Polymer Chemistry

Polymer chemistry is the study and manipulation of synthetic and organic chemical substances known as polymers. A polymer is a repetitive chain of molecules that join to form what is called a macromolecule. 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. Polymer chemistry is a sub-discipline of chemistry that focuses on the chemical synthesis, structure, chemical and physical properties of polymers and macromolecules. The principles and methods used for polymers in chemistry are common to chemistry sub-disciplines technical organic chemistry or non technical, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry. Many materials have polymeric structures, from fully inorganic metals and ceramics to DNA and other biological molecules, however, polymer chemistry is typically referred to in the context of synthetic, organic compositions. Synthetic polymers are ubiquitous in commercial materials and products in everyday use, commonly referred to as plastics, rubbers, and composites. This book presents a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the current state of polymer chemistry and emerging areas of growth. In addition to synthetic polymer chemistry, it also covers the properties of polymers in solutions and in the melt, rubber, and solid states, surveying important categories of plastics.