This book with software provides powerful tools for the analysis, prediction and creation of new polymer blends, an area of significant commercial potential. The R&D approaches and methods described in the book have attracted the interest of polymer R&D leaders in industry, and have been put into use in several major chemical companies. The companion set of computer programs speeds and facilitates work in this area. FROM THE AUTHORS' PREFACE: During the 1980's a steadily increasing number of compatible systems [polymer blends] have been reported. We believe that miscible mixtures will prove to be fairly common and the purpose of this book is to explore the circumstances in which single phase materials can be obtained. We will also describe a model for the phase behavior of these mixtures which we believe to have a predictive value, or be used as a practical guide to polymer miscibility. Our approach is based on the use of association models which have until recently been largely ignored in treating hydrogen bonding in polymer mixtures. They have most frequently been applied to mixtures of alcohols with simple hydrocarbons, where the equilibrium constants used to describe association have most frequently been determined by a fit to thermodynamic data (e.g., vapor pressures, heat of mixing). In our work we have sought to, first, adapt this approach to a description of the phase behavior of polymer mixtures; second, develop spectroscopic methods that provide an independent measurement of the equilibrium constants. Our purpose in this book is to explore and describe this approach and illustrate its broad utility. We address two overlapping yet different audiences. One would be primarily interested in the broad nature of this approach and the practical applications of a simple model. The second would be more interested in the derivations of the equations and some of the fundamental aspects of the spectroscopy of these systems. Accor

This book with software provides powerful tools for the analysis, prediction and creation of new polymer blends, an area of significant commercial potential. The R&D approaches and methods described in the book have attracted the interest of polymer R&D leaders in industry, and have been put into use in several major chemical companies. The companion set of computer programs speeds and facilitates work in this area. FROM THE AUTHORS' PREFACE: During the 1980's a steadily increasing number of compatible systems [polymer blends] have been reported. We believe that miscible mixtures will prove to be fairly common and the purpose of this book is to explore the circumstances in which single phase materials can be obtained. We will also describe a model for the phase behavior of these mixtures which we believe to have a predictive value, or be used as a practical guide to polymer miscibility. Our approach is based on the use of association models which have until recently been largely ignored in treating hydrogen bonding in polymer mixtures. They have most frequently been applied to mixtures of alcohols with simple hydrocarbons, where the equilibrium constants used to describe association have most frequently been determined by a fit to thermodynamic data (e.g., vapor pressures, heat of mixing). In our work we have sought to, first, adapt this approach to a description of the phase behavior of polymer mixtures; second, develop spectroscopic methods that provide an independent measurement of the equilibrium constants. Our purpose in this book is to explore and describe this approach and illustrate its broad utility. We address two overlapping yet different audiences. One would be primarily interested in the broad nature of this approach and the practical applications of a simple model. The second would be more interested in the derivations of the equations and some of the fundamental aspects of the spectroscopy of these systems. Accordingly this book is in the form of a sandwich. We begin with a brief introduction to theories of mixing and the phase behavior of polymeric mixtures, followed by a practical guide to polymer miscibility. This chapter also serves to identify the types of systems in which, by copolymerization or other means, one might introduce the appropriate hydrogen bonding functional groups and obtain a miscible system. The [main substance] of this book is in [the] chapters where fundamental aspects of hydrogen bonds, spectroscopy and the application of association models are described. We also offer [separately] computer programs that calculate and display many of the important quantities described in this book (e.g., the stoichiometry of hydrogen bonding and its relationship to infrared measurements, phase behavior, etc.). In our view one can obtain a good feel for the miscibility of many systems with these programs.

Now in its second edition, this widely used text provides a unique presentation of today's polymer science. It is both comprehensive and readable. The authors are leading educators in this field with extensive background in industrial and academic polymer research.

The text starts with a description of the types of microstructures found in polymer materials. This forms the basis of understanding some of the key features of the various mechanisms of homopolymerization and copolymerization that are discussed in following chapters. Also discussed in these chapters are the kinetics and statistics of polymerization with a separate chapter on the characterization of chain structure by spectroscopic methods.

The next part of the text deals with chain conformation, structure and morphology, leading to a discussion of crystallization, melting and glass transition. The discussion then moves from solid state to solution properties where solution thermodynamics is introduced. This provides the basis for discussion of the measurement of molecular weight by various solution methods.

The final chapter deals with mechanical and rheological properties, which are discussed from a phenomenological continuum approach and then in terms of a fundamental molecular perspective.

Altogether, the text provides a comprehensive, lucid introduction to today's polymer science as a foundation to the R&D of polymeric materials. More than 200 schematics and other figures illustrate key concepts and important aspects of polymeric materials. The text will be useful as an update for polymer and other materials scientists in industry, and as an introduction to engineers working with polymeric materials who would benefit from a better understanding of polymer science basics.

This book is at once at introduction to polymers and an imaginative invitation to the field of polymer science and engineering as a whole, including plastics and plastics processing. Created by two of the best-known scientists in America, the text explains and helps students as well as professionals appreciate all major topics in polymer chemistry and engineering: polymerization synthesis and kinetics, applications of probability theory, structure and morphology, thermal and solution properties, mechanical properties, biological properties and plastics processing methods. ""Essentials of Polymer Science and Engineering"", designed to supersede many standard texts including the authors'), is unique in a number of ways. Special attention has been paid to explaining fundamentals and providing high-level visuals. In addition, the text is replete with engaging profiles of polymer chemists and their discoveries. The book explains the science of polymer engineering, and at the same time, tells the story of the field from its beginnings to the present, indicating when and how polymer discoveries have played a role in history and society.The book comes well equipped with study questions and problems and is suitable for a one- or two-semester course for chemistry students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This book provides comprehensive and accessible introduction to polymers. It is suitable for undergraduates and graduates in chemistry, engineering and materials science. It is equipped with reviews, problem sets, and other instructor materials. It is useful reference also for professionals. This is an important addendum for your school's and department's library collection. There are full color figures, tables and graphs throughout the text.