The Handbook of Polymer Testing: Physical Methods provides virtually currently used techniques for measuring and testing the physical properties of polymers. A concise but detailed technical guide to the physical testing methods of synthetic polymers in plastics, rubbers, cellular materials, textiles, coated fabrics, and composites, the book analyses a wide array of physical parameters and features complete coverage of mechanical, optical, and electrical, and thermal properties. Topics of interest include sample preparation, time-dependent properties, coated fabrics, weathering, permeability, and nondestructive testing.

Plastics and rubber materials, or polymers, are increasingly the first choice of engineers when reliable, cost-effective performance and safety are essential. The volume of polymers used in the Western economy now exceeds that of metals, which requires today's engineering students to have a thorough grounding in the properties and applications of polymeric materials. The first chapters of Engineering with Polymers explain what polymers are, how they behave, and how articles are made from them. The authors then show how the standard engineering techniques of stress analysis, structures, fluid mechanics, heat transfer and design can be adopted or adapted to cover plastics and rubber materials. The book ends with chapters detailing interactions between processing and properties, and a description of a variety of approaches to designing plastics products, from practical advice to the use or further development of theoretical principles, backed up by examples and case studies. The book is aimed at mechanical engineering students and design engineers in industry and also at materials' and chemical engineers.

Topics covered in this text include: structural aspects of polymers; molecular mobility in amorphous solid polymers; non-elastic deformation of solid amorphous polymers; mechanical experiments; interpretation of results; physical ageing of amorphous polymers; and glass transition.

Polyurethanes in Biomedical Applications studies the use of polyurethanes in implanted medical devices. This analysis describes the concepts of polymer science, the manufacture of polyurethanes, and the biological responses to implant polyurethanes, reflecting the developments in biomaterials science and the interdisciplinary nature of bioengineering.

FROM THE FOREWORD
Dr. Gruenwald has indicated the desirable properties of polymerics for differing applications; thus, his text is especially useful for polymer chemists who must "tailor" plastic materials for specific groups of applications. Engineers in extruding and calendering film and sheet will benefit from the intimate relationships elucidated between processing parameters imposed upon stocks employed in thermoforming and the products thereof. Mold designers are provided with a complete guide that will enable them to avoid the less obvious pitfalls and wasted effort so often experienced in the evolution of molds for (especially) complex parts.. Quite likely, Dr. Gruenwald's suggestions willl lead to considerable benefits to those who read and practice by this remarkable exposition of thermoforming technology.
Robert K. Jordan
Director-Metalliding Institute, Director-Engineering Research Institute, Scientist in Residence, Gannon University

Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers, the seventh volume in the Drug Delivery and Targeting book series, provides a source manual for synthetic procedures, properties and applications of bioerodible polymers. The authors describe widely available materials such as polyactides, collagen and gelatin, as well as polymers of emerging importance, such as the genetically-engineered and elastin-based polymers which are either proprietary or in early stages of development. Section I addresses synthetic absorbable polymers, and Section 2 profiles natural, semi-synthetic and biosynthetic polymers. Section 3 discusses the surface characterization of degradable polymers, the modeling of biodegradation and non-medical polymers. This book is ideal for researchers from academia and industry as well as chemists, pharmacists and physicians who deal with biopolymers, drug delivery and targeting, bioengineering and implantable devices.

The potential application areas for polymer composites are vast. While techniques and methodologies for composites design are relatively well established, the knowledge and understanding of post-design issues lag far behind. This leads to designs and eventually composites with disappointing properties and unnecessarily high cost, thus impeding a wider industrial acceptance of polymer composites.
Manufacturing of Polymer Composites completely covers pre- and post-design issues. While the book enables students to become fully comfortable with composites as a possible materials choice, it also provides sufficient knowledge about manufacturing-related issues to permit them to avoid common pitfalls and unmanufacturable designs. The book is a fully comprehensive text covering all commercially significant materials and manufacturing techniques while at the same time discussing areas of research and development that are nearing commercial reality.

Provides coverage on the full range of topics associated with polyimides, including structure, polymer fundamentals, and product areas. The text addresses both basic and applied aspects of the subject. It details the synthesis of polyimides, polyamideimides, and flourinated polyimides, explains the molecular design of photosensitive polyimides, and more.

Focuses on copolymers made from sequential block polymerizations of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and 1, 2-butylene oxide. This text presents the latest applications of polyoxyalkylene block copolymers in areas such as medicine, coal and petroleum, plastics, emulsion polymerization, paper, photography, personal care and cleaner systems. It offers in-depth coverage of the subject from synthesis and analysis to toxicology and environmental impact.

A practical study of the production and potential of multilayered plastic films This book is written for the industry professional engaged in the development, production or specification of multilayered films for packaging and other industrial applications. It will enable the reader to optimize product performance and evaluate the most cost effective solutions, with useful information on the key polymers and substrates used. Multilayer film structures provide properties and performance which could not be achieved by a single material, whilst also exploiting cheap and easily processed polymers. All three processes described can be used in their manufacture, and in combination they provide yet more options and benefits. One role of this book is to explain when each should be used. This is a practical process manual filled with useful advice for the processor seeking the optimum product, describing the effects of machine design, process variables and materials selection. There is sufficient theory for the student or industry newcomer who wishes to understand how the processes work. Designers and end-users will also find plenty of information on the properties and performance that can be obtained.

A book of business advice for small and medium sized companies engaged in the business of plastics injection molding. The custom injection molding business offers as many challenges as opportunities. It's a relatively modern manufacturing technology that has evolved extremely quickly from the 1940s to the present day. The technology is fraught with many variables in the process and materials used, and the direction of the industry will always be influenced by its diverse customer base. There are many books on the market which examine the technology, materials and markets. However, perhaps the biggest challenges for those in the business of injection molding are the "business" issues. One typical problem is that of creating a brand, to raise market awareness of your company when you don't essentially have a specific "product" that you sell directly to consumers. It can also be hard to know which customers are the "right" customers and how to sell to those customers. Molding companies are frequently small, and focused on getting today's order out through the door, rather than thinking about tomorrow or next year. This book examines these business issues and many more like them. History confirms that it's not easy. The author has thirty years experience of molding, having started in the industry before moving into trade journalism and also advising molders on sales and marketing. She has watched many companies come and go, but also observed the successes. In this concise and readable book she draws on all this experience, together with the advice she has received and provided. 17 chapters cover Managing Your Business, Understanding the Industry, Technological Challenges and Opportunities, and Planning for the Future. The book includes useful examples and case histories, together with information resources, practical suggestions, tools and action plans which can be adapted and applied in the reader's own business.

In the last few years the subject of polymer nanocomposites has become a major field of materials research, aiming to study and control the properties of materials at dimensions of a few hundred nanometres, where unique phenomena enable novel applications. Both academia and industry are investigating these materials for many potential applications. Polymer nanocomposites under optimum nanostructuring conditions have shown great improvements in mechanical, thermal, flame retardancy, gas barrier and other properties. In a rapidly advancing field there are already a number of books that examine the theory and developments in particular areas, but no book to date has addressed the current state of knowledge and diversity of applications from an industrial viewpoint. This new book from Plastics Information Direct aims to fill this gap, and demonstrate to an industrial audience the current scope and potential benefits of polymeric nanocomposite applications. The book focuses on the development of polymer nanocomposites for commercial applications, and there are contributions from the industry and academia, which will enable the reader to understand why nanocomposites are already finding applications in the automotive area, the army, aerospace applications, the wire and cable industry and other market segments. The fillers for nanocomposites, their processing and toxicology are also reviewed.

This work introduces the basic theories and experimental methods of anionic polymerization as well as the synthesis, analysis and characteristics of anionic polymerized products. It details the creation of linear and branched polymers, random and block copolymers, graft and macromonomers, and many other substances. The work emphasizes the relationship between fundamental principles and commercial applications.;College or university bookstores may purchase five or more copies at a special student price, available on request from Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Fluoropolymer Applications in Chemical Processing Industries: The Definitive User's Guide and Handbook, Second Edition, contains the most extensive collection of data and information on fluoropolymer applications in chemical processing industries. Because of their superior properties, fluoropolymers have been rapidly replacing metal alloys for corrosion inhibition in chemical processing equipment. This book is a complete compendium of information about fluoropolymer lining materials and structural piping and tubing. Fluoropolymer surfaces preserve purity of processing streams in the chemical processing, plastics, food, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and pulp and paper industries. Updated to reflect major changes since 2004, this book contains practical, problem-solving tools for professionals in those industries. Equipment manufacturers, plant operators, and product design and manufacturing engineers all will benefit from the in-depth knowledge provided. This new edition includes new fluoropolymer grades and new examples of the fluoropolymer role in preventing corrosion. New fabrication techniques have been added, and additional emphasis has been placed on adhesion and welding techniques. New sections have been added on inspection of new linings, and in-service inspection - including inspection frequency, acceptance criteria, fitness for service evaluation, and reparability.

Contents:
Contributors: Ian Connell, Ann N. Crigler, James Curran, Peter Dahlgren, Klaus Jakubowicz, Todd Gitlin, Michael Gurevitch, Suzanne Hasselbach, Mark R. Levy, Paolo Mancini, John M. Phelan, Vincent Porter, Itzhak Roeh, Colin Sparks, Liesbet van Zoonen

"Plastics - they are everywhere." The first sentence of this book hints at the problem it seeks to address. The shear diversity of plastics materials has led to their use in products as varied as disposable packaging, life-saving medical devices, giant wind-turbine blades and tiny electronic components. Their prices and properties vary as widely, and they can be moulded, extruded, blown, formed, and shaped in many other ways. Traditionally made from petrochemicals, designers can now also choose from a range of natural materials. Performance will depend on chemical constitution, but also on the selection of processing aids and property modifiers which can be added to the basic material. For years, people have asked for a simple book to help them understand this complex subject. This is that book Managers, sales personnel, industry newcomers, designers and end-users are all confronted with a bewildering range of technology and terminology by their colleagues, customers and suppliers. The Instant Expert: Plastics, Processing and Properties provides clear descriptions of the wide range of plastic materials, and explanations of the basic shaping and finishing processes. The author also talks about materials properties and testing, and provides some simple examples of why particular plastics are used in common or more challenging applications. Common abbreviations are explained. Readable from cover-to-cover, or easily referred to when questions arise, this book will be indispensible.

The second edition of this reference provides comprehensive examinations of developments in the processing and applications of carbon black, including the use of new analytical tools such as scanning tunnelling microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and inverse gas chromatography.;Completely rewritten and updated by numerous experts in the field to reflect the enormous growth of the field since the publication of the previous edition, Carbon Black: discusses the mechanism of carbon black formation based on recent advances such as the discovery of fullerenes; elucidates micro- and macrostructure morphology and other physical characteristics; outlines the fractal geometry of carbon black as a new approach to characterization; reviews the effect of carbon black on the electrical and thermal conductivity of filled polymers; delineates the applications of carbon black in elastomers, plastics, and zerographic toners; and surveys possible health consequences of exposure to carbon black.;With over 1200 literature citations, tables, and figures, this resource is intended for physical, polymer, surface and colloid chemists; chemical and plastics engineers; spectroscopists; materials scientists; occupational safety and health physicians; and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Expanding Monomers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications provides a thorough discussion of expanding polymer systems and their potential applications. The scope of the book includes background information on conventional monomers, their polymeric systems, and associated shrinkage problems. Monomers that expand during polymerization are covered in detail, including their synthesis and characterization. Polymerization (homopolymerization and copolymerization) of expanding monomers is discussed, in addition to mechanisms and kinetics of several polymerization processes, such as cationic initiation and free radical ring-opening polymerization. The book also explores various applications in which expanding polymer systems have potential. These applications include coatings, casting and potting materials, composite adhesives, and electrical insulations. Expanding Monomers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications will be valuable as a reference for manufacturers, researchers, teachers, and students in polymer and materials science, in addition to industry and university libraries.

This is a complete illustrated guide and reference to today's plastic films for packaging. All significant aspects of plastic films for packaging are clearly and concisely presented: from materials, processes and machinery to applications and regulatory, social and economic considerations. More than 70 schematics illustrate materials, processes and package constructions. More than 30 tables provide important reference data in convenient form. The authors are leading authorities on plastic packaging films with first-hand experience in the R&D of many of today's widely used films. Published in cooperation with the Institute of Packaging Professionals.

This book contains the plenary lectures from international experts, which were presented during the International Conference Polymer Networks, held in Moscow, April 1991. The book covers different areas of physics and chemistry of polymer networks, generated by the formation of chemical bonds. New theoretical and experimental results concerning the synthesis, structure and properties of such networks as recently obtained in scientific centres world-wide are extensively presented.

Welding Skills, Processes and Practices Level 2 is THE textbook to support Welding and Fabrication courses and is an ideal training tool to support assessment practice and to underpin concepts and theory. The textbook has been specifically designed to align the major awarding body qualifications in welding and metal fabrication and the comprehensive coverage crosses from techniques and design and testing right down to interpersonal skills, health and safety and customer care.

Presents the state of the art in conductive composite materials and their application in flexible strain sensors Uniquely combines the processing, structure, properties, and applications of conductive polymer composites Integrates theory and practice Benefits plastics converters who wish to take full advantage of the potential of conductive plastic materials

This comprehensive volume provides current, state-of-the-art information on specialty polymers that can be used for many advanced applications. The book covers the fundamentals of specialty polymers, synthetic approaches, and chemistries to modify their properties to meet the requirements for special applications, along with current challenges and prospects. Chapters are written by global experts, making this a suitable textbook for students and a one-stop resource for researchers and industry professionals. Key Features: - Presents synthesis, characterization, and applications of specialty polymers for advanced applications. - Provides fundamentals and requirements for polymers to be used in many advanced and emerging areas. - Details novel methods and advanced technologies used in polymer industries. - Covers the state-of-the-art progress on specialty polymers for a range of advanced applications.

Polymer Electrolytes for Energy Storage Devices, Volume I, offers a detailed explanation of recent progress and challenges in polymer electrolyte research for energy storage devices. The influence of these electrolyte properties on the performance of different energy storage devices is discussed in detail. Features: * Discusses a variety of energy storage systems and their workings and a detailed history of LIBs * Covers a wide range of polymer-based electrolytes including PVdF, PVdF-co-HFP, PAN, blend polymeric systems, composite polymeric systems, and polymer ionic liquid gel electrolytes * Provides a comprehensive review of biopolymer electrolytes for energy storage applications * Suitable for readers with experience in batteries as well as newcomers to the field This book will be invaluable to researchers and engineers working on the development of next-generation energy storage devices, including materials, chemical, electrical, and mechanical engineers, as well as those involved in related disciplines.