This book is the scientific proceedings of the 32nd International Symposium on Macromolecules (MACRO 88), held under the auspices of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, in Kyoto, Japan. It describes the current status of the progress of polymer science research. In addition to fundamental chemistry and physics of polymer science, high performance polymers and functional polymers, which are essential bases of the so-called `advanced technologies' are emphasised in this book.

Polymers are used in everything from nylon stockings to commercial aircraft to artificial heart valves, and they have a key role in addressing international competitiveness and other national issues. Polymer Science and Engineering explores the universe of polymers, describing their properties and wide-ranging potential, and presents the state of the science, with a hard look at downward trends in research support. Leading experts offer findings, recommendations, and research directions. Lively vignettes provide snapshots of polymers in everyday applications. The volume includes an overview of the use of polymers in such fields as medicine and biotechnology, information and communication, housing and construction, energy and transportation, national defense, and environmental protection. The committee looks at the various classes of polymersâ€"plastics, fibers, composites, and other materials, as well as polymers used as membranes and coatingsâ€"and how their composition and specific methods of processing result in unparalleled usefulness. The reader can also learn the science behind the technology, including efforts to model polymer synthesis after nature's methods, and breakthroughs in characterizing polymer properties needed for twenty-first-century applications. This informative volume will be important to chemists, engineers, materials scientists, researchers, industrialists, and policymakers interested in the role of polymers, as well as to science and engineering educators and students.

In 1974, as we approached the National Bicentennial and the Centenary of the American Chemical Society, Professor Otto Vogl, then Chairman of the Division of Polymer Chemistry, arranged a very special symposium dedicated to a review of the history of the Divi sion. It was an extraordinary occasion which included remarks by Professors Herman Mark, Charles Marvel, William Bailey, and Charles Overberger, all past Chairmen of the Division. The Executive Committee of the Division of Polymer Chemistry felt that 1976 deserved even more attention since it was to be also the 25th, the Silver Anniversary, of the Division of Polymer Chemis try. This year would be a most appropriate one not only to review milestones in our discipline, but also to look to the future. It was decided to undertake this volume and Dr. R. D. Ulrich agreed to serve as editor in assembling the collected papers. It is the hope of the officers of the Division that this volume will serve many purposes - a reference text, a record, and a source of perspective. F. E. Bailey Chairman (1976) Division of Polymer Chemistry American Chemical Society vii Contents R. D. Ulrich - The History of the ACS Division 1 of Polymer Chemistry, Inc. Bovey F. A. 31 F. R. Eirich 53 J. D. Ferry 63 P. J. Flory 69 Huggins M. L. 99 L. Mandelkern 113 123 H. F. Mark • C. S. Marvel 133 B. Maxwell 143 .