Polymer Characterization

Description

Discerning the properties of polymers and polymer-based materials requires a good understanding of characterization. This revised and updated text provides a comprehensive survey of characterization methods within its simple, concise chapters.

Polymer Characterization: Physical Techniques, provides an overview of a wide variety of characterization methods, which makes it an excellent textbook and reference. It starts with a description of basic polymer science, providing a solid foundation from which to understand the key physical characterization techniques. The authors explain physical principles without heavy theory and give special emphasis to the application of the techniques to polymers, with plenty of illustrations. Topics covered include molecular weight determination, molecular and structural characterization by spectroscopic techniques, morphology and structural characterization by microscopy and diffraction, and thermal analysis. This edition contains a new chapter on surface analysis as well as some revised problems and solutions.

The concise treatment of each topic offers even those with little prior knowledge of the subject an accessible source to relevant, simple descriptions in a well-organized format.

Contents

INTRODUCTION: PRELIMINARY SURVEY

The Purpose of Characterization

Molecular Architecture

Amorphous Polymers

Crystallizing Polymers

Survey of Characterization Techniques

References

Further Reading

MOLECULAR MASS DETERMINATION

Introduction

Primary Methods

Secondary Methods

Other Methods

Conclusions

Further Reading

Exercises

INTRODUCTION TO SPECTROSCOPIC TECHNIQUES

General Remarks

Strategy in Spectroscopic Studies

Energy Level Calculations

Properties of Electromagnetic Radiation

Double Beam Optics

Fourier Transform Spectroscopy

References

ULTRAVIOLET-VISIBLE SPECTROSCOPY

Introduction

Instrumentation

Theoretical Estimation of Electronic Energy Levels

Application to Polymers

References

VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY: INFRARED AND RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

Fundamentals of Vibrational Spectroscopy

Experimental Techniques

Applications to Polymers

Raman Analysis

Near-Infrared (NIR)

Conclusions

References

NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY

Introduction

Principles of Magnetic Resonance

Experimental Techniques

Applications of NMR to Polymers

NMR of Polymers in the Solid State

Two-Dimensional NMR

NMR Imaging

Conclusions

References

Exercises

ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY

Introduction

Basic Theory

Experimental Considerations

Polymerization Studies

Radiation Effects in Polymers

Mechanical Degradation

Thermal Degradation

Relaxation Studies

ESR Imaging

Conclusions

Further Reading

Exercises

XRAY DIFFRACTION

Introduction

Generation and Properties of X-rays

Diffraction Theory

Practical Aspects

Applications to Polymer Characterization

Conclusions

References

Further Reading

Exercises

TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY AND DIFFRACTION

Introduction

Layout of the TEM

Resolution Limitation

Electron Diffraction

Image Contrast

Operating Conditions and Procedures for Beam-sensitive Materials

Polymer Studies in TEM

Multiple Dark Field Imaging

Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM)

References

Further Reading

Exercises

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY

Introduction

Design and Operation of the SEM

Observation of Polymers in the SEM

Examples of SEM Applications with Polymers

Conclusions

Further Reading

Exercises

LIGHT OPTICAL TECHNIQUES

Introduction

Refractive Index

Birefringence

Light Microscopy

Small Angle Light Scattering

References

Further Reading

Advanced Reading

Exercises

THERMAL ANALYSIS

Introduction

Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Thermomechanical Analysis

Thermogravimetric Analysis

Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis

Dielectric Thermal Analysis (DETA)

References

DENSITY, SURFACE PROPERTIES AND NEUTRON DIFFRACTION

Density

Surface Analysis of Polymeric Materials

Chemical Analysis of the Polymer Surface

Surface Probe or Scanning Tip Microscopy

Neutron Scattering Studies

References

Further Reading

Exercises

MULTIPLE CHARACTERIZATION APPLICATIONS

The Structure of a Spherulite

Skin-core Characterization in Moulded Polymers

Weathering of Polymers

Particular Studies

Conclusions

References

THEORETICAL PREDICTIONS OF THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS

Introduction

Types of Approach Available for Modelling Polymer Physical Properties

Molecular Based Structural Additivity Calculations

Ab initio Calculations of Polymeric Properties

References

APPENDIX

INDEX

Related Subjects

1. Polymer Chemistry
2. Organic Chemistry
3. Polymeric Materials and Plastics
4. Polymer Science
5. Organic Chemistry
6. Polymers & Plastics