Synthetic polymers make excellent specimens for light microscopy. Despite this, the use of the technique, at least in its advanced forms, is not so widespread as might be expected. Although reliable and relevant data are difficult to find and quantify, it seems that in other fields of materials science and technology there is a greater readiness to tum to the microscope in research, in industrial problem solving, or for quality assessment and control. It also seems that the reasons for the present situation are partly historical, partly the result of the structure of the plastics and rubber industries, and partly the education and training background of senior staff who tend to be chemistry or engineering based. In neither field does light microscopy feature strongly in the basic training. The primary aim of this book is to provide some insight into the range oflight microscopy techniques applicable to polymeric specimens, and to highlight typical applications to commercial polymers and polymer products. Where appropriate, the optical techniques involved are discussed in some detail. However, it has not been the intention to produce a light microscopy textbook dealing with the principles and design of the basic instrument. Many such texts are available, and selected examples are cited in the reference list at the end of most chapters.

This companion volume to “Fundamental Polymer Science” (Gedde and Hedenqvist, 2019) offers detailed insights from leading practitioners into experimental methods, simulation and modelling, mechanical and transport properties, processing, and sustainability issues. Separate chapters are devoted to thermal analysis, microscopy, spectroscopy, scattering methods, and chromatography. Special problems and pitfalls related to the study of polymers are addressed. Careful editing for consistency and cross-referencing among the chapters, high-quality graphics, worked-out examples, and numerous references to the specialist literature make “Applied Polymer Science” an essential reference for advanced students and practicing chemists, physicists, and engineers who want to solve problems with the use of polymeric materials.

This extensively updated and revised Third Edition is a comprehensive and practical guide to the study of the microstructure of polymers. It is the result of the authors' many years of academic and industrial experience. Introductory chapters deal with the basic concepts of both polymer morphology and processing and microscopy and imaging theory. The core of the book is more applied, with many examples of specimen preparation and image interpretation leading to materials characterization. Emerging techniques such as compositional mapping in which microscopy is combined with spectroscopy are considered. The book closes with a problem solving guide.

Low molar mass organic materials and polymers exhibit a range of physical properties that are dependent on their ability to undergo self organisation. The degree and extent of the molecular organisation depends on a complex interplay of inter and intra molecular interactions. Polymer Structure Characterization: From Nano to Macro Organization discusses in a systematic fashion the way in which molecular interactions influence observed morphologies. Topics include: organic crystals, liquid crystals, plastic crystals, polymer morphology, polymer crystallization, amorphous glassy materials, polymer surfaces, polymer phase separation and structure, and a brief introduction to organisation in naturally occurring materials. This textbook is primarily aimed at polymer and material scientists but would also be of interest to chemists and physicists studying the properties of organic materials. It provides complimentary material for a range of courses in materials science, molecular chemistry and chemical physics.

A practical guide to the study and understanding of the structure of synthetic polymer materials using the complete range of microscopic techniques. The major part of the book is devoted to specimen preparation and applications. New applications and additional references provide a critical update.

A textbook aimed at polymer and material scientists, but also of interest to chemists and physicists studying organic materials.