Polymers constitute the basis for the plastics, rubber, adhesives, fiber, and coating industries. The Fourth Edition
of Introduction to Physical Polymer Science acknowledges the industrial success of polymers and the advancements
made in the field while continuing to deliver the comprehensive introduction to polymer science that made its predecessors
classic texts.
The Fourth Edition continues its coverage of amorphous and crystalline materials, glass transitions, rubber elasticity,
and mechanical behavior, and offers updated discussions of polymer blends, composites, and interfaces, as well
as such basics as molecular weight determination. Thus, interrelationships among molecular structure, morphology,
and mechanical behavior of polymers continue to provide much of the value of the book.
Newly introduced topics include:
Nanocomposites, including carbon nanotubes and exfoliated montmorillonite clays
The structure, motions, and functions of DNA and proteins, as well as the interfaces of polymeric biomaterials
with living organisms
The glass transition behavior of nano-thin plastic films
In addition, new sections have been included on fire retardancy, friction and wear, optical tweezers, and more.
Introduction to Physical Polymer Science, Fourth Edition provides both an essential introduction to the field as
well as an entry point to the latest research and developments in polymer science and engineering, making it an
indispensable text for chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, and polymer science
and engineering students and professionals.
