The book brings together the detailed knowledge of structure and morphology of the main classes of polymers, including commodities as well as special polymers, with the explanation of the mechanical properties, processes and mechanisms on macroscopic, microscopic and nanoscopic scale. Description, explanation and theoretical interpretation of all of the micro- and nanoscopic processes and mechanisms in different polymers constitute the central part the book. Thus, it offers a key for a better understanding of structure-property-correlations of nearly all polymers of interest in industrial applications. A central aim of the book is to show, how by changing the morphology, microprocesses and, finally, the mechanical properties can be improved. There is no other book available on the market, which is focused on micromechanical processes of polymers and their role to improve the properties of polymeric materials.
Prof. Dr. habil. Goerg H. Michler worked for many years as a physicist and materials scientist in research institutes, in the chemical industry and at universities. He is professor of general materials science at the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg and founded an Institute of Polymeric Materials. His research interests focus on the structure-property correlations of polymeric materials, the improvement of mechanical properties based on nanostructure and morphology.
Prof. Dr. Francisco J. Baltá-Calleja studied physics and spent many years as a visiting professor in various international institutes. He is professor of physics at the Institute for Structure of Matter, CSIC, Madrid, and founder of the Centre of Physics at CSIC in Madrid. His research interests focus on interrelating structure, processing, dynamic changes and properties of advanced polymers.
