Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Polymer Science / 1
1.1 Introduction / 1
1.1.1 Writing Formulas for Polymeric Macromolecules / 1
1.1.2 Properties of Macromolecules / 3
1.1.3 Three Factors that Influence the Degree of Crystallinity / 4
1.1.4 Regio and Stereo Isomerization in Macromolecules / 6
1.2 Synthesis of Addition Polymers / 7
1.2.1 Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization / 8
1.2.2 Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization / 10
1.2.3 Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization / 10
1.2.4 Ziegler-Natta Catalytic Polymerization / 11
1.3 Copolymers / 12
1.3.1 Addition Copolymerization / 12
1.3.2 Block Copolymerization / 13
1.4 Condensation Polymers / 13
1.4.1 Characteristics of Condensation Polymers / 13
1.4.2 Thermosetting vs. Thermoplastic Polymers / 16
1.5 Structure-Property Relationship / 17
1.5.1 Linearity, Branching and Networking / 17
1.5.2 Molar Cohesion, Polarity and Crystallinity / 18
1.5.3 Role of Molecular Symmetry / 18
1.5.4 Role of Chemical Modification in Effecting Internal Plasticization / 19
1.5.5 Copolymerization and Internal Plasticization / 19
1.5.6 Effect of Inclusion of Flexible Inter-unit Linkages and Rigid Bulky Groups / 19
1.5.7 Effect of Temperature / 21
1.5.8 Survey of Deformation Patterns in the Amorphous State / 21
1.5.9 Transitions and Rubbery and Flow Regions / 22
1.5.10 Property Demand and Polymer Applications / 23
1.6 The Age of Plastics / 25
1.7 The Law of Unintended Consequences / 26
1.8 Recycling and Disposal / 27
1.9 Biodegradable Polymers / 29
Chapter 2 Plastics and Plasticizers / 33
2.1 Plasticizers: an Introduction / 33
2.2 Early Plasticizers / 34
2.3 Theory: Mechanism of Plasticizer Effect on the Polymer / 34
2.4 Phthalate Plasticizers / 35
2.5 The Phthalate Plasticizer Market / 35
2.6 Health Issues in the Use of Phthalate Plasticizers: Are They Safe? / 37
2.6.1 Evidence? / 38
2.6.2 What’’s Being Done in the Meantime? / 39
2.7 Health or Hype? / 39
2.8 Plastics in Packaging / 40
2.8.1 Introduction / 40
2.8.2 Types of Plastics Used in Packaging / 42
2.8.3 Plastic vs. the Alternatives / 48
2.8.4 Reusing Plastic Packaging / 49
2.8.5 Recycling Plastic Packaging / 49
2.8.6 Conclusion / 51
Chapter 3 Polymer Materials Used in Automobiles / 53
3.1 Introduction / 53
3.2 Uses of Polymer Materials in an Automobile / 53
3.2.1 Fuel Tank / 53
3.2.2 Exterior / 55
3.2.3 Interior / 58
3.2.4 Polymers in Car Engine Manifolds and Power Trains / 59
3.2.5 Conclusion / 60
3.3 Car Tires / 61
3.3.1 Introduction / 61
3.3.2 Tire Production / 62
3.3.3 The Chemistry of Tires / 65
3.3.4 Brass Wire Adhesion / 67
3.3.5 Disposal and Recycling of Used Tires / 69
3.3.6 Tread Separation Problem Overview / 69
3.3.7 Lawsuit Against Firestone and Ford Motor Co. / 71
3.3.8 Conclusion / 72
3.4 Kapton(r) Wiring / 72
3.4.1 Introduction / 72
3.4.2 Properties of Kapton(r) / 74
3.4.3 Uses of Kapton(r) / 74
3.4.4 Degradation of Kapton(r) and Other Polymers / 76
3.4.5 Insulation Requirements for Wires / 77
Chapter 4 Polymer Materials in Medicine / 79
4.1 Introduction / 79
4.2 Polymer Materials in Medicine / 80
4.2.1 A Brief History of Polymer Materials in Medicine / 80
4.2.2 Cellophane / 81
4.2.3 PGA, PLA, and PLGA / 82
4.2.4 Polydimethyl Siloxane (PDMS) / 83
4.2.5 Polyethylene and Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) / 84
4.2.6 Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) / 84
4.2.7 Polyurethane / 85
4.2.8 Conclusion / 86
4.3 Contact Lens Polymers / 86
4.3.1 The History of Contact Lenses / 87
4.3.2 How Contact Lenses Work / 87
4.3.3 Why Do People Wear Contact Lenses / 88
4.3.4 Biocompatibility and Contact Lens Comfort / 89
4.3.5 Manufacturing of Contact Lenses / 90
4.3.6 Hard Contact Lenses / 91
4.3.7 Soft Contact Lenses / 93
4.3.8 Problems Caused by Contact Lens Use / 94
4.3.9 Conclusion / 95
4.4 Silicone Implants / 95
4.4.1 History / 96
4.4.2 Silicone Implants / 96
4.4.3 Advantages / 97
4.4.4 Disadvantages / 97
4.4.5 Concerns / 99
4.4.6 Companies Involved in the Production of Silicone Breast Implants / 100
4.5 Tablet Coating / 100
4.5.1 Drug Release Paterns / 101
4.5.2 Types of Coatings / 103
4.5.3 Polymers Used for Film-Coatings (Film Formers) / 104
4.5.4 Equipment / 106
4.5.5 The Coating Process / 109
4.5.6 Spray Variables / 112
4.5.7 Formulation of Polymeric Coatings / 116
