Polymer Characterisation

The development of new polymers and improvements to existing polymers requires accurate assesment and monitoring of each stage of the research and development process. Central to this is the detailed and precise characterization of the polymers being created or modified. This new book provides a comprehensive overview of the methods currently used for characterizing polymers. An international team of authors has been assembled to write chapters on additives in polymers, NMR characterization, vibrational spectroscopy, molecular weight determination, chromatographic methods, thermal analysis, neutron scattering and reflectometry, mechanical and rheological testing, microscopy and characterization of surfaces by XPS and SIMS. There is an emphasis on the practical application of the techniques. This book is for analysts and researchers engaged in the characterization and analysis of polymers in academic and industrial research laboratories. Advanced students in polymer chemistry, polymer technology and materials science should find the book a useful source of reference.