About the book: The book presents both the current state of polymer science and technology, and emerging advances in the field. The author offers thoroughly updated coverage of polymers processing principles and the latest polymer applications in a wide range of industries-including medicine, biotechnology, chemicals, and electronics. In addition to synthetic polymer chemistry, the book covers polymer properties in solution and in melt, rubber, and solid states, and surveys all important categories of plastics. This edition also adds many new example calculations, homework problems, and bibliographic references. In-depth coverage includes: Polymer synthesis, including metallocene catalysis, atom-transfer radical and plasma polymerization, the use of superficial fluids, and genetic engineering Amorphous and crystalline states, transitions, and mechanical properties Characterization techniques, including new coverage of temperature-modulated DSC Polymer engineering, from theology to modelling of polymer processing operations Fundamental principles of polymer blends and composites-including up-to-the-minute discussions of nanocomposites Commodity thermoplastics and fibres, with new coverage of syndiotactic polystyrene, biopolymers, and naturally occurring polymers Engineering and specialty polymers, including dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers, amorphous Teflon, and new electrical/optical applications Membrane separations and new coverage of barrier polymers Contents