Principles of Polymerization

by George Odian

Publisher: Wiley-Interscience
ISBN: 0471274003

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Book Description

The large chains of molecules known as polymers are currently used in everything from "wash and wear" clothing to rubber tires to protective enamels and paints. Yet the practical applications of polymers are only increasing; innovations in polymer chemistry constantly bring both improved and entirely new uses for polymers onto the technological playing field. Principles of Polymerization, Fourth Edition presents the classic text on polymer synthesis, fully updated to reflect today's state of the art. New and expanded coverage in the Fourth Edition includes:

• Metallocene and post-metallocene polymerization catalysts
• Living polymerizations (radical, cationic, anionic)
• Dendrimer, hyperbranched, brush, and other polymer architectures and assemblies
• Graft and block copolymers
• High-temperature polymers
• Inorganic and organometallic polymers
• Conducting polymers
• Ring-opening polymer ization
• In vivo and in vitro polymerization

Appropriate for both novice and advanced students as well as professionals, this comprehensive yet accessible resource enables the reader to achieve an advanced, up-to-date understanding of polymer synthesis. Different methods of polymerization, reaction parameters for synthesis, molecular weight, branching and crosslinking, and the chemical and physical structure of polymers all receive ample coverage. A thorough discussion at the elementary level prefaces each topic, with a more advanced treatment following. Yet the language throughout remains straightforward and geared towards the student.

Extensively updated, Principles of Polymerization, Fourth Edition provides an excellent textbook for today's students of polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science, as well as a current reference for the researcher or other practitioner working in these areas.

Book Reviews

"Chemists, chemical engineers, and material scientists who want to know more about the chemistry and structural control of polymers would find extensive information in this book…" (MRS Bulletin, February 2006)

“…the most comprehensive treatment of this topic that I have encountered … an essential component of the book collection of any research group involved in polymer synthesis.” (Advanced Materials, 2005; Vol., 17; 16)

“…an excellent textbook for today’s students of polymer chemistry, chemical engineering and materials science, as well as a current reference for the researcher….” (Apollit, 2005)

"This is the fourth edition of what has not only become a classic textbook but is most useful as a reference book...the author...writes clear and precise sentences and makes what can be a dry subject interesting to read.” (E-STREAMS, October 2004)

Customer Reviews

I took a course last year in Polymer Chemistry and this text was the standard text book. It was an amazingly great reference book. This book mainly target on Polymerization synthesis and characterization. If you are interested in the mechanical properties of polymer, you should look for other one. But this is a must for all polymer chemists and material scientists who are interested in polymer processing.

I have been using this book for several years, including a term where it was the primary text for a graduate-level Introduction to Polymers course. As textbooks go, I have found this one relatively easy to read, and the concepts easy to follow. It it quite comprehensive, but assumes an undergraduate background in organic and physical chemistry. Since the course, it has been a handy reference in my research, though, as someone else noted, it is lacking in respect to living polymerizations, particularly Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization. However, Odian's work remains one of the most useful textbooks from my graduate classes.

The number of concepts covered in this book is amazing -- I learn something new with each reading. The book is also great for pointing you to the leading references in the field; although it is lacking decent coverage of living polymerization. Odian's book is not easy to read. For a chemistry book it includes relatively few chemical structures or mechanisms, so for students who don't already know chemistry it is a rather useless introduction A better introductory polymer chemistry book is by M. Stevens.

Encyclopedic and comprehensive, this text ought to be the sole reference work for undergrads and graduates in the field of polymer science.

Well, it's got everything in it, including the kitchen sink and perhaps a few forklift tires as well (crosslinked polyurethane). But, by including everything Odian crosses the gap between a textbook for students and a catalog to impress other educators. It's good for reference, but not much fun to read.