Best Polymers & Textiles Books of 2025

The Fabric of Civilization is a fascinating exploration of the history of textiles and their impact on human civilization. Virginia Postrel draws on research from archaeology, economics, and science to reveal the surprising ways textiles have driven technology, business, politics, and culture throughout history. From the wool trade of the Minoans to the silk of the Romans and the Renaissance, Postrel shows how textiles have funded empires, spread knowledge, and taught us to think in binary code. This book is a meticulously researched and engagingly written account of the world's most influential commodity, which deserves more credit for its role in human innovation.

Algae Based Polymers, Blends, and Composites is a comprehensive guide for researchers interested in the potential of algal biomass as a feedstock for sustainable materials. The book covers the chemistry, biotechnology, and materials science behind the extraction and production of useful metabolites and compounds from algal biomass. It also explores the characterization methods and processing techniques for algae-based polymers and composites. The book offers a significant contribution to the development of new polymers based on algal sources, making it a valuable resource for those in the field of extraction and processing engineering. Overall, the book provides a detailed overview of the future prospects of sustainable polymers derived from algae, blends of algae, and algae-based composites.

Mixed Media Textile Art in Three Dimensions is a must-read for anyone interested in the rapidly evolving area of three-dimensional textiles. Ann Goddard, a renowned textile artist, combines textile and non-textile elements to create eclectic works that challenge boundaries and reject categorization. The book takes a linear look at the creative process, encouraging readers to broaden their horizons in textile work. With a wealth of interesting new ideas to try, this book is a valuable resource for textile enthusiasts and artists alike.

Polymer Science and Nanotechnology: Fundamentals and Applications is a comprehensive guide that explores the latest advances in polymer science and nanoscience. The book covers key aspects of polymer science, including molecular structure, synthesis, characterization, microstructure, phase structure, and processing, before discussing the materials of particular interest and utility for novel applications. The second part of the book examines essential techniques in nanotechnology, with an emphasis on the utilization of advanced polymeric materials in the context of nanoscience. This unique guide combines the preparation of advanced polymeric materials with the use of cutting-edge nanoscience, making it an essential resource for researchers, students, and professionals alike.

The book "Principles of Heat Transfer in Porous Media" explores the principles of convective heat transfer for single- and multi-phase systems. The author summarizes the role of the fundamental mechanism, discusses the governing differential equations, describes approximation schemes and phenomenological models, and examines their solutions and applications. The book is divided into three parts, each dealing with different transfer processes. This book is an essential reference for mechanical engineering students and professionals who are interested in understanding the principles of convective heat transfer.

The Polymer Blends Handbook is a comprehensive guide covering all aspects of polymer blends, from science to engineering, technology, and applications. It features an international group of highly respected contributors, each an expert in their chosen subjects, making it an ideal reference work for anyone working in the field of blends, researchers, and engineers alike. The book is a valuable resource for those looking to deepen their knowledge of polymer blends, as it covers everything from basic principles to cutting-edge research. Overall, the Polymer Blends Handbook is an essential addition to any materials science library.

The Art of Writing Reasonable Organic Reaction Mechanisms is a must-read for intermediate organic chemistry students who want to learn how to write a reasonable mechanism for an organic chemical transformation. The author has organized the discussion by types of mechanisms and the conditions under which the reaction is executed, rather than by the overall reaction as is the case in most textbooks. The book includes practical tips, worked problems, and common error alerts. It also covers modern topics such as olefin metathesis and cycloaromatization while not neglecting traditional areas such as carbonyl chemistry. Overall, this text is an excellent resource for students seeking to master the art of writing organic reaction mechanisms.

Fibershed is a thought-provoking book that explores the impact of modern textile production on the environment and human health. The author, Rebecca Burgess, presents a compelling vision for a new textile economy that prioritizes sustainability, economic justice, and soil restoration. Through her project, she discovered that it is possible to create a regional textile economy that supports right livelihoods while preventing climate change. This book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in farming, slow-fashion, and environmental economics. Overall, Fibershed is an inspiring read that challenges readers to rethink their relationship with the clothes they wear and the impact it has on the world.

This second edition of Injection Molds for Beginners by Rainer Dangel is an informative guide for those interested in constructing an injection mold from scratch. The book covers the design procedures, techniques, and components needed, with illustrations and engineering drawings to aid in understanding. The author, a qualified mold maker with over 40 years of experience, also includes discussions on maintenance, repair, and manufacturing techniques. The updates and expanded section covering the process chain make this edition even more valuable for beginners. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in injection mold construction.

Introduction to Polymers, Third Edition, is a comprehensive guide that presents the science behind the synthesis, characterization, and properties of polymers. The book has been thoroughly updated, including new topics such as multicomponent polymer systems, nanocomposites, and electrical properties of polymers. The authors have also expanded coverage of spectroscopy, polymer morphology, and thermal analysis. The book is largely self-contained, and the text fully derives most equations, making it an excellent resource for students and professionals alike. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to the field of contemporary polymer science.