Polymer Processing and Characterization

Polymer consists of various repeated sub-units which together make up a large molecule. There are two types of polymers – natural and synthetic or man-made. Natural polymeric materials include amber, wool, shellac, silk and natural rubber. Synthetic polymers include polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, synthetic rubber, neoprene, silicon, Bakelite and PVB. The process of polymerization includes the combining of various monomers into a network that is covalently bonded. Both natural and synthetic polymers are created through polymerization. The identity of the constituent monomers of a polymer and its microstructure are the most basic properties of polymers. This book includes some of the vital pieces of work being conducted across the world, on various topics related to polymers. It presents researches and studies performed by experts across the globe. The extensive content of this book provides the readers with a thorough understanding of the subject.