214 Book reviews

transfer interaction in aromatic polyimides. Chapter 5describes the synthetic method giving photosensitivity to apolyimide precursor, the mechanism of photosensitivity, andthe inÑuence of the photosensitizing technique on Ðlm proper-ties. Chapters 6 and 7 deal with the details of structure andmolecular designs of various types of photosensitive poly-imides and their precursor systems, whilst the strategy for theelectron beam lithography of polyimides and their moleculardesign is discussed in Chapter 8. Chapter 9 reviews technol-ogies for processing of polyimides widely used in the elec-tronic industries, together with related topics for bothordinary and photosensitive materials. The Ðnal chapterreviews recent progress in the development and use of poly-imides for photonic applications with emphasis being given toactive electro-optic switching applications.

This book will help the reader to understand the presentsituation and appreciate future possibilities for photosensitivepolyimides in microelectronics and photonics.

F. Schue�

Polypropylene handbookEdited by Edward P. Moore, Jr.Carl Hanser, Munich, 1996.pp. 439, price, DM198.00, US$136.00.ISBN 3-446-18176-8

The Polypropylene handbook has been compiled from contri-butions drawn from the Montell Company formed by amerger between Shell and Himont polypropylene (PP) inter-ests in April 1995. It is divided into three parts : the material,the business, and the future. The Ðrst part covers the historyand development of catalysts, together with polymerizationkinetics. The structure and morphology of the di†erent PPtypes is clearly described as is the morphology of rubbermodiÐed PP. The use of additives enabling the stabilizationand processability of PP is thoroughly discussed together withthe compounding of PP with rubber and Ðllers. Properties aredescribed, but mechanical properties are dealt with rathersuperÐcially. More detailed attention to engineering aspectssuch as fracture and deformation could have been given.

The business section covers the market growth, the patentposition, PP manufacture, fabrication processes and applica-tions, plus a necessary but indigestible section on regulations.The item on manufacture of PP would have been betterplaced in the Ðrst section, next to polymerization. It is excel-lent practice to have a section on business in such a hand-book, outlining the link between catalyst development andmarket opportunities. Due attention is paid to recycling,energy recovery and disposal. The Ðnal part deals with the

future, forecasting further development in the area of metallo-cene catalysts and alloy processes to produce speciality pro-ducts.

This handbook is strongly inÑuenced by the Montellculture, but it is also dedicated to Professor Giulio Natta whoÐrst prepared polypropylene in 1954. Apart from severalannoying features, poor black and white photographs, lack ofspeciÐc test methods and the odd error, such as “HDPE isdeÐcient in melt strengthÏ, this handbook gives an excellentinsight for polymer scientists into the development andgrowth of PP as it is today.

W. J. Allwood

Standard pressure–volume–temperature data for polymersP. Zoller and D. J. Walsh.Technomic Publishing AG, Basel, 1995.pp. ix] 412, price, SFr466.00.ISBN 1-56676-328-2

There are many reasons why the polymer processing engineeror polymer physicist might need a source of pressureÈvolumeÈtemperature data. This compilation presents a selection ofdata obtained using a GNOMIX PBT apparatus. It is there-fore not a collection of averaged measurements obtained by avariety of workers and authenticated via standardizationorganizations, but of results obtained on materials, mostlyfrom commercial sources, measured by the group at ColoradoUniversity.

Unfortunately the detail of molar mass and molar mass dis-tribution are very often absent meaning that the data givenare less valuable : another disappointing feature is that it isquite clear in some of the data that very strange features areobserved, certain of which are clearly artefacts of the Ðttingprograms rather than real experimental observations. A smallnote added to the data would be helpful for those unfamiliarwith the systems being measured. The book contains data onhydrocarbons, hydrocarbon polymers, ethylene polymers, sty-renics, acrylics, polyacrylonitrile and copolymers, other CwCmain chain polymers, polyethers, polyamides, polyesters,various main chain aromatics, blends and miscellaneous poly-mers. One polymer well represented in this latter group, iscalled starch triacetate, but with no further information itraises the question as to what this material really is. Becauseof these deÐciencies of deÐnition and some of the ambiguitiesin relation to the presentation of data, the book is of less valuethan it otherwise could be.

R. A. Pethrick

POLYMER INTERNATIONAL VOL. 44, NO. 2, 1997