The basic concept of this new edition remains unchanged: Emphasis is again put on a broader description of the general methods and processes for the synthesis, modification and characterization of macromolecules. These more fundamental chapters will be supplemented by 115 selected and detailed experiments. In addition to the preparative aspects the book also gives the reader an impression on the relation of chemical constitution and morphology of Polymers to their properties, as well as on their application areas. Thus, an additional textbook will not be needed in order to understand the experiments. The 4th edition nevertheless contains numerous changes: Chapter 1 and 2 are enlarged, 15 older examples have been replaced by new ones and background text is added. Suitable for students in organic and polymer chemistry as well as for chemists in industry who want to acquaint themselves with the theoretical and practical aspects of macromolecular chemistry. From the reviews: "This is an excellent book for all polymer chemsits engaged in synthesis research studies and education. It is educationally sound and has excellent laboratory synthetic examples.
The fundamentals are well done for the teaching of students and references are resonably up-to-date. As in previous issues, there are sections dealing with an introduction; structure and nomenclature; methods and techniques for synthesis, characterization, processing and modification of polymers...The authors have noted the following changes from previous editions- a new section on correlayions of structure, morphology and properties; revision and enlargement of other property and characterization procedures; additional new experiments such as controlled radical polymerization; enzymatix polymerizations; microelmulsions; and electrical conducting polymers. This is a high quality textbook at a reasonable price and should be considered as a suitable references for all engaged in synthetic areas of polymer research." (Eli M. Pearce)