This third edition extends its presentation of a revolutionary methodology used to predict polymer properties, demonstrating how the methodology can be effectively applied to a much wider variety of polymer types than was previously possible. It addresses a wide range of new topics at the frontiers of multiscale modeling and methods for anticipating the morphologies and the preoperties of interfaces and multiphase materials.

Prediction of Polymer Properties examines the interplay between thermodynamic and kinetic factors in multiphase materials; presents analytical and numerical methods for predicting thermoelastic and transport properties of multiphase materials; discusses key material properties of polymers; furnishes improved methods for predicting the physical properties of polymers; supplies an extended discussion of melt viscosity with new equations for shear rate dependence; and much more.

From the Preface: “The efficient design of new polymers for many technological applications requires the prediction of the properties of candidate polymers and the use of these predictions to evaluate, screen, and help prioritize the synthesis of these candidates. The solution of these problems often requires significant extensions of existing quantitative structure—property relationships. In particular, the candidate polymers for advanced `high tech' applications requiring outstanding performance characteristics often contain exotic structural units for which the simple additive (group contribution) techniques cannot be applied...”

Target Audience: Especially valuable for scientists and engineers working on applied problems in polymer science and technology in the chemical and plastics industries — a must for every researcher using computer predictions of polymer properties.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Topological Method for Structure—Property Correlations

Volumetric Properties

Thermodynamic Properties

Cohesive Energy and Solubility Parameter

Transition and Relaxation Temperatures

Surface Tension and Interfacial Tension

Optical Properties

Electrical Properties

Magnetic Properties

Mechanical Properties

Properties of Polymers in Dilute Solutions

Shear Viscosity

Thermal Conductivity and Thermal Diffusivity

Transport of Small Penetrant Molecules

Thermal Stability

Extensions, Generalizations, Shortcuts, and Possible Directions for Future Work

Detailed Examples

Morphologies of Multiphase Materials

Properties of Multiphase Materials

Glossary: Symbols and Abbreviations

Appendix

Index