Charting the revolution in polymer chemistry.

Semiconducting polymers is a humdinger of a book! Covering the chemistry, physics and engineering of semiconductors, it comprises 16 chapters contributed by 41 people writing about their fields of expertise. It was edited by Prof G Hadziioannou and Dr PE van Hutten both of the Department of

As discussed in the foreword, the science and technology of conducting polymers are inherently interdisciplinary, falling at the intersection of chemistry, physics and engineering. The macromolecular molecules involved are synthesised by organic chemistry, their electronic structure and properties fall within the domain of condensed matter physics, and their processing into useful products (such as electronic and optoelectronic devices) requires input from engineering.

The opportunity to synthesise new conjugated polymers with improved properties and the subsequent development of stable, processible metallic polymers, has led a new class of materials. These exhibit a unique combination of properties: the electronic and optical properties of metals and semiconductors in combination with the processing advantages and mechanical properties of polymers.

`As a result of the remarkable progress in the chemistry, physics and engineering (device physics) of semiconducting and metallic polymers, we are now witnessing the beginning of a revolution in `Plastic Electronics', it is noted.

This book summarises progress in areas of current activity within the field and will provide a summary and review of the field that will be useful and important to anyone seeking a strong background in the basic interdisciplinary science and an up-to-date view of the current status of research.

This is not a book for the faint hearted, but its presentation, with its numerous graphs and tables and copious references, would make required reading for graduates involved in, or interested in, the state-of-art of this particular frontier of science.

G Hadziioannou and P F Hutten (Eds), Semiconducting Polymers - Chemistry, Physics and Engineering' 631 pp, Wiley, price 140 [pounds sterling].