerization. Stereochemistry of Polymerization. Ziegler-Natta Coordination Polymerization. Ring-Opening Polymerization. Solid-State Polymerization. Metathesis Polymerization. Group Transfer Polymerization. Other Specialized Methods of Polymerization. Step Copolymerization. Chain Copolymerization. CHARACTERIZATION. Introduction. Thermodynamics of Polymer Solutions. Chain Dimensions. Frictional Properties of Polymer Molecules in Dilute Solution. Methods for Measurement of Number-Average Molar Mass. Membrane Osmometry. Vapour Pressure Osmometry. Ebulliometry and Cryoscopy. End-Group Analysis. Effects of Low Molar Mass Impurities upon Mn. Static Light Scattering. Dynamic Light Scattering. Small-Angle X-Ray and Neutron Scattering. Dilute Solution Viscometry. Ultracentrifugation. Fractionation. Gel Permeation Chromatography. Determination of Chemical Composition and Molecular Microstructure. Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy. Other Spectroscopic Methods. STRUCTURE. Polymer Crystals. Semi-Crystalline Polymers. Crystallization and Melting. Amorphous Polymers. Elastomers. MECHANICAL PROPERTIES. General Considerations. Viscoelasticity. Deformation of Elastomers. Yield in Polymers. Deformation Mechanisms. Fracture. Toughened Polymers.