6: Organic Nanomaterials: Polymers in the Solid State Check Access

Chapter 6 explores the use of polymers in their solid state, which comprises the majority of their applications. It builds upon the previous section that focused on the study of polymers in solution and examines how the structure of polymer molecules affects the properties of solid polymers. The chapter discusses the crystalline and amorphous phases of polymers, their mechanical properties, the effect of the glass transition temperature (T_g), and stress–strain behavior. It also draws an analogy to metal deformation. The chapter explains how polymers, with their varied thermal and mechanical properties, are essential components of various everyday and advanced products.