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 analys

Rapid growth and development in plastics production and application created a demand for meaningful measuring and analysis methods in polymer testing. Advances in electronic measuring techniques led to further developments in classic testing methods as well as to completely new methods, for which the first edition of Polymer Testing was written. Considerable advances in the evaluation of structure-property correlations and standardization have taken place since the first edition of Polymer Testing, so the book has been comprehensively revised. This updated edition covers the latest developments in the field, including amendments to the most important polymer testing standards. Included in this edition is essential information about damage processes and deformation mechanisms that can be discovered with the help of coupled non-destructive polymer testing methods and hybrid methods of polymer diagnostics, respectively. Numerous examples for the optimization of polymers and their composites and the assessment of component properties provide a material science focused insight into modern polymer testing. Contents: Preparation of Specimens Determining Process-Related Properties Mechanical Properties of Polymers Fracture Toughness Measurements in Engineering Plastics Testing of Physical Properties Evaluating Environmental Stress Cracking Resistance Non-Destructive Polymer Testing Hybrid Methods of Polymer Diagnostics Testing of Composite Materials Technological Testing Methods Testing of Microcomponents

Many foods depend on additives for safety, stability or preservation. Foods are packaged to protect them and keep them in good condition while they are delivered to shops, stacked on shelves or stored at home. The packaging material has to both preserve the food and to protect it from deterioration, outside contamination or damage during distribution and storage; and the packaging material in direct contact with a food must not itself harm, or be harmed by, the food. The packaging material for a particular food must therefore be carefully selected with these considerations in mind. This book is designed to help current and prospective researchers in this field, understand the theory of food safety in plastic packaging. It will be of interest to anyone who uses polymeric food packaging.

The comprehensive, practical book that explores the principles, properties, and applications of electrical polymers The electrical properties of polymers present almost limitless possibilities for industrial research and development, and this book provides an in-depth look at these remarkable molecules. In addition to traditional applications in insulating materials, wires, and cables, electrical polymers are increasingly being used in a range of emerging technologies. Presenting a comprehensive overview of how electrical polymers function and how they can be applied in the electronics, automotive, medical, and military fields, Polymers for Electricity and Electronics: Materials, Properties, and Applications presents intensive and accessible coverage with a focus on practical applications. Including examples of state-of-the-art scientific issues, the book evaluates new technologies—such as light emitting diodes, molecular electronics, liquid crystals, nanotechnology, optical fibers, and soft electronics—and explains the advantages of conductive polymers as well as their processibility and commercial uses. This book is an essential resource for anyone working with, or interested in, polymers and polymer science. In addition, appendices that detail the electrical properties of selected polymers as well as list additional ASTM and corresponding international testing standards and methods for testing electrical properties are also included.

This industrially relevant resource covers all established and emerging analytical methods for the deformulation of polymeric materials, with emphasis on the non-polymeric components. Each technique is evaluated on its technical and industrial merits. Emphasis is on understanding (principles and characteristics) and industrial applicability. Extensively illustrated throughout with over 200 figures, 400 tables, and 3,000 references.

Reinforced plastics are becoming widely adopted for long-term structural use-in everything from buildings and bridges to boats and swimming pools. However, the lifetimes being sought are far greater than the whole history of reinforced plastics production! Reinforced Plastics Durability explores the strength and weathering characteristics which make the material ideal for numerous applications, but also alerting the user of wear and corrosion-with studies of the processes and mechanisms which cause the deterioration. Written especially for first-time users of reinforced plastics-engineers, designers, and managers alike-Reinforced Plastics Durability offers substantial introductory information with key concepts. Subsequent chapters examine the long-term threats to the integrity of reinforced plastics: outdoor weathering, solvent/water attack, high temperatures, and repetitive stress. To maximize durability, contributors to the book report on experience with specific applications over time; the possibility of repair; and use of computer techniques to predict durability. Despite mentioning many possible threats to durability, Reinforced Plastics Durability emphasizes the fact that reinforced plastics composites have performed very well in most of the application areas. Readers will be able to take advantage of that success-and to possibly take steps toward the next phase of refinements and improvements.

Use of polymers in product design has continued to grow at a rate unrivalled by conventional materials such as metal, ceramics or glass. More polymeric materials are becoming available to the designer, and this report highlights the need for caution in new design work, for careful use of new materials, and for awareness of the product environment. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database gives useful references for further reading.

In spite of extensive efforts, material weathering testing still requires improvement. This book presents findings and opinions of experts in material degradation testing. The aim is to improve testing methods and procedures. Materials are presented to show that photochemical degradation rate depends on a combination of environmental factors such as UV radiation, temperature, humidity, rain, stress, and concentration of reactive pollutants. The potential effect of each parameter of degradation on data gathered is discussed based on known results from a long experience in testing. This book contains data obtained in laboratories of the largest manufacturers of UV stabilizers and chemical companies that manufacture durable materials. The book gives details of testing procedures and choice of parameters of exposure which are crucial for obtaining laboratory results correlating with environmental performance of materials.In addition to exposure conditions, the book contains many suggestions on sample preparation and post-exposure testing. The effective use of these methods shortens testing time of materials and determines acceleration rate of testing. The book also gives examples of complete, well-designed weathering experiments which may be used as patterns for selection of parameters and techniques for new studies. The areas of research that still require more attention in future studies are clearly indicated.