Provides an overview of a variety of characterization methods. This book explains physical principles and gives emphasis to the application of the techniques to polymers, with plenty of illustrations. It covers topics such as molecular weight determination, molecular and structural characterization by spectroscopic techniques, and others.

Focusing on techniques specific to polymers and on those aspects that are of particular value in polymer studies, Polymer Characterization: Physical Techniques provides an overview of a wide variety of characterization methods. It covers molecular/structural characterization using spectroscopic techniques, microscopy and diffraction, thermal analysis, surface analysis, and molecular mass determination. Designed for advanced undergraduate courses, this text is also suitable for students with no prior knowledge of the subject. Each topic offers students relevant information in a concise and accessible format using simple descriptions and numerous illustrations.

"This book contains fifteen chapters and aims to give a comprehensive coverage of methods used to identify and characterize polymers. It is intended for second and third year students of Materials Science, Polymer Technology or Chemistry as well as scientists and technologists working in the polymer industry. Although designed to be self-contained, background knowledge of thermodynamics and polymer science would be useful in suing the book. ? The level of the material is entirely appropriate to the target audience, and the writing is clear and well constructed. ? Overall, this is a very good collection of materials which should allow students to generate the necessary background knowledge before proceeding to the laboratory." -Gareth Price, Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, in Physical Sciences Educational Reviews, Vol. 7, Issue I, May 2006