Polymer Science Experiments

"Explains how to use the scientific method to conduct several science experiments with plastics and polymers. Includes ideas for science fair projects"--Provided by publisher.

Do all polymers melt? What does a chain of polymer atoms look like? Which cups insulate hot drinks best? Using easy-to-find materials and the scientific method, student scientists can learn the answers to these questions and more. For students interested in competing in science fairs, this book contains great suggestions and ideas for further experiments.

Successful characterization of polymer systems is one of the most important objectives of today's experimental research of polymers. Considering the tremendous scientific, technological, and economic importance of polymeric materials, not only for today's applications but for the industry of the 21st century, it is impossible to overestimate the usefulness of experimental techniques in this field. Since the chemical, pharmaceutical, medical, and agricultural industries, as well as many others, depend on this progress to an enormous degree, it is critical to be as efficient, precise, and cost-effective in our empirical understanding of the performance of polymer systems as possible. This presupposes our proficiency with, and understanding of, the most widely used experimental methods and techniques.This book is designed to fulfill the requirements of scientists and engineers who wish to be able to carry out experimental research in polymers using modern methods. Each chapter describes the principle of the respective method, as well as the detailed procedures of experiments with examples of actual applications. Thus, readers will be able to apply the concepts as described in the book to their own experiments. Addresses the most important practical techniques for experimental research in the growing field of polymer science The first well-documented presentation of the experimental methods in one consolidated source Covers principles, practical techniques, and actual examples Can be used as a handbook or lab manual for both students and researchers Presents ideas and methods from an international perspective Techniques addressed in this volume include: Light Scattering Neutron Scattering and X-Ray Scattering Fluorescence Spectroscopy NMR on Polymers Rheology Gel Experiments

About the Book: This book has been written keeping in view postgraduate students of chemistry in general and polymer science/polymer chemistry in particular. The book will solve difficulties faced by chemists working in R & D, Q & A of polymer related industries, and can be used as a reference book. It is equally useful for those who do not have background of polymer chemistry but are working in the area due to shortage of hardcore polymer manpower. Since the ever expanding field of polymers requires more trained manpower (polymer chemists) than the available supply, the relevance of the book is indeed noteworthy.

This is an introductory textbook on polymer science aimed at lecturers/professors, undergraduate and graduate students of polymer science and technology courses as well as engineering (materials, chemical, civil, food, etc.), chemistry, and physics. It is also aimed at engineers and technologists. Each chapter is written starting from simple concepts and progressively getting more complex towards its end, to help the reader decide how deep to go into each topic. Each chapter also presents the solution of many proposed problems, guiding the reader to solve numerically the everyday problems polymer technologists face, by applying theoretical concepts. Additionally, at every chapter's end there is a list of problems for the reader to check his/her understanding of the topics. The book contains a list of more than 10 experiments to perform in the laboratory, linked to some of the concepts discussed in the book. It also serves as a long-term reference with many figures, diagrams, tables, chemical equations containing frequently needed information. It contains as well an appendix with a long list of chemical structures of the main commercially available polymers.

This high school textbook introduces polymer science basics, properties, and uses. It starts with a broad overview of synthetic and natural polymers and then covers synthesis and preparation, processing methods, and demonstrations and experiments. The history of polymers is discussed alongside the s