Twelve chapters summarize recent advances in the chemistry and properties of polymers and composite materials. Presented by Monakov (Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences), Zaikov (N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences), and Dalinkevich (N.N. Semenov Institute of Chemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences), the papers are largely based on work conducted at Russian, Georgian, Ukrainian, and Byelorussian research centers. Examples of topics discussed include a cutting machine for processing of soft polymeric waste, the design and method of calculation of an acoustic extruder head for manufacturing of long polymeric profile products, and macromolecular effects in the reactions of polyvinylchloride destruction. Annotation : 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).