Thermophysical Properties of Polymers

This book covers for the first time the main aspects of the thermal physics of polymers and polymer materials. It describes the extent to which their molecular and supermolecular structure control their thermophysical behavior and provides the fundamental basis for understanding their thermophysical properties. The book is based on the general ideas of solid state physics and molecular physics. In the first part, heat capacity, thermal conductivity and diffusivity, and thermal expansion are considered. The second part deals with the thermal behavior of polymers under mechanical deformation and fracture. Both parts include a brief consideration of modern experimental techniques. A generalized thermomechanical treatment of rubberlike elasticity and elasticity of solids is given.