Introduction to Polymer Science

Chapter 1 is an introduction to polymer science. The definitions proposed by IUPAC are presented and they are with few exceptions used in this book. The bonds formed between different atoms within single polymer molecules and between different polymer molecules, which include both primary and secondary bonds, are described in detail. The concepts of configuration and conformation are explained together with their impact on structure. Molar mass, including definition of different averages and methods to assess molar mass, molecular architecture, including branched molecules of different types, and polymer networks, different classes of polymers, for example, homopolymers and copolymers, thermoplastics and thermosets, different polymeric materials, and transitions in polymeric materials, are concisely described. This chapter also presents a section on natural polymers, proteins, and polysaccharides, including generic property characteristics of these compounds. The history of polymer science and engineering is emphasized because we learn from history to deal efficiently with future challenges.