The critically acclaimed first edition provided undergraduate students with a much-needed, well-rounded presentation of the principles and applications of natural, synthetic, inorganic, and organic polymers. Continuing that tradition, this second edition also addresses environmental concerns and green polymeric materials, including biodegradable polymers and microorganisms for synthesizing materials. It covers synthesis and polymerization reactions, reactivities, techniques for characterization and analysis, energy absorption and thermal conductivity, physical and optical properties, and practical applications. The text also provides a test bank with answers for qualifying instructors.