This book covers polymerisation and polymers at a basic level, with emphasis on the delineation of the concepts and their relevance in practical terms. Highlighting the attractive features of polymers as engineering materials, it should appeal to those involved in learning and teaching as well as those working in the polymer-related industry. Topics include polymerisation, production methods for polymers and physical, mechanical and thermal properties. As a textbook it can be covered in two halves, concentrating on polymer-chemistry and polymer-physics related topics.

1. Introduction
   1. History of the development of polymers
   2. Why a clear understanding of material is important?
   3. What can be achieved by appropriate selection of polymer-based materials?
   4. What makes polymers versatile?
2. Polymerisation
   1. Polymerisation mechanisms
   2. Polymerisation processes
   3. Polymerisation reactors
   4. Catalysts
   5. Molecular weight and molecular weight distributions
   6. Self-assessment questions
   7. Polymer processing
   8. Concept of rheology
   9. Processing and forming thermoplastics
   10. Processing and forming thermosetting polymers
   11. Self-assessment questions
3. Microstructure
   1. Stereoregularity
   2. Morphology in semi-crystalline thermoplastics
   3. Degree of crystallinity
   4. Crosslinking
   5. Copolymer arrangements
   6. Domain structures
   7. Degree of molecular orientation
   8. Self-assessment questions
4. Behaviour of polymers
   1. Degradation of Polymers
   2. Viscoelasticity
   3. Relaxation transitions
   4. Self-assessment questions
5. Mechanical properties
   1. Introduction
   2. Tensile properties
   3. Flexural properties
   4. Compressive properties
   5. Shear properties
   6. Hardness
   7. Impact properties and fracture toughness
   8. Bearing strength
   9. Environmental stress cracking
   10. Fatigue and wear
   11. Self-assessment questions
6. Thermal properties
   1. Differential scanning calorimetry
   2. Thermogravimetric analysis
   3. Thermomechanical analysis
   4. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis
   5. Determination of softening temperature
   6. Self-assessment questions
7. References