Techniques for Polymer Organization and Morphology Characterisation
edited by R.A. Pethrick
and C. Viney

The volume describes analytical methods used in the analysis of macromolecular materials and elucidation of their structure. The main emphasis is on discussion of the experimental basis of the techniques covered.

The chapters are tutorial in nature, are extensively referenced and represent a significant source of information on the application of these techniques within the context of polymer science. The contents reflect recent advances in the applications of analytical techniques for polymer charaterisation.

Techniques for Polymer Organization and Morphology Characterisation will be appropriate for postgraduate and research polymer chemists who are concerned with the study and use of macromolecular materials. The techniques described reflect some of the recent advances made in the development of methods for characterisation and sizing of molecules in solution and solid phases.

Contents

1. Characterisation of Molecular Organisation in Polymeric Materials
   • Introduction
   • Molecular Scale Characterisation
   • Characterisation of Local Order
   • Supermolecular Organisation
   • Morphology
   • Microtomy
   • Basic Transmitted Light Microscopy
   • Origins of Birefringence
   • Ultraviolet, Fluorescence, Infrared and Raman Microscopy
   • Other Morphological Features that can be Observed in Polymeric Materials
   • Orientation and Cold Drawing of Polymers
   • Environmental Stress Crazing and Fracture Surfaces
   • Surface Structure of Polymers
   • Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) or X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
   • Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy
   • FTIR Imaging
   • X-ray Fluorescence Lighting

2. X-ray Diffraction from Crystalline Polymers
   • Introduction
   • Theory
   • Experimental Techniques
   • Phase Identification
   • Cell Parameters
   • Crystalline Perfection
   • Orientation
   • Structure Determination

3. Specimen Preparation for TEM of Polymers
   • Introduction
   • Individual Lamellae
   • Microtomy
   • Staining
   • Etching
   • Postscript

4. The Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope and its Applications
   • Introduction
   • The Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope
   • Applications
   • Secondary Electron Charge Induced Contrast
   • Beam Damage
   • Conclusions
   • Appendix: Theory of Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy

5. Electron Diffraction to Characterize Hierarchically Assembled Biological Systems
   • Introduction
   • Equipment and Techniques
   • Electron-Sample Interactions
   • Assessing Sample Damage
   • Data Collection with High Voltage Electrons
   • Cryoelectron Diffraction and Ice
   • Protocols
   • Computer Modeling
   • Electron Diffraction Application Areas
   • Conclusions

6. Neutron Scattering
   • Introduction
   • What Makes Neutrons So Useful?
   • The Basic Principles of Neutron Scattering
   • Experimental Considerations
   • Small Angle Neutron Scattering Measurements
   • Examples of Applications
   • Conclusions

7. Modelling the Hierarchical Structure of Synthetic Polymers
   • Computer Modelling
   • Hierarchical Structure
   • Molecular Modeling
   • Energy Determination
   • Modelling of Polymer Chains
   • Microstructural Modelling
   • Modelling the Macroscale
   • Conclusions

Index

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