Publisher's Synopsis
High performance materials are the actual vehicle of technological progress, and in this respect traditional materials such as aluminium and steel have begun to give way to polymers and ceramics. At present, the state of the art in high performance polymers is achieved through a base of knowledge that has been accumulated over the past few decades, and is well founded. Further progress in this field necessarily demands extraction and evaluation of fundamentals upon which new developments can be achieved.<p>This book is intended as a comprehensive basic reference source which covers fundamental principles upon which high performance properties are attained and evaluated in polymer systems. It contains ten chapters written by international specialists in their fields. The treatment bridges macromolecular phenomena and continuum manifestations. Super molecular organizational character is considered in glassy, semi-crystalline and liquid crystalline polymers. A definitive view of how the organizational behaviour of the macromolecular hierarchy evolves into a performing microstructure is presented.<p>Coupled with this treatment is a conclusive view of the manner by which such microstructural entities can be brought together to accomplish a desired performance as fibres, microlaminates or composities. Analytical procedures to assess performance are also included. These subjects are integrated to provide scientists and engineers involved in using or developing polymers for demanding applications with an overview of the founding principles upon which polymeric systems are made to perform.
