This volume contains papers presented at Symposium 5C, 'New Trends in Polymer Chemistry and Characterization' of the XXIII International Materials Research Congress organized by the Sociedad Mexicana de Materiales A. C. in collaboration with the Materials Research Society (MRS), USA, which was held from 17-21 August 2014 in Cancun, Mexico. The symposium was devoted to fundamental and technological applications of polymeric materials, and continued the tradition of providing a forum for scientists from various backgrounds with a common interest in the development and use of polymeric materials...