The Institute of Chemical Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences has become one of the world's premiere centers for studies of polymeric materials; in use, during processing, and in harsh environments. The Institute's focus is on commercially available materials and their modifications to improve performance through advanced theoretical analysis and implementation of experimental results. Selected papers from the Institute have been incorporated into five sections-Stabilization and Degradation, Biochemistry , Photochemistry, Rheology and Flame Retardancy-and should provide invaluable background to producers of polymeric materials.