This two volume set offers a complete compendium of the methodologies employed to determine the chemical composition of polymers. Volume 1 discusses the determination of metals, non-metals, and organic functional groups in polymers, as well as copolymer monomer ratios, analysis of copolymers and homopolymers, and other modern techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, microthermal analysis, and more. Volume 2 deals with the structure and microstructure of polymers, copolymers, and rubbers. More detailed aspects of analysis, such as sequencing of monomer units in copolymers, end-group analysis, tacticity, and stereochemical determinations are also addressed.

From the Preface: “...Metals in polymers usually originate as catalyst remnants, adventitious impurities or processing chemicals, a full knowledge of which can provide useful information on the manufacturing process and source. A wide variety of techniques are now used for the determination of metals in polymers. These can be broadly divided into two groups: destructive and non-destructive techniques. The latter includes X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and neutron activation analysis. Similarly, non-metals in polymers can originate either as low levels due to processing chemicals, or at major levels originating in monomers of, for example, vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile, or hexafluoropropylene...”

Target Audience: Researchers, technologists, material specifiers, and upper level students concerned with the characterization of polymers.

Table of Contents:

Volume I:

Determination of Metals

Determination of Non-Metallic Elements

Determination of Functional Groups in Polymers

Monomer Ratios in Copolymers

Analysis of Homopolymers

Analysis of Copolymers

X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Atomic Force Microscopy and Microthermal Analysis

Multiple Technique Polymer Studies

Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Analysis

Appendices

Index

Volume II:

Pyrolisis — Gas Chromatography

Complementary Pyrolisis—Gas Chromatography—FTIR

Complementary Pyrolisis—Mass Spectrometry

Complementary Pyrolisis—Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry

Reaction Gas Chromatography Techniques

Sequencing of Homopolymers

Sequencing in Copolymers

Stereoisomerism and Tacticity

Regioisomerism

Branching

Block Copolymers

Types of Unsaturation

Determination of End-Groups

Index