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Chapter 1. Introduction to Molecular Materials

“The development of a civilization depends on new materials”

Materials Science

at the center of a tetrahedron of

physics, chemistry, theory, and engineering

Historical Development

Declining trend in world consumption of metals

Increasing trend in world consumption of polymers

Polymer

one of the most important materials to the modern society

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Commodity Polymers Plastics and rubbers: PS, PVC, PE, PP, PBD Fibers: Nylons, PET, PAn

Specialty Polymers Created to meet demands of specialized applications Small tonnage production High value added

Polymers Are Everywhere (examples of polymer products)

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Molecular Materials for Electronics and Optics

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