This book and CD-ROM software package provide an easy, straightforward technique for estimating polymer properties via simple software, permitting the user to see the effects of changing a structure, and to estimate polymer properties that may be unavailable or time-consuming to find. The ability of the software to estimate the miscibility of various polymer blends is one of its most valuable aspects.

From the Preface: “...This book is arranged to provide a comparison between the structure of different classes of materials and their attendant properties where appropriate, but largely concentrates on the structural differences between individual polymers and the resultant properties, since this is the only class of materials where data and techniques allow properties to be estimated. It is with these thoughts in mind that the accompanying software for this book was developed...”

Target Audience: Anyone involved in fundamental polymer research, new product polymer alloy development, designing and specifying polymeric materials, or investigating polymer—plasticizer miscibility.

Table of Contents:

Structural Considerations/Why Materials Differ

Morphology of Materials, Thermodynamics, and Relationship to Properties

Polymer Orientation and Rubber Elasticity

Effective Use of Spreadsheets for Scientific Application and Estimation of Materials Properties and Miscibility

Polymer Property Estimation and Estimated Properties of Selected Polymers

Molecular Forces and Volumetric Properties

Calorimetric Properties

Structure/Transition Temperature Relationships

Cohesive Properties and Solubility Parameter Concepts

Interfacial Properties

Solution Property Relationships

Optical Properties of Polymers

Electrical Properties

Magnetic Properties

Viscoelasticity and Mechanical Properties

Acoustic Properties

Rheological Properties of Polymer Melts

Transfer Properties of Materials

Formation and Decomposition Properties of Materials

Processing of Thermoplastics

Miscibility and Estimation of Polymer Blends Miscibility

Composites: Concepts and Properties

Index