Introduction to physical polymer science

This introductory textbook in polymer science emphasizes the role of molecular conformation and configuration in determining the physical behavior of polymers. It treats interactions between solvent molecules and polymer molecules, aspects of the bulk state, glass transition phenomenon, rubber elasticity, creep and stress relaxation and the mechanical behavior of polymers. The book also contains several classroom demonstrations and problem sets after each chapter.

Updated and revised, it focuses on the role of molecular conformation and configuration in determining the physical behavior of polymers. New features include the amorphous and crystalline states of polymers; macromolecular hypothesis and historical development of photophysics and fluorescence; thermodynamics of blending polymers and polymer/polymer phase diagrams; a discussion of rheology plus gelatinous materials; and a variety of contemporary topics emphasizing surface, interfacial and electrical behavior of polymers, nonlinear optics and high temperature substances. Each chapter includes several classroom demonstrations and problem sets.