The study of the relationship between the structure, morphology and properties of polymer films has significantly progressed in recent years through the use of a number of phyiscal techniques - some new and some old. These methods include small and large angle x-ray diffraction, bire fringence, light scattering, infrared dichroism, fluorescence polarization, light and electron microscopy and interferrometry. This collection of papers, most of which were presented at a symposium at the Boston American Chemical Society Meeting in April, 1972, represent a collection of recent studies using many of these methods by some of the leading scientists in their fields. It is evident that these various techniques permit the study of various aspects of film structure such as crystal structure and orientation, amorphous orientation, the interrelation of crystalline and amorphous regions in lamellar, fibrillar, and spherulitic superstructure and the relationshi. p of these structural variables to the mechanical and optical properties of the films. Film structure is sufficiently complex that a complete understanding of the relationship between structure and properties will come from the employment of a combination of several of these methods. vii CONTENTS Optical Studies of the Morphology of Polymer Films ••• • • 1 Richard S. Stein Light Scattering by Oriented Native Cellulose Systems 25 R. H. Marchessault Superstructure in Films of Bio and Biorelated Small Angle Polymers as Noted by 39 Light Scattering • • Garth L.

The first concern of scientists who are interested in synthetic polymers has always been, and still is: How are they synthesized? But right after this comes the question: What have I made, and for what is it good? This leads to the important topic of the structure-property relations to which this book is devoted. Polymers are very large and very complicated systems; their character ization has to begin with the chemical composition, configuration, and con formation of the individual molecule. The first chapter is devoted to this broad objective. The immediate physical consequences, discussed in the second chapter, form the basis for the physical nature of polymers: the supermolecular interactions and arrangements of the individual macromolecules. The third chapter deals with the important question: How are these chemical and physical structures experimentally determined? The existing methods for polymer characterization are enumerated and discussed in this chapter. The following chapters go into more detail. For most applications-textiles, films, molded or extruded objects of all kinds-the mechanical and the thermal behaviors of polymers are of pre ponderant importance, followed by optical and electric properties. Chapters 4 through 9 describe how such properties are rooted in and dependent on the chemical structure. More-detailed considerations are given to certain particularly important and critical properties such as the solubility and permeability of polymeric systems. Macromolecules are not always the final goal of the chemist-they may act as intermediates, reactants, or catalysts. This topic is presented in Chapters 10 and 11.

Manufacturing and Novel Applications of Multilayer Polymer Films discusses the advancements in multilayer technology, including its capability to produce hundreds of layers in a single film by a melt coextrusion process. These engineered films can have significantly enhanced performance properties, allowing films to be made thinner, stronger, and with better sealing properties. As recent developments in feedblocks and materials have opened up a range of new possibilities, this book discusses different feedblocks, and viscosity and material considerations. It is the first comprehensive summary of the latest technology in multilayer film processing and related applications, and is written from a practical perspective, translating research into commercial production and real world products. The book provides fundamental knowledge on microlayer coextrusion processing technology, how to fabricate such structures, structure and properties of such microlayers, and potential applications, thus helping research scientists and engineers develop products which not only fulfill their primary function, but can also be manufactured reliably, safely, and economically. Provides a fundamental knowledge of microlayer coextrusion processing, including how to fabricate microlayer structures, the properties of microlayers, and potential applications, including optics, polymer film capacitors, and semiconductors Includes an in-depth analysis of all technologies used for producing multilayered films and structures by coextrusion processing Thoroughly assesses potential future trends in multilayer coextrusion technology, thus enabling engineers and scientists to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly advancing area

The study of the relationship between the structure, morphology and properties of polymer films has significantly progressed in recent years through the use of a number of phyiscal techniques - some new and some old. These methods include small and large angle x-ray diffraction, bire fringence, light scattering, infrared dichroism, fluorescence polarization, light and electron microscopy and interferrometry. This collection of papers, most of which were presented at a symposium at the Boston American Chemical Society Meeting in April, 1972, represent a collection of recent studies using many of these methods by some of the leading scientists in their fields. It is evident that these various techniques permit the study of various aspects of film structure such as crystal structure and orientation, amorphous orientation, the interrelation of crystalline and amorphous regions in lamellar, fibrillar, and spherulitic superstructure and the relationshi. p of these structural variables to the mechanical and optical properties of the films. Film structure is sufficiently complex that a complete understanding of the relationship between structure and properties will come from the employment of a combination of several of these methods. vii CONTENTS Optical Studies of the Morphology of Polymer Films ••• • • 1 Richard S. Stein Light Scattering by Oriented Native Cellulose Systems 25 R. H. Marchessault Superstructure in Films of Bio and Biorelated Small Angle Polymers as Noted by 39 Light Scattering • • Garth L.