CONCEPTS, NOMENCLATURE AND SYNTHESIS OF POLYMERS Concepts and Nomenclature The Origins of Polymer Science and the Polymer Industry Basic Definitions and Nomenclature Molar Mass and Degree of Polymerization Principles of Polymerization Introduction Classification of Polymerization Reactions Monomer Functionality and Polymer Skeletal Structure Functional Group Reactivity and Molecular Size: The Principle of Equal Reactivity Step Polymerization Introduction Linear Step Polymerization Non-Linear Step Polymerization Radical Polymerization Introduction to Radical Polymerization The Chemistry of Conventional Free-Radical Polymerization Kinetics of Conventional Free-Radical Polymerization Free-Radical Polymerization Processes Reversible-Deactivation (‘Living’) Radical Polymerizations Non-Linear Radical Polymerizations Ionic Polymerization Introduction to Ionic Polymerization Cationic Polymerization Anionic Polymerization Group-Transfer Polymerization Stereochemistry and Coordination Polymerization Introduction to Stereochemistry of Polymerization Tacticity of Polymers Geometric Isomerism in Polymers Prepared from Conjugated Dienes Ziegler?Natta Coordination Polymerization Metallocene Coordination Polymerization Ring-Opening Polymerization Introduction to Ring-Opening Polymerization Cationic Ring-Opening Polymerization Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization Free-Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization Specialized Methods of Polymer Synthesis Introduction Solid-State Topochemical Polymerization Polymerization by Oxidative Coupling Precursor Routes to Intractable Polymers Supramolecular Polymerization (Polyassociation) Copolymerization Introduction Step Copolymerization Chain Copolymerization Block Copolymer Synthesis Graft Copolymer Synthesis CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYMERS Theoretical Description of Polymers in Solution Introduction Thermodynamics of Polymer Solutions Chain Dimensions Frictional Properties of Polymer Molecules in Dilute Solution Number-Average Molar Mass Introduction to Measurements of Number-Average Molar Mass Membrane Osmometry Vapour Pressure Osmometry Ebulliometry and Cryoscopy End-Group Analysis Effects of Low Molar Mass Impurities upon Mn Scattering Methods Introduction Static Light Scattering Dynamic Light Scattering Small-Angle X-Ray and Neutron Scattering Frictional Properties of Polymers in Solution Introduction Dilute Solution Viscometry Ultracentrifugation Molar Mass Distribution Introduction Fractionation Gel Permeation Chromatography Field-Flow Fractionation Mass Spectroscopy Chemical Composition and Molecular Microstructure Introduction Principles of Spectroscopy Ultraviolet and Visible Light Absorption Spectroscopy Infrared Spectroscopy Raman Spectroscopy Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Mass Spectroscopy PHASE STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGY OF BULK POLYMERS The Amorphous State Introduction The Glass Transition Factors Controlling the Tg Macromolecular Dynamics The Crystalline State Introduction Determination of Crystal Structure Polymer Single Crystals Semi-Crystalline Polymers Liquid Crystalline Polymers Defects in Crystalline Polymers Crystallization Melting Multicomponent Polymer Systems Introduction Polymer Blends Block Copolymers PROPERTIES OF BULK POLYMERS Elastic Deformation Introduction Elastic Deformation Elastic Deformation of Polymers Viscoelasticity Introduction Viscoelastic Mechanical Models Boltzmann Superposition Principle Dynamic Mechanical Testing Frequency Dependence of Viscoelastic Behaviour Transitions and Polymer Structure Time?Temperature Superposition Effect of Entanglements Non-Linear Viscoelasticity Elastomers Introduction Thermodynamics of Elastomer Deformation Statistical Theory of Elastomer Deformation Stress?Strain Behaviour of Elastomers Factors Affecting Mechanical Behaviour Yield and Crazing Introduction Phenomenology of Yield Yield Criteria Deformation Mechanisms Crazing Fracture and Toughening Introduction Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics of Fracture Fracture Phenomena Toughened Polymers Polymer Composites Introduction to Composite Materials Matrix Materials Types of Reinforcement Composite Composition Particulate Reinforcement Fibre Reinforcement Nanocomposites Electrical Properties Introduction to Electrical Properties Dielectric Properties Conduction in Polymers Polymer Electronics Answers to Problems Index Problems and Further Reading appear at the end of each chapter.