374 POLYMER LETTERS EDITION

Contemporary Topics in Polymer Science, Vol. 2, E. M. Pearce and J. R. Schaefgen, Eds., Plenum, New York, 1977, 316pp., $32.50

This volume is the first joint publication of proceedings for a biennial poly- mer symposium. These symposia have come to be characterized by high-qual- ity, advanced-art contributions by established leaders in the forefront area of polymer chemistry and physics. This volume thus represents an excellent benchmark for polymer research across a broad spectrum of activities. This book of some 300 pages is introduced by a contribution of Paul Flory on the subject of the molecular theory of rubber elasticity. The subjects of topo- chemical effects in chemical reactions and properties of photoconducting, metallic, and superconducting polymer crystals are also covered. Additional contributions involve polymeric liquid crystals and related studies on confor- mational transitions. The full set of 13 papers also includes several important contributions on polymer compatibility and concludes with two approaches for the use of polymers for slow release of drugs. This volume on “Contem- porary Topics in Polymer Science” thus represents an excellent set of advanced topics rather than a cohesive treatise.

Schaefgen, who edited this valuable book. We are indebted to the symposium chairmen, Professor Pearce and Dr.

Roger Porter

University of Massachusetts Boston, Massachusetts

Received March 21, 1978

Interpolymer Complexes, E. A. Bekturov and L. A. Bimendina. Nauka Alma-Ata, 1977, 264pp., Rub. 2.80 [Russian]

Chapter I treats stereocomplexes of isotactic and syndiotactic poly(methy1 methacrylates) including polymerization of methyl methacrylate on matrices of its polymer. In Chapter 11, complexes of acids, such as poly(methacry1ic acid), with nonionic polymers, e.g., poly(viny1 alcohol), are discussed. The in- teraction of biopolymers with synthetic polymers is reviewed in Chapter 111 the system of gelatin and poly(acrylic acid) being an example. The longest chapter, Chapter IV, is devoted to complexes of synthetic polyelectrolytes, such as those of polysulfonates and polyamines, and to the applications of these complexes. Present and future applications include, among others, dialy- sis membranes, substitutes for blood vessels, electroconducting films, and hu- midity indicators.

The presentation is strictly impartial, that is, the reviewers abstracted each