The study of polymers by electron microscopy (EM) needs special techniques, precautions and preparation methods, including ultramicrotomy. General characteristics of the different techniques of EM, including scanning force microscopy, are given in this hands-on book. The application of these techniques to the study of morphology and properties, particularly micromechanical properties, is described in detail. Examples from all classes of polymers are presented.

The study of polymers by electron microscopy (EM) needs special techniques, precautions and preparation methods, including ultramicrotomy. General characteristics of the different techniques of EM, including scanning force microscopy, are given in this hands-on book. The application of these techniques to the study of morphology and properties, particularly micromechanical properties, is described in detail. Examples from all classes of polymers are presented.

Structure and morphology determine the properties of polymeric materials. This atlas provides, with over 2,000 high-quality micrographs, a comprehensive overview of the structural/morphological diversity of all classes of plastics. All microscopic techniques from light microscopy through scanning and transmission electron microscopy to atomic force microscopy are covered. Another focus is on the changes in plastics morphology occurring under mechanical stress, i.e. the deformation and fracture structures. The extensive visual material will help professionals in research and application fields to determine structure-property correlations of polymeric materials and also improve training and teaching in universities.

Goerg Michler summarizes the large field of electron microscopy and clearly presents the different techniques. The author clearly describes the possible applications of microscopy and the requirements for specimen preparation. He illustrates the descriptions with picture examples from practice. The Author: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. habil. Goerg H. Michler was head of the Institute for Materials Science at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, is honorary chairman of the Institute for Polymer Materials e.V. and chairman of the Heinz Bethge Foundation for Applied Electron Microscopy.