Introduction to Polymers, Third Edition

I've got a number of books on polymers, from the basics, to the more technical aspects of their chemistry, processing, and behavior. This is still my first go to reference when I need to look something up. It's an introductory guide, yes, but it provides a good amount of depth on most topics as well.I think what I like most about this book is how it's written. It's extremely easy to read, with concepts explained in clear English without any unnecessary wording. It's very straight forward and easy to understand, even for those not wholly familiar with the science.The book covers the majority of topics you'll need to know, including definitions and nomenclature, a all the different synthesis methods, different methods of characterization, the different structures seen, and an excellent chapter on the mechanical properties and behavior, including deformation mechanisms.I'd recommend this to any budding materials science student, whether or not it's required reading. Often times I found myself coming to this book rather than the required text, simply for ease of reading or to better familiarize myself with the concept before trying to work through the (often times) poorly worded required text.

Knocks me out like a light :), passed the class and now it’s my favorite paperweight

This book is a great textbook about Polymers. I previously have no serious background in chemistry but I still can follow the book very well. The material presented is well selected and the ordering of chapters is well organized. The printing and the page layout feels great. (Actually I deeply believed that this is the way textbook should be designed. Those colored organic chemistry textbooks are just way too distracting!!). Overall, I believe this is a great textbook on the topic of Polymeric materials.

Has great background knowledge and is informative. But if your look for industry specifications, it won't have what you're looking for.

Very useful text for beginning study of polymers. It approaches the subject from a chemistry standpoint and is useful for looking up reactions. I find it easier to read and study from than Odian's Principles of Polymerization. I would recommend this book with Polymer Chemistry by Heimenz and Lodge for anyone taking polymer courses or starting in polymer research. Using the two texts together gives you a nice overview of important points in polymer chemistry and engineering and gives useful examples of real world problems.

For the amount of content and diversity of polymer topics at the paperback price this is a great value. When the title says "Introduction", you must accept that it won't have every topic in detail. That said, I think there is more meat to it than the Stevens text.

I have used this text successfully in one of my courses. I found that it is up-to-date on current polymer synthesis techniques, and does a good job of developing the key concepts in polymer physical chemistry, polymerization mechanisms and kinetics. The problems at the end of each chapter are good homework exercises to challenge the students to understand the material more fully.

I must say this is one of the best texts for polymer chemistry and physics. End of chapter problems are challenging but not impossible. My only complaint is about the materials used in making the book. Poor grade of glue and ink results in pages falling out from the book and text smears just from light touching.