Principles of Polymer Chemistry

Polymer chemistry is a sub-discipline of chemistry that focuses on the chemical synthesis, structure, chemical and physical properties of polymers and macromolecules. The principles and methods used for polymer chemistry are common to chemistry sub-disciplines organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry. Many materials have polymeric structures, from fully inorganic metals and ceramics to DNA and other biological molecules, however, polymer chemistry is typically referred to in the context of synthetic, organic compositions. Synthetic polymers are ubiquitous in commercial materials and products in everyday use, commonly referred to as plastics, rubbers, and composites. Polymer chemistry can also be included in the broader fields of polymer science or even nanotechnology, both of which can be described as encompassing polymer physics and polymer engineering.

CONTENTS

Preface

1.    Introduction

2.    Properties of Polymers

3.    Step-Growth Polymerization

4.    Polymer degradation

5.    Radical polymerization

6.    Cationic polymerization

7.    Anionic addition polymerization

8.    Ring-opening polymerization

9.    Synthetic macromolecules

10.    Common Chain Growth Polymers

Bibliography