Introduction to Polymer Science BT - Rubber Technology

Abstract

Polymer science is concerned with the composition and properties of a large number of substances classed as “polymers,” which include rubbers, plastics, and fibers. The meaning of the term “polymer” will become clear during the course of this chapter, but it does involve some understanding of basic chemistry. The science of chemistry concerns itself with the composition of matter and with the changes that it undergoes. To the layman, the methods and processes of chemistry appear quite baffling and difficult to comprehend. Yet these are essentially based on a simple, logical development of knowledge about the substances which comprise our physical world. Since this book is not intended exclusively for readers trained in chemistry, the subject of polymer chemistry will be developed from the type of first principles comprehensible to anyone.