Fundamentals of Polymer Engineering

Exploring the chemistry of synthesis, mechanisms of polymerization, reaction engineering of step-growth and chain-growth polymerization, polymer characterization, thermodynamics and structural, mechanical, thermal and transport behavior of polymers as melts, solutions and solids, Fundamentals of Polymer Engineering, Third Edition covers essential concepts and breakthroughs in reactor design and polymer production and processing. It contains modern theories and real-world examples for a clear understanding of polymer function and development. This fully updated edition addresses new materials, applications, processing techniques, and interpretations of data in the field of polymer science. It discusses the conversion of biomass and coal to plastics and fuels, the use of porous polymers and membranes for water purification, and the use of polymeric membranes in fuel cells. Recent developments are brought to light in detail, and there are new sections on the improvement of barrier properties of polymers, constitutive equations for polymer melts, additive manufacturing and polymer recycling.

This textbook is aimed at senior undergraduate students and first year graduate students in polymer engineering and science courses, as well as professional engineers, scientists, and chemists. Examples and problems are included at the end of each chapter for concept reinforcement.

Anil Kumar received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. He has been Professor of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kanpur since 1980, and has taught there since 1972. He is author of 10 books and 194 papers in international journals. Prof. Kumar serves as a consultant for RS Enterprises, Kanpur, India.

Rakesh K. Gupta is George B. & Carolyn A. Berry Professor and Department Chair of Chemical Engineering at West Virginia University, where he has been teaching since 1981. He received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Delaware. He is the author of five books as well as many book chapters and journal papers. Before coming to WVU, he taught at the State University of New York at Buffalo for 11 years. He has also worked briefly for the Monsanto and DuPont Companies, and he serves at technical advisor to the Polymers Alliance Zone of West Virginia. His research is focused on polymer rheology, polymer processing and polymer composites. He is a member of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization.