Polymer Morphology: Principles, Characterization, and Processing

Polymer morphology refers to the overall form of a polymer structure, the arrangement and microscale ordering of polymer chains in space. Molecular shapes and arrangement have major impact on the macroscopic properties of polymers in effect, understanding these important factors helps scientists efficiently process polymeric materials. In addition to formation processes, morphology also deals with physical properties, product performance, and the impact that process techniques have on properties. Understanding polymer morphology can ultimately help scientists achieve ideal properties and applications of polymeric materials. With a focus on structure–property relationships, Polymer Morphology: Principles, Characterization, and Processing covers structure development, theory, simulation, and processing; and discusses a broad range of techniques and methods. Divided into two parts, Principles and Methods of Characterization and Morphology, Properties and Processing, this book illustrates methods and techniques through theory and examples that aid the reader in understanding polymer morphology and how to utilize structure to determine properties and manipulate applications. The chapters in Part 1 present various methods of polymer morphology: x–ray diffraction, electron microscopy, scattering techniques, thermal analysis, imaging using atomic force microscopy,  NMR analysis and infrared spectroscopic imaging of polymeric materials. Part 2 covers structure development, theory, simulation, and processing; and features chapters on semicrystalline morphology, crystallization kinetics, surface induced polymer crystallization, microphase separation, self–assembly, phase separation, thin fim morphology, surface topography, nanomechanical mapping, deformation, processing, , and other formations. For practicing polymer scientists in academia or industry, Polymer Morphology offers a valuable one–stop reference and resource that: Provides an up–to–date, comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of polymer morphologyCovers a variety of polymers, such as homopolymers, block copolymers, polymer thin films, polymer blends, and polymer nanocompositesDescribes how polymer structure affects propertiesIllustrates major structure types and discusses a broad range of advanced and novel techniques and methods