Polymer Structures — Chapter 14 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering
Polymer Structures — Chapter 14 Summary from Callister’s Materials Science and Engineering Chapter 14 of Materials Science and Engineering by William D. Callister, Jr. and David G. Rethwisch explores the molecular foundations and structural diversity of polymers. This chapter explains how the arrangement, size, and configuration of polymer chains determine physical and mechanical properties—shaping everything from flexible plastics to high-strength composites. Understanding polymer structures is crucial for engineering materials with tailored performance for countless applications. Watch the full podcast-style summary below, and subscribe to Last Minute Lecture for chapter-by-chapter study guides to foundational materials science textbooks! What Are Polymers? Polymers are large macromolecules composed of repeating structural units (mers) derived from monomers. They can be natural (wood, rubber, cotton) or synthetic (plastics, synthetic fibers), and their versatility h...