This text deals from a fundamental viewpoint with the behaviour of polymers at surfaces and interfaces. Topics covered include the nature and properties of the surface of a polymer melt, the structure of interfaces between different polymers and between polymers and non-polymers, the molecular basis of adhesion, and the properties of polymers at liquid surfaces. Emphasis is placed on the underlying physical principles. Statistical mechanics models of the behaviour of polymers near interfaces are introduced, with the emphasis on theory that is tractable and applicable to experimental situations. Advanced undergraduates, graduate students and research workers in physics, chemistry and materials science with an interest in polymers will find this book of value.

‘Research in polymer-bearing interfaces has been fueled by the availability of very sensitive experimental tools and by strong industrial interest in nanotechnology and cybernetics. Two of the leading researchers in this very active and significant research area of polymers at interfaces, Richard Jones of the University of Sheffield and Randal Richards of the University of Durham, have summarized the current status of the field in their excellent book, Polymers at Surfaces and Interfaces … The exciting aspect of this book for me was its clear summary of key experimental tools and theoretical concepts and its excellent analyses of measured data in different situations involving surfaces and interfaces. As an instructor of graduate level courses in polymer physics, I find that this book fills a long-standing void in the area of polymers at interfaces. I recommend this book for graduate students and researchers who would like to learn the fundamentals of macromolecular concepts in the exciting area of polymers at interfaces.’

Murugappan Muthukumar Source: Physics Today

‘This book is an excellent introduction into the very complex subject of the interaction of polymers at surfaces and interfaces from a fundamental point of view. It is coherent and comprehensive. this book should be considered a valuable and needed addition to the library of graduate students of macromolecular chemistry and physics and for those actively carrying out research in the field.’

Thomas J. Heinze Source: Polymer News

‘The result is a generally readable book that meets these aims and which should be useful to all workers in this field whatever their background. … I highly recommend it to any Ph.D. students working either theoretically or experimentally with polymers.’

Helen E. Hermes Source: Chemistry in Britain