Materials Science Series – serie

This work sets out to provide an up-to-date account of the physical properties and structure of polymers in the glassy state. Properties measured above the glass transition temperature are therefore included only in so far as is necessary for the treatment of the glass transition process. This approach to the subject therefore excludes any detailed account of rubber elasticity or melt rheology or of the structure and conformation of the long chain molecule in solution, although knowledge derived from this field is assumed where required. Major emphasis is placed on structural and mechanical properties, although a number of other physical properties are included. Naturally the different authors contributing to the book write mainly from their own particular points of view and where there are several widely accepted theoretical approaches to a subject, these are sometimes provided in different chapters which will necessarily overlap to a significant extent. For example, the main theoretical presentation on the subject of glass transition is given in Chapter 1. This is supplemented by accounts of the free volume theory in Chapter 3 and in the Introduction, and a short account of the work of Gibbs and DiMarzio, also in Chapter 3. Similarly, there is material on solvent cracking in Chapters 7 and 9, though the two workers approach the subject from opposite directions. Every effort has therefore been made to encourage cross-referencing between different chapters.

It has become increasingly evident that there is much to begained from a detailed understanding of the structure and properties of polymers in the oriented state. This book reftects the growth of interest in this area of polymer scienceand attempts to give the reader an up to date viewofthe present position. The individual chapters are for the most part self­ contained, and cover a very wide range of topics. It is intended that each of them should serve the dual purpose of an expository introduction to the subject and a topical review of recent research. It is inevitable that there will be differences of style and approach in the contributions from the different authors. No atternpt has been made to moderate these differences, as they serve to illustrate the diversity of approaches required to give the reader a balanced view of the subject. I should like to thank the contributors for their endeavours, and especially for their patience in accepting modifications and corrections which make for consistency in the book as a whole. 1 am particularly indebted to Professor Leslie Holliday who originally approached me with the proposition that such a book would be a worthwhile venture and to the publishers who have given me every assistance in making its progress as painless as possible.