An Introduction to Polymer Physics

by David I. Bower

Overview

Assuming no previous knowledge of polymers, this book provides a general introduction to the physics of solid polymers. Covering a wide range of topics within the field of polymer physics, the book begins with a brief history of the development of synthetic polymers and an overview of the methods of polymerization and processing. In the following chapter, David Bower describes important experimental techniques used in the study of polymers. The main part of the book, however, is devoted to the structure and properties of solid polymers, including blends, copolymers and liquid crystal polymers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521637213
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/30/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	468
Product dimensions:	7.48(w) x 9.69(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

David Bower received his D. Phil from the University of Oxford in 1964. In 1990 he became a Reader in the Department of Physics at the University of Leeds, retiring from this position in 1995.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Some physical techniques for studying polymers; 3. Molecular sizes and shapes and ordered structures; 4. Regular chains and crystallinity; 5. Morphology and motion; 6. mechanical properties I - time-independent elasticity; 7. Mechanical properties II - linear viscoelasticity; 8. Yield and fracture of polymers; 9. Electrical and optical properties; 10. Oriented polymers I - production and characterisation; 11. Oriented polymers II - models and properties; 12. Polymer blends, copolymers, and liquid crystal polymers; Appendix: Cartesian tensors; Solutions to problems; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This book will be particularly welcome by physicists, but it will also be extremely useful to a much wider audience, ranging from chemists to chemical engineers, to material scientists." Polymer News

"...an excellent addition to any bookshelf.... The book will help undergraduates to understand difficult concepts and introduce experienced polymer chemists to new areas.... In short, this is an excellent book, which I believe will appeal to a wide range of chemists, physicists, material scientists, and engineers." Materials Today

"The language used is rigorous, but the writing is very clear, and coherent from section to section.... For practitioners of polymer and materials science, this book will be a great asset for teaching." American Journal of Physics

From the Publisher

No previous knowledge of polymers is assumed in this text providing a general introduction to the physics of solid polymers. The text covers a range of topics in the field of polymer physics, beginning with a brief history of the development of synthetic polymers and an overview of the methods of polymerization and processing, followed by treatment of experimental techniques used in the study of polymers. The bulk of the book is devoted to the structure and properties of solid polymers, including blends, copolymers, and liquid-crystal polymers. Worked examples and problems and solutions are included. The book is for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics, materials science, and chemistry. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)