1st Edition

Plastics Fundamentals, Properties, and Testing

By Manas Chanda, Salil K. Roy Copyright 2008
    280 Pages 137 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Derived from the fourth edition of the well-known Plastics Technology Handbook, Plastics Fundamentals, Properties, and Testing covers the behavior, characterization, and evaluation of polymers. With a lucid approach and wealth of valuable information, this volume looks at the remarkable versatility of this nonmetallic class of materials.

    Examining polymers at the molecular level, the book first discusses their inherent properties and how their end-use properties can be influenced through changes in the molecular architecture or incorporation of various fillers and additives. The authors coherently present a wide spectrum of topics by sequentially introducing structural aspects, properties, and applications. They then proceed to explore the mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermal properties of polymers, providing theoretical derivations where necessary as well as explanations on molecular and structural features. To identify the principles involved, the book also furnishes the bases of many standard test methods according to ASTM and BS 2782 specifications.

    Characteristics of Polymers
    What Is a Polymer?
    Molecular Weight of Polymers
    Polymerization Processes
    Configurations of Polymer Molecules
    Conformations of a Polymer Molecule
    Polymer Crystallinity
    The Amorphous State
    Structural Shape of Polymer Molecules
    Thermal Transitions in Polymers
    Designing a Polymer Structure for Improved Properties
    Cross-Linking of Polymer Chains
    Solubility Behavior of Polymers
    Effects of Corrosives on Polymers
    Thermal Stability and Flame Retardation
    Deterioration of Polymers
    Stabilization of Polymers
    Metal Deactivators
    Light Stabilizers
    Light Stabilizers for Selected Plastics
    Diffusion and Permeability
    Polymer Compounding
    Plasticizers
    Antistatic Agents
    Flame Retardants
    Smoke Suppressants
    Colorants
    Antimicrobials
    Toxicity of Plastics
    Plastics Properties and Testing
    Introduction
    Mechanical Properties
    Reinforced Plastics
    Electrical Properties
    Optical Properties
    Thermal Properties
    Identification of Common Plastics
    Appendices
    Conversion of Units
    Index of Trade Names, Manufacturers, and Suppliers of Antioxidants
    Index of Trade Names, Manufacturers, and Suppliers of Metal Deactivators
    Index of Trade Names, Manufacturers, and Suppliers of Light Stabilizers
    Formulations of Flame-Retarded Selected Thermoplastics
    Index of Trade Names and Suppliers of Flame Retardants
    Harmonic Motion of a Maxwell Model
    Index
    References appear at the end of each chapter.

    Biography

    Manas Chanda, Salil K. Roy