CHARLES E. CARRAHER Jr., PhD, is Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and is associate director of the Florida Center for Environmental Studies.

• Preface. The Building Blocks of Our World.Small Organic Molecules.Introduction to the Science of Giant Molecules.Relationships Between the Properties and Structure of Giant Molecules.Physical and Chemical Testing of Polymers.Thermoplastics.Engineering Plastics.Thermosets.Fibers.Rubbers (Elastomers)Paints, Coatings, Sealants, and Adhesives.Composites.Nature's Giant Molecules: The Plant Kingdom.Nature's Giant Molecules: The Animal Kingdom.Derivatives of Natural Polymers.Inorganic Polymers.Specialty Polymers.Additives and Starting Materials.The Future of Giant Molecules.Appendix 1. Studying Giant Molecules.Appendix 2. Electronic Web Sites.Index.

"…an exemplary book…anyone with an interest in science will find this book worth perusing.” (Journal of Metals Online, September 1, 2004) "There is almost everything about molecules which form the basis of life…in this book…there are nice and descriptive figures and tables, as well as some really interesting historical background…" (Annals of Biomedical Engineering, May 2004)"...could serve as a source guide to many general audiences..." (Polymer News)

CHARLES E. CARRAHER Jr., PhD, is Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and is associate director of the Florida Center for Environmental Studies.

• Preface. The Building Blocks of Our World.Small Organic Molecules.Introduction to the Science of Giant Molecules.Relationships Between the Properties and Structure of Giant Molecules.Physical and Chemical Testing of Polymers.Thermoplastics.Engineering Plastics.Thermosets.Fibers.Rubbers (Elastomers)Paints, Coatings, Sealants, and Adhesives.Composites.Nature's Giant Molecules: The Plant Kingdom.Nature's Giant Molecules: The Animal Kingdom.Derivatives of Natural Polymers.Inorganic Polymers.Specialty Polymers.Additives and Starting Materials.The Future of Giant Molecules.Appendix 1. Studying Giant Molecules.Appendix 2. Electronic Web Sites.Index.

"…an exemplary book…anyone with an interest in science will find this book worth perusing.” (Journal of Metals Online, September 1, 2004) "There is almost everything about molecules which form the basis of life…in this book…there are nice and descriptive figures and tables, as well as some really interesting historical background…" (Annals of Biomedical Engineering, May 2004)"...could serve as a source guide to many general audiences..." (Polymer News)

CHARLES E. CARRAHER Jr., PhD, is Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, and is associate director of the Florida Center for Environmental Studies.

• Preface. The Building Blocks of Our World.Small Organic Molecules.Introduction to the Science of Giant Molecules.Relationships Between the Properties and Structure of Giant Molecules.Physical and Chemical Testing of Polymers.Thermoplastics.Engineering Plastics.Thermosets.Fibers.Rubbers (Elastomers)Paints, Coatings, Sealants, and Adhesives.Composites.Nature's Giant Molecules: The Plant Kingdom.Nature's Giant Molecules: The Animal Kingdom.Derivatives of Natural Polymers.Inorganic Polymers.Specialty Polymers.Additives and Starting Materials.The Future of Giant Molecules.Appendix 1. Studying Giant Molecules.Appendix 2. Electronic Web Sites.Index.

"…an exemplary book…anyone with an interest in science will find this book worth perusing.” (Journal of Metals Online, September 1, 2004) "There is almost everything about molecules which form the basis of life…in this book…there are nice and descriptive figures and tables, as well as some really interesting historical background…" (Annals of Biomedical Engineering, May 2004)"...could serve as a source guide to many general audiences..." (Polymer News)