Polymer science and technology: plastics, rubbers, blends and composites

This book skillfully blends and integrates polymer science, plastic technology and rubber technology. The fundamentals of polymerization, polymer characteristics, rheology and morphology, as well as the composition, technology, testing and evaluation of various plastics, rubbers, fibres, adhesives, coatings and composites are comprehensively presented. New to this Edition Extensive discussion of dendritic polymers, dendrimers and useful inorganic polymers Lucid description of the use of power polymers in developing solar photovoltaic devices In-depth coverage of the applications of nanotechnology to polymers Detailed explanation of the use of polymers in waste disposal and recycling The book is highly suitable for all entrepreneurs and professionals engaged in production of as well as research and development in polymers. It will also be found immensely useful by advanced level students of physics, chemistry, materials science, and electronics specializing in polymers, as well as students of electronics, chemical and metallurgical engineering having courses in polymer technology/materials science and technology.

A. Preface to the third edition -- B. Preface to the first edition -- C. Some physical quantities and conversion of units -- D. Author's profile -- 1. Basic concepts of high polymer systems -- Introduction and historical background -- Macromolecular concept -- Structural features of a polymer -- Length to diameter ratio -- Classification of polymers -- Structure? property relationship -- References -- 2. Condensation polymerization or step-growth polymerization -- Functionality principle -- Types of polymerization -- Basic characteristics of condensation or step-growth polymerization -- Relationship between average functionality, extent of reaction and degree of polymerization -- Bifunctional system -- Polyfunctional system -- Molecular weight control: quantitative effect of stoichiometric imbalance on maximum attainable molecular weight -- Kinetics of step-growth polymerization -- Distribution of molecular weight in (linear) bifunctional polycondensation -- Multichain step-growth polymers (polyfunctional systems) -- Some additional considerations of non-stoichiometric reactant systems -- Practical consideration of gel points -- Molecular weight distribution in multifunctional rea…