Understanding the thermal degradation of polymers is of paramount importance for developing a rational technology of polymer processing and higher-temperature applications. Controlling degradation requires understanding of many different phenomena, including chemical mechanisms, the influence of polymer morphology, the complexities of oxidation chemistry, and the effects of stabilisers, fillers and other additives. This book offers a wealth of information for polymer researchers and processors requiring an understanding of the implications of thermal degradation on material and product performance.

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have the elastic behaviour of rubber and the processability of thermoplastics. The Freedonia Group has forecast that demand will expand by 6.4% per year to around 2.15 million tons in 2006. There is potential for these new, exciting materials to expand into the much larger thermoset rubber markets. This review includes comparisons between the two material types. There are three major types of TPE: block copolymers, rubber/plastic blends and dynamically vulcanised rubber/plastic alloys known as thermoplastic vulcanisates. The chemistry of these materials and how.

An outstanding and thorough presentation of the complete field of plastics processing Handbook of Plastic Processes is the only comprehensive reference covering not just one, but all major processes used to produce plastic products-helping designers and manufacturers in selecting the best process for a given product while enabling users to better understand the performance characteristics of each process. The authors, all experts in their fields, explain in clear, concise, and practical terms the advantages, uses, and limitations of each process, as well as the most modern and up-to-date technologies available in their application. Coverage includes chapters on: Injection molding Compression and transfer molding Sheet extrusion Blow molding Calendering Foam processing Reinforced plastics processing Liquid resin processing Rotational molding Thermoforming Reaction injection molding Compounding, mixing, and blending Machining and mechanical fabrication Assembly, finishing, and decorating Each chapter details a particular process, its variations, the equipment used, the range of materials utilized in the process, and its advantages and limitations. Because of its increasing impact on the industry, the editor has also added a chapter on nanotechnology in plastics processing.

This report discusses the different types of styrenic copolymers available in the market place today, their properties and applications. The market situation is discussed. The chemistry of these materials is outlined, together with a summary of manufacturing methods. The morphology, manufacture and properties of key materials are described. This review is accompanied by summaries of the cited papers from the Rapra Polymer Library database.

The first general texts on clay mineralogy and the practical applications of clay, written by R.E. Grim, were published some 40-50 years ago. Since then, a vast literature has accumulated but this information is scattered and not always accessible. The Handbook of Clay Science aims at assembling the scattered literature on the varied and diverse aspects that make up the discipline of clay science. The topics covered range from the fundamental structures (including textures) and properties of clays and clay minerals, through their environmental, health and industrial applications, to their analysis and characterization by modern instrumental techniques. Also included are the clay-microbe interaction, layered double hydroxides, zeolites, cement hydrates, genesis of clay minerals as well as the history and teaching of clay science. No modern book in the English language is available that is as comprehensive and wide-ranging in coverage as the Handbook of Clay Science.In providing a critical and up-to-date assessment of the accumulated information, this will serve as the first point of entry into the literature for both newcomers and graduate students, while for research scientists, university teachers, industrial chemists, and environmental engineers the book will become a standard reference text.* Presents contributions from 66 authors from 18 different countries who have come together to produce the most comprehensive modern handbook on clay science* Provides up-to-date concepts, properties, and reactivity of clays and clay minerals in a one-stop source of information* Covers classical and new environmental, industrial, and health applications of clays, as well as the instrumental techniques for clay mineral analysis* Combines geology, mineralogy, crystallography with physics, geotechnology, and soil mechanics together with inorganic, organic, physical, and colloid chemistry for a truly multidisciplinary approach

Reflecting the exceptional growth in the use of nanostructured materials for an increasing range of industrial applications, Polymer Nanocomposites Handbook comprehensively covers the synthesis of nanomaterials that act as the building blocks of polymer nanocomposites and polymers that act as matrix materials. From early history to new technologies

Polyolefin Foams are a relatively recent development compared to the other types of foam. Topics covered in this review include: processing and the properties required for successful foam production, the molecular structures necessary, the mechanical and thermal properties and how these can be used to best advantage, markets and applications. The review is accompanied by around 400 abstracts from the Polymer Library database.

Handbook of Plasticizers, Fourth Edition provides a comprehensive review of the current literature as well as cutting-edge details on plasticizers obtained from renewable resources. The book specifies the typical properties of plasticizers belonging to one of thirty-one groups, including expected properties in a given group. The mechanisms of plasticizers, plasticization production steps, and their material behavior in plasticized systems are outlined, along with theoretical background to help readers understand practical observations and methods of material improvement. Other chapters cover the effects on the physical and mechanical properties of plasticized materials, their use in polymers, processing defects formation, and more. This is an essential professional reference, providing R&D scientists, production chemists, and engineers the information they need to avoid certain plasticizers in applications where they may cause health or material durability problems. In addition, the book shows readers how and where to use plasticizers more effectively. - Provides detailed coverage of thirty-one groups of plasticizers, covering their properties, production, processing, applications, health and environmental aspects - Contains new material on odors in plastic materials and their removal - Includes expanded coverage of plasticizers from renewable resources

This comprehensive handbook provides a simplified, practical and innovative approach to understanding the design and manufacture of plastic products. It will expand the reader's understanding of plastics technology by defining and focusing on past, current, and future technical trends. The content is presented so that both technical and nontechnical readers can understand the interrelationships of materials to processes. Different plastic products are examined and their related critical factors are shown, from meeting performance requirements in different environments, to reducing costs and targeting for zero defects. Examples used include small to large, and simple to complex shapes. Information is included on static properties (tensile, flexural), dynamic properties (creep, fatigue, impact) and physical and chemical properties. Extensive reference sources and useful data and physical and chemical constants are also provided. Volume 2 offers detailed coverage of most major plastics processing techniques, including injection molding, extrusion, blow molding, and thermoforming.