In the modern world, the professional activities of most chemists are directly related to high-molecular compounds - polymers. Considering the integral polymer “niche” in the production of promising hybrid materials and nanocomposites, a significant part of physicists, materials scientists, technologists and engineers should also be included in the cohort of “polymer scientists”. Today, knowledge of the theoretical foundations and practical applications of interdisciplinary polymer science is a necessary and vital component of the “baggage” of researchers and generalists. The textbook presents all essential aspects of chemistry, physical chemistry and physics of macromolecular compounds from a unified position, based on ideas about the chain nature of polymer molecules, and also examines the main trends in the development of polymer materials science. The publication summarizes many years of experience in teaching the discipline “High-Molecular Compounds” at the Department of Macromolecular Compounds of the Faculty of Chemistry of M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University and is fully consistent with the educational programs of chemical, chemical-technological and biological faculties and departments of leading domestic universities. The presentation of the theoretical foundations of the science of polymers is accompanied by a methodological complex, including examples of problem solving, test questions and assignments.

Recommended by the Educational and Methodological Department of Higher Education as a textbook for students of higher educational institutions studying in natural sciences and specialties.

ContentsGeneral ideas about polymersPolymer solutionsPolyelectrolytesStructure and mechanical properties of polymersSynthesis of polymersChemical transformations of polymersPolymer materialsList of recommended literature

Literature on thermodynamics, physical and colloid chemistry and related issues