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Polymers are both scientifically interesting and so useful as materials that a large fraction of practicing chemists find themselves working with polymers at some time in their careers. Unfortunately, courses in polymer chemistry are not a part of every chemist's undergraduate or graduate education so it is important to have accessible references on the fundamentals of polymer science. According to the preface of this new desk reference published by the American Chemical Society, this book is "intended to be a practical manual for the entry-level polymer scientist that, although it omits step-by-step instructions gives a firm scientific foundation of basic principles and teaches how the measurements made relate to molecular structure and thus to physical properties". Following two introductory chapters, the book has six broad sections, each of which comprises several chapters covering individual topics in polymer analysis and characterization. Each of the 26 chapters has been written by a specialist or team of specialists. The topics range from atomic and molecular composition to performance properties; together they provide an excellent general reference on polymer characterization. As in any multi-author work, the chapters vary in length, level, and quality. For example, the first chapter, "Introduction to Polymer Characterization", is a nice overview of polymers and their properties, but I was disappointed with Chapter 2, "Measurement of Molecular Weight and Molecular Weight Distribution", because I found it to be an overly cursory treatment of an important topic. Although the preface promises that the chapters present "easily accessible information", I found the long chapter on "Polymer Rheology" to be difficult even though I have a lot of background in this area. On the other hand, the next chapter on "Mechanical Properties" is an excellent introduction to the topic that the beginning polymer scientist will find both accessible and useful. The book does deliver on its promise to be comprehensive: all the important methods of polymer characterization are covered. The chapters are self contained so the reader can get an introduction to a particular subject by just reading a single 10–50 page chapter. Every chapter has a bibliography, but these also vary widely from a few general references to extensive citations to the primary literature. This is a book that belongs in the reference section of every major science library. It is the volume I would turn to first if I had a question about polymer characterization. Faculty teaching courses in polymer chemistry will also find it a valuable reference; it provides details that are not found in the usual introductory textbooks. But it is an expensive book so I would advise giving it a close look before ordering a personal copy.
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