Book excerpt: The only comprehensive review of multicomponent polymer theory and applications Polymeric Multicomponent Materials is the first comprehensive review of the field to appear since the author's 1976 classic, Polymer Blends and Composites. As such, it is an indispensable resource for professionals and graduate students alike in polymer science and engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science and engineering, physics, and mechanical engineering. The book begins with a review of essential terms, concepts, theories, and experimental facts and procedures concerning polymer-polymer and polymer-nonpolymer combinations. This material is followed by a series of chapters focusing on the relatively new subfield that has developed around polymer surfaces and interfaces. In the final section, the author covers a wide range of engineering polymer materials and systems. Emphasizing synthesis and mechanical behavior throughout, Professor Sperling treats all relevant chemical and physical aspects of both thermoplastics and thermosets. He provides in-depth coverage of most polymeric multicomponent materials currently being synthesized, including toughened plastics, reinforced elastomers, polymer blends, interpenetrating polymer networks, graft and block copolymers, and reinforcing and filling agents. He also explores a broad array of specific applications, including those for impact-resistant plastics, structural composites, coatings, carbon black reinforced elastomers, and fiber reinforced plastics. Polymeric Multicomponent Materials is certain to be the standard text/reference in the field well into the next century.