Macromolecules is an introductory book about macromolecules, specifically about the fundamental aspects of macromolecules, such as their nature, the ways they are formed, and their behavior. This book also focuses on the basics of macromolecules, which includes history, composition, and properties. The topics covered in this book include polymerization kinetics, chemical reactions, and degradation of macromolecules. This book also discusses biological molecules, including naturally occurring materials, synthetic macromolecules, and model compounds. Students majoring in chemistry or other related fields, such as materials engineering, will find this book very useful.

Providing a broad survey of the entire field, 'Macromolecules' integrates representations of chemistry, physics and technology, as well as including precise descriptions of basic phenomena and balanced treatments of facts and theory.

The second edition of this textbook is identical with its fourth German edi tion and it thus has the same goals: precise definition of basic phenomena, a broad survey of the whole field, integrated representation of chemistry, physics, and technology, and a balanced treatment of facts and comprehen sion. The book thus intends to bridge the gap between the often oversimpli fied introductory textbooks and the highly specialized texts and monographs that cover only parts of macromolecular science. The text intends to survey the whole field of macromolecular science. Its organization results from the following considerations. The chemical structure of macromolecular compounds should be inde pendent of the method of synthesis, at least in the ideal case. Part I is thus concerned with the chemical and physical structure of polymers. Properties depend on structure. Solution properties are thus discussed in Part 11, solid state properties in Part Ill. There are other reasons for dis cussing properties before synthesis: For example, it is difficult to understand equilibrium polymerization without knowledge of solution thermodynamics, the gel effect without knowledge of the glass transition temperature, etc. Part IV treats the principles of macromolecular syntheses and reactions.

The Radiation Chemistry of Macromolecules is the first from a two-volume series aiming to contribute to the radiation chemistry in general. The chapters in this volume are divided into two major parts, where the first part deals with the basic processes and theory, while the second part tackles experimental techniques and applications to polyethylene. Part I focuses on the discussion on general principles of radiation effects; fundamental concepts on energy transfer; and the theory of free radicals. The subject of polymers is discussed thoroughly in several chapters including its molecular mobilities and electrical conductivity. Part II presents experimental techniques and a description of the radiation chemistry of a single polymer. This part also includes a discussion on the morphology of polyethylene and free radicals in irradiated polyethylene. This book is an important reference to students and scientists in the field of radiation chemistry of macromolecules.

The reception of the original volume by students, pedagogues, and reviewers has been most gratifying. It appears to have both satisfied a need and served a useful educational purpose. Hence, some ten years later it has been deemed advisable to bring it up to date, if only in a slightly expanded form. The purpose for writing this book and its level remain the same. Many new polymers have been synthesized in the last decade that have found meaningful and novel uses. Examples of these applications are included in this new edition. Major advances have also been made in biophysics and in molecular biology, as well as in our understanding of natural processes on a molecular level. Foremost among these has been the development of recombinant DNA technology. With it has come the potential for large scale synthesis of hormones and proteins. These new developments have also been incorporated into the present volume. It is my hope that this new edition will still have a widespread appeal to students in all of the natural sciences whatever their major interest. It should also be of use and inter est to those starting industrial or academic careers who have not had an extensive background in macromolecular science.

Although there is a shortage of light petroleum, there is plenty of heavy petroleum rich in macromolecules available, creating an increasing interest for processes that can convert heavy oils to light oils. Process Chemistry of Petroleum Macromolecules provides the scientific basis for such processes, presenting methods to determine improvement potential. Topics include characterization, thermal kinetics, phase behavior, and separation. Revealing that the science of petroleum macromolecules is simpler and more exciting than imagined, it also discusses macromolecules that self-associate, liquid crystalline phases, reactions triggered by phase separation, and both dispersed and dissolved solutes.

Biological Macromolecules: Bioactivity and Biomedical Applications presents a comprehensive study of biomacromolecules and their potential use in various biomedical applications. Consisting of four sections, the book begins with an overview of the key sources, properties and functions of biomacromolecules, covering the foundational knowledge required for study on the topic. It then progresses to a discussion of the various bioactive components of biomacromolecules. Individual chapters explore a range of potential bioactivities, considering the use of biomacromolecules as nutraceuticals, antioxidants, antimicrobials, anticancer agents, and antidiabetics, among others. The third section of the book focuses on specific applications of biomacromolecules, ranging from drug delivery and wound management to tissue engineering and enzyme immobilization. This focus on the various practical uses of biological macromolecules provide an interdisciplinary assessment of their function in practice. The final section explores the key challenges and future perspectives on biological macromolecules in biomedicine. - Covers a variety of different biomacromolecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids in plants, fungi, animals, and microbiological resources - Discusses a range of applicable areas where biomacromolecules play a significant role, such as drug delivery, wound management, and regenerative medicine - Includes a detailed overview of biomacromolecule bioactivity and properties - Features chapters on research challenges, evolving applications, and future perspectives