Composing Diverse Identities (Teachers, Teaching and Learning)

Most of the available texts for polymer chemistry are written for graduate students, foregoing some of the concepts that are the basis for understanding polymers. Building on the core elements of organic and physical chemistry, Introduction to Polymer Chemistry provides an articulate, well-rounded presentation of the principles and applications for natural, synthetic, inorganic, and organic polymers.

The book organizes its organic-intensive chapters in the front, allowing greater time for students and teachers to become familiar with the topic before embarking on physical aspects. Relating to all types of polymers, the chapters examine synthesis and polymerization reactions, reactivities, techniques for characterization and analysis, energy absorption and thermal conductivity, physical and optical properties, and more. Each chapter contains up-to-date problems, learning summaries, practical glossaries, and recommended Web sites for further study. The author uses compelling examples from real-world applications that underscore the impact of polymers on society and emphasize the increasing role of polymers for resolving worldwide health challenges such as clean and abundant water, food preservation, clean air, and clean energy.

Placing less emphasis on physical topics, Introduction to Polymer Chemistry contains sufficient coverage of kinetics and thermodynamics to qualify as an advanced course for the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training approval process. It also fulfills the advanced course requirements of the ACS for the chemistry major, offering a solutions manual for qualifying course adoptions.

INTRODUCTION TO POLYMERS
History of Polymers
Why Polymers?
Today’s Marketplace
POLYMER STRUCTURE (MORPHOLOGY)
Stereochemistry of Polymers
Molecular Interactions
Polymer Crystals
Amorphous Bulk State
Polymer Structure–Property Relationships
Crystalline and Amorphous Combinations
MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF POLYMERS
Introduction
Solubility
Average Molecular Weight Values
Fractionation of Polydisperse Systems
Chromatography
Colligative Molecular Weight Techniques
Light-Scattering Photometry
Other Techniques
Viscometry
NATURALLY OCCURRING POLYMERS
Polysaccharides
Cellulose
Cellulose-Regenerating Processes
Esters and Ethers of Cellulose
Starch
Other Polysaccharides
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Naturally Occurring Polyisoprenes
Lignin
Melanins
Polymer Structure
Genetic Engineering
DNA Profiling
STEP-REACTION POLYMERIZATION (POLYCONDENSATION REACTIONS)
Comparison Between Polymer Type and Kinetics of Polymerization
Introduction
Stepwise Kinetics
Polycondensation Mechanisms
Polyesters and Polycarbonates
Synthetic Polyamides
Polyimides
Polybenzimidazoles and Related Polymers
Polyurethanes and Polyureas
Polysulfides
Polyethers
Polysulfones
Poly(ether ether ketone) and Polyketones
Phenolic and Amino Plastics
Synthetic Routes
Liquid Crystals
Microfibers
IONIC CHAIN-REACTION AND COMPLEX COORDINATION POLYMERIZATIONS (ADDITION POLYMERIZATIONS)
Chain-Growth Polymerizations — General
Cationic Polymerizations
Anionic Polymerizations
Stereoregularity and Stereogeometry
Polymerization with Complex Coordination Catalysts
Soluble Stereoregulating Catalysis
Polyethylenes
Polypropylene
Polymers from 1,4-Dienes
Polyisobutylene
Metathesis Reactions
Zwitterionic Polymerizations
Isomerization Polymerizations
Precipitation Polymerizations
FREE RADICAL CHAIN POLYMERIZATIONS (ADDITION POLYMERIZATIONS)
Initiators for Free Radical Chain Polymerizations
Mechanism for Free Radical Chain Polymerizations
Chain Transfer
Polymerization Techniques
Fluorine-Containing Polymers
Polystyrene
Poly(vinyl chloride)
Solid-State Irradiation Polymerizations
Plasma Polymerizations
COPOLYMERIZATION
Kinetics of Copolymerization
The Q–eScheme
Commercial Copolymers
Block Copolymers
Graft Copolymers
Elastomers
Polymer Blends
Polymer Mixtures: IPNs and Alloys
Dendrites
Ionomers
ORGANOMETALLIC AND METALLOID POLYMERS
Introduction
Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms
Condensation Organometallic Polymers
Coordination Polymers
Addition Polymers
INORGANIC POLYMERS
Introduction
Portland Cement
Other Cements
Silicates
Silicon Dioxide (Amorphous)
Sol–Gel
Silicon Dioxide (Crystalline Forms): Quartz Forms
Silicon Dioxide in Electronic Chips
Asbestos
Polymeric Carbon: Diamond
Polymeric Carbon: Graphite
Internal Cyclization: Carbon Fibers and Related Materials
Carbon Nanotubes
Bitumens
Carbon Black
Polysulfur
Ceramics
High-Temperature Superconductors
 Zeolites
REACTIONS OF POLYMERS
Reactions with Polyolefines and Polyenes
Reactions of Aromatic and Aliphatic Pendant Groups
Degradation
Cross-linking
Reactivities of End Groups
Supramolecules and Self-Assembly
Transfer and Retention of Oxygen
Nature’s Macromolecular Catalysts
Mechanisms of Energy Absorption
Breakage of Polymeric Materials
SPECTROMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION AND TESTING OF POLYMERS
Spectronic Characterization of Polymers
Surface Characterization
Amorphous Region Determinations
 Thermal Analysis
Thermal Property Tests
Flammability
Electrical Properties: Theory
Electric Measurements
Weatherability
Optical Properties Tests
Chemical Resistance
RHEOLOGY AND PHYSICAL TESTS
Rheology
Typical Stress–Strain Behavior
Stress–Strain Relationships
Specific Physical Tests
ADDITIVES
Fillers
Reinforcements
Nanocomposites
Plasticizers
Antioxidants
Heat Stabilizers
 Ultraviolet Stabilizers
Flame Retardants
Colorants
Curing Agents
Antistatic Agents: Antistats
 Chemical Blowing Agents
Compatibilizers
Impact Modifiers
Processing Aids
Lubricants
Microorganism Inhibitors
SYNTHESIS OF REACTANTS AND INTERMEDIATES FOR POLYMERS
Monomer Synthesis From Basic Feedstocks
Reactants for Step-Reaction Polymerization
Synthesis of Vinyl Monomers
POLYMER TECHNOLOGY
Fibers
Elastomers
Films and Sheets
Polymeric Foams
Reinforced Plastics (Composites) and Laminates
Molding
Casting
Extrusion
Coatings
Adhesives
Conductive Polymeric Materials
Drug Design and Activity
Synthetic Biomedical Polymers
Emerging Polymers
APPENDICES
Structures of Common Polymers
Syllabus
Polymer Core Course Committees
Comments on Health
ISO 9000 and 14000
Symbols
Web Information
*Each chapter contains a summary, a glossary, a guide to further reading, and exercises