Fundamentals of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymer Science

Book excerpt: Inorganic and organometallic polymers feature many attractive properties that are useful for the design of diverse functional materials. Emphasising concepts that inform polymer design, synthesis and applications, readers of this book will gain a complete understanding of the introduction to inorganic and organometallic polymer science that will further their studies in materials science, chemistry and engineering. The first chapter lays down the core concepts that the book builds from, including polymerisation and naming conventions. It also reveals why some organometallic polymers are better suited than organic polymers in certain applications. Subsequent chapters discuss the chemistry of metals in particular the transition metals as they relate to polymer properties, before walking the reader through in-depth chapters on synthesis, structure, properties, characterization, and examples of inorganic and organometallic polymers. The final chapter presents applications of these polymers in diverse fields ranging from biomedicine, energy to catalysis. Worked examples and exercises are provided at the end of each chapter to assist students in assessing their understanding of these concepts, and journal references are included to direct students to published literature related to inorganic and organometallic polymers. Ideal for lecturers teaching a one semester advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in polymer science, as well as for self-study researchers and industrial chemists that are working with polymers, this book provides the user with a complete and expert grounding to the field.