Provides the tools needed to master and apply the fundamentals of polymer crystallography Using core concepts in physics, chemistry, polymer science and engineering, this book sheds new light on the complex field of polymer crystallography, enabling readers to evaluate polymer crystallization data and determine the best methods to use for their investigations. The authors set forth a variety of tested and proven methods for analyzing ordered and disordered structures in polymer crystals, including X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and microscopy. In addition to the basics, the book explores several advanced and emerging topics in the field such as symmetry breaking, frustration, and the principle of density-driven phase formation. Crystals and Crystallinity in Polymers introduces two new concepts in crystallinity and crystals in synthetic polymers. First, crystallinity in polymeric materials is compatible with the absence of true three-dimensional long-range order. Second, the disorder may be described as a structural feature, using the methods of X-ray scattering and electron diffraction analysis. The book begins by introducing the basic principles and methods for building structural models for the conformation of polymer crystal chains. Next, it covers: Packing of macromolecules in polymer crystals Methods for extracting structural parameters from diffraction data Defects and disorder in polymer crystals Analytical methods for diffuse scattering from disordered polymer structures Crystal habit Influence of crystal defects and structural disorder on the physical and mechanical properties of polymeric materials Crystals and Crystallinity in Polymers examines all the possible types of structural disorder generally present in polymer crystals and describes the influence of each kind of disorder on X-ray and electron diffraction patterns. Its comprehensive, expert coverage makes it possible for readers to learn and apply the fundamentals of polymer crystallography to solve a broad range of problems.

Liquid crystal polymers are sometimes called super polymers--with good reason. Their wide range of exceptional properties and ease of processing make them design candidates for many demanding applications. This new book provides a thorough review of LCP technology with the emphasis on the chemistry, synthesis and characterization of the material in its many variants. Additional chapters cover processing and applications. From the Editor's Preface The field of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers has grown substantially in the last two decades, with fundamental research, publications, commercial products, and patents. In the 1980's, Dr. Ralph Miano led my colleagues and me at Hoechst Celanese in commercializing the first thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers, based on Dr. Gordon Calundann's composition patents. Today, more than seven companies have produced thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer materials, with at least 50 variants available. Hence, it is timely to compile a comprehensive review on the nature of this type of material and the ongoing progress in this field.... The goals of this book are to summarize previous work, provide new insights into this class of polymers, and add to the understanding of the formation of liquid crystallinity. This book covers a wide range of topics and addresses different disciplines in the field. The chapters are arranged as a learning scheme for the professional, from basic science to applied engineering. The first few chapters summarize the syntheses of various polyester, polyester-amid, and polyimide liquid crystalline polymers. The science and origins of liquid crystal formation are revealed. Next, we introduce the characterizations of these materials by their different chemical and physical aspects. Because most commercially available thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers have been used in the form of composites, we have also incorporated a chapter on polymer blends, detailing blending mechanisms and resultant properties. Two chapters on thermosetting liquid crystalline polymers integrate them with other topics, because of their unique importance and their applications for microelectronics and packaging. The final chapter deals with the engineering and processing aspects of thermoplastic liquid crystalline polymers for a variety of applications.

This book introduces various applications of liquid crystalline polymers as the emerging new class of high performance novel materials. The authors detail the advantageous properties of these LCs including optical anisotropic, transparency and easy control over structure. This interdisciplinary work includes valuable input from international projects with special focus on the use of liquid crystalline polymers and/or nanocomposites.

Thoroughly updated, Introduction to Polymers, Third Edition presents the science underpinning the synthesis, characterization and properties of polymers. The material has been completely reorganized and expanded to include important new topics and provide a coherent platform for teaching and learning the fundamental aspects of contemporary polymer science. New to the Third Edition Part I This first part covers newer developments in polymer synthesis, including ‘living’ radical polymerization, catalytic chain transfer and free-radical ring-opening polymerization, along with strategies for the synthesis of conducting polymers, dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers and block copolymers. Polymerization mechanisms have been made more explicit by showing electron movements. Part II In this part, the authors have added new topics on diffusion, solution behaviour of polyelectrolytes and field-flow fractionation methods. They also greatly expand coverage of spectroscopy, including UV visible, Raman, infrared, NMR and mass spectroscopy. In addition, the Flory–Huggins theory for polymer solutions and their phase separation is treated more rigorously. Part III A completely new, major topic in this section is multicomponent polymer systems. The book also incorporates new material on macromolecular dynamics and reptation, liquid crystalline polymers and thermal analysis. Many of the diagrams and micrographs have been updated to more clearly highlight features of polymer morphology. Part IV The last part of the book contains major new sections on polymer composites, such as nanocomposites, and electrical properties of polymers. Other new topics include effects of chain entanglements, swelling of elastomers, polymer fibres, impact behaviour and ductile fracture. Coverage of rubber-toughening of brittle plastics has also been revised and expanded. While this edition adds many new concepts, the philosophy of the book remains unchanged. Largely self-contained, the text fully derives most equations and cross-references topics between chapters where appropriate. Each chapter not only includes a list of further reading to help readers expand their knowledge of the subject but also provides problem sets to test understanding, particularly of numerical aspects.

We are surrounded by polymers: Whether it's to prepare a meal, use computer keyboards and mousepads, or step onto a new playground, you'll encounter a plastic product made of polymers. Owing to the extraordinary range of properties accessible in polymeric materials, they play an essential and ubiquitous role in everyday life - from plastics and elastomers on the one hand to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins that are essential for life on the other. This desktop and library reference book provides a comprehensive yet concise overview of the materials, manufacture, structure and architecture, properties, processing, and applications of withing the field of polymers. The book offers a unique mix of theory and application, the essential personal reference for anyone studying or working within the field of polymers.

The techniques which are particularly relevant to polymer characterisation are evaluated in this new report. For each technique the author describes the method of operation and the output obtained, and then considers its application to polymer characterisation. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database provides useful references for further reading.

In the context of polymer crystallization there are several still open and often controversially debated questions. The present volume addresses issues such as novel general views and concepts. It presents new ideas in a connected and accessible way. The intention is thus not only to provide a summary of the present state-of-the-art to all active works but to provide an entry point to newcomer and graduate students entering the field.

In 1959, about 1400 compounds forming liquid crystalline phases were known; by 1992, this number had increased to about 50 000. In portable devices like wristwatches, pocket caculators, measuring instruments, and laptop computers the liquid crystal display technology has gained total acceptance and is on the way to encompass the market of colour TV screens. This development makes a volume devoted to liquid crystals in the series Topics in Physical Chemistry desirable. Following the concept of this series, an easy introduction to liquid crystals is given, enabling the reader to understand the basic problems of liquid crystals research and application. Because of the widespread field of different research activities in liquid crystals and applications, various competent authors have been involved in writing chapters on: - Phase types, structures, and chemistry of liquid crystals; - Thermodynamical behavior and physical properties of thermotropic liquid crystals; - Liquid crystalline polymers; - Lyotropic liquid crystals; - Application of liquid crystals in spectroscopy; - Application of liquid crystals in display technology.

This textbook consists of six chapters. The first chapter highlights the concept of liquid crystals, including chemical structure, phase classification, defect and texture, and continuum theory. It has been carefully written to meet the needs of readers who do not specialize in liquid crystals. The second chapter is related to the theoretical description of liquid crystalline polymers, networks, and gels, which deals with subjects such as the formation of liquid crystallinity in the polymer system, the phase transition and phase diagram, the molecular weight effect, chain conformation, physics properties, etc. In Chapter 3, the molecular engineering of liquid crystalline polymers is introduced. The molecular composition and the molecular weight play essential roles in the molecular design, which are reviewed in detail. In addition, some unusual liquid crystalline polymers are discussed. Chapter 4 is devoted to the phase identification of liquid crystalline polymers. The techniques involved cover polarizing microscopy, thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and other areas. Chapters 5 and 6 summarize the properties and applications of liquid crystalline polymers: Chapter 5 deals mainly with mechanical performance in fiber and composites; Chapter 6 presents the elasticity, viscosity and rheology of liquid crystalline polymers, as well as other important properties.

Describes the theory and practice of infrared and Raman spectroscopy as applied to the study of the physical and chemical characteristics of polymers. Its purpose is to give the beginning researcher in the field a firm foundation and a starting point for the study of more advanced literature. To this end the book concentrates on the fundamentals of the theory and nomenclature, and on the discussion of well-documented illustrations of these fundamental principles, including many now-classic studies in the subject. No previous knowledge of either polymers or vibrational spectroscopy is assumed.