A Little Book About Big Chemistry ─ The Story of Man-Made Polymers

The brief explains in simple terms the essentials of polymer chemistry and how polymers came to be discovered by pioneers in this field. It relates the many uses of polymers, including those not widely recognised by the lay person. The chemistry of polymerisation and the influence of chemical structure and additives on properties are described. Ethical issues are considered, especially in the context of huge tonnages of plastics. Finally short paragraphs on more than 30 common polymers are listed chronologically with chemical structures, properties and applications. It will appeal to those with connections to or within the plastics, rubber and textile industries, science students, members of other science disciplines using polymers, as well as people just curious to know about everyday plastics.

Derek James Rowland (aka Jim) Massy worked mainly in industrial polymer research, with an emphasis on surface coatings and textile chemicals. Following an uninvited early retirement, he studied further at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and gained a PhD in 1986. Thereafter he spent his time doing organic synthesis of varied types in pharmaceutical research and at the UEA until a more normal retirement age beckoned.