This comprehensive review covers essential terms, concepts, theories, and experimental data concerning polymer—polymer and polymer—nonpolymer combinations; the theory and importance of polymer surfaces and interfaces; and a variety of engineering polymer materials and systems, including specific applications.

Emphasizing synthesis and mechanical behavior throughout, Polymeric Multicomponent Materials: An Overview treats all relevant chemical and physical aspects of both thermoplastics and thermosets. It provides in-depth coverage of most polymeric multicomponent materials currently being synthesized, including toughened plastics, reinforced elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, graft and block copolymers, and reinforcing and filling agents. Applications for impact-resistant plastics, structural copmposites, coatings, carbon black-reinforced elastomers, and fiber-reinforced plastics are also explored.

From the Preface: “...Here, I must confess one of the secrets of why I write books: It is a form of self-education. I laid out a map of current readings for me to do, conferences to participate in, people to speak with, and so on. This, indeed, was 80-90% of the work of preparing the book...Of course, there is another important reason why I wrote this book: No modern text covering the basics of the field seemed to exist. There was nothing to teach from except notes. It was obvious that professionals also lacked a modern book for an introduction to the field...”

Target Audience: Professionals and upper-level students in polymer science and engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, and mechanical engineering.

Table of Contents:

Fundamental Relationships:

Basic Concepts in Multicomponent Polymer Materials

Modeling Multicomponent Polymer Behavior

Fracture Behavior

Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces:

Basic Principles and Instruments

Polymer Chains at Surfaces and Interfaces

Strengthening the Interface

Surfaces of Advanced Composite Systems

Selected Engineering Polymer Materials:

Rubber Toughening of Engineering Plastics

Block Copolymers and Thermoplastic Elastomers

Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

Overview and Future

Index