Cellular plastics or plastic foams, also referred to as expanded or sponge plastics, generally consist of a minimum of two phases, a solid-polymer matrix and a gaseous phase derived from a blowing agent. The solid-polymer phase may be either inorganic, organic or organometallic. There may be more than one solid phase present, which can be composed of polymer alloys or polymer blends based on two or more polymers, or which can be in the form of interpenetrating polymer networks (I PNs) which consist of at least two crosslinked polymer networks, or a pseudo- or semi-1 PN formed from a combination of at least one or more linear polymers with crosslinked polymers not linked by means of covalent bonds.

Other solid phases may be present in the foam in the form of fillers, either fibrous or other shaped fillers which may be of inorganic origin, e.g., glass, ceramic or metallic, or they may be polymeric in nature. Foams may be flexible or rigid, depending upon whether their glass- transition temperatures are below or above room temperature, which, in turn, depends upon their chemical composition, degree of crystallanity, and degree of crosslinking. Intermediate between flexible and rigid foams are semi-rigid or semi- flexible foams. The cell geometry, i.e., open vs. closed cell, size and shape, greatly affect the foam properties.

This book is intended to be a source of practical up-to-date information on all types of plastic foams (cellular plastics) in current use, including the newer structural plastic foams. Elastomeric (rubber-like) foams are also considered. The book is intended primarily for those who require a nontheoretical, authoritative, easy-to-use handbook in the subjectarea. It should be of value to materials engineers, plastics fabricators, chemists, chemical engineers, and students. Recognized authorities have written several chapters and parts of chapters in their fields of expertise.

The book is organized in such a way that information on a desired subject can be found rapidly. An unusual feature is a comprehensive listing of all known standardization documents (test methods, practices, and specifications), including some international standards. Each document includes a brief description of its contents.

Comprehensive technical treatment of the field of structural adhesive bonding.

Covering a wide range of industrial applications across sectors including medical applications, automotive/aerospace, packaging, electronics, and consumer goods, this book provides a complete guide to the selection of adhesives, methods of use, industrial applications, and the fundamentals of adhesion. Dr Ebnesajjad examines the selection of adhesives and adhesion methods and challenges for all major groups of substrate including plastics (thermosets and thermoplastics), elastomers, metals, ceramics and composite materials. His practical guidance covers joint design and durability, application methods, test methods and troubleshooting techniques. The science and technology of adhesion, and the principles of adhesive bonding are explained in a way that enhances the reader's understanding of the fundamentals that underpin the successful use and design of adhesives. The third edition has been updated throughout to include recent developments in the industry, with new sections covering technological advances such as nanotechnology, micro adhesion systems, and the replacement of toxic chromate technology.