Non-isothermal Processes and Methods of Investigation in the Chemistry and Mechanics of Polymers

We shall discuss kinetic processes relevant to the chemistry and the mechanics of polymers in which the internal evolution of heat (due to exothermic reactions or to dissipative deformation) exceeds the ability of the system to transfer heat to its surroundings, so that the chemical reaction or the mechanical process occurs under non-isothermal conditions at a rate which is dependent on temperature. Processes of this type include: non-isothermal polymerisation (in a batch or a flow reactor), thermal phenomena during the cyclic deformation, extension, and external friction of polymers, and flow under conditions of dissipative heating. We shall describe the common features of all these phenomena, their characteristics, and their most important consequences from the standpoint of research and technology. 164 references.