This book defines the current state-of-the-art for predicting the lifetime of plastics exposed to weather and outlines the future research needed to advance this important field of study. Coverage includes progress in developing new science and test methods to determine how materials respond to weather exposure. This book is ideal for researchers and professionals working in the field of service life prediction. This book also: Examines numerous consensus standards that affect commercial products allowing readers to see the future of standards related to service life prediction Provides scientific foundation for latest commercially viable instruments Presents groundbreaking research including the blueprint of a new test method that will significantly shorten the service life prediction process time Covers two of the latest verified predictive models, which demonstrate realized-potential to transform the field

Service Life Prediction of Polymers and Plastics Exposed to Outdoor Weathering discusses plastics and polymers and their unique applications, from sealants used in construction, to polymer composites used in planes. While these materials are important enablers for advanced technologies, exposure to weather changes the very properties of plastics that make them so useful. This book reviews current research needs and provides a consensus roadmap of the scientific barriers to validated predictive models for the response of polymers and plastics to outdoor exposure. Despite extensive efforts over the past 20-30 years, testing of polymeric materials in accelerated or natural weathering conditions and the interpretation of the weathering results still require substantial improvements. This book represents the state-of-the-art in the prediction techniques available and in development. Engineers and materials scientists working in this field will be able to use the content of this book to assess the strengths and challenges of a range of different methods and approaches. - Enables engineers and scientists in a range of industries to more successfully predict the durability of polymers, paints and coatings when exposed to weather - Provides the latest information to help determine the sustainability of polymeric materials - Reviews the current state-of-the-art in this area and identifies research needs that are followed by more detailed discussions of specific polymers and applications

Service Life Prediction of Polymers and Coatings: Enhanced Methods focuses on the cutting-edge science behind how plastic and polymer materials are modified by the effects of weathering, offering the latest advances in service life prediction methods. The chapters have been developed by experts based on their contributions as part of the 7th Service Life Prediction Meeting. The volume begins with the premise that it is possible to produce and design life predictions, also looking at how these predictions can be used. Subsequent chapters present new developments in service life prediction, examining the most important considerations in SLP design, timescales, and other major issues. The book also considers the current state of the field in terms of both accomplishments and areas that require significant research going forward. This is a highly valuable reference for engineers, designers, technicians, scientists and R&D professionals who are looking to develop materials, components or products for outdoor applications across a range of industries. The book also supports academic researchers, scientists and advanced students with an interest in service life, the effects of weathering, material degradation, failure analysis, or sustainability across the fields of plastics engineering, polymer science and materials science. - Presents novel prediction techniques for plastics and polymers exposed to outdoor weathering - Provides a consensus roadmap on the scientific barriers related to a validated, predictive model for the response of polymer and plastics to outdoor exposure - Enables the reader to assess and compare different methods and approaches to service life prediction

Durability and Reliability of Polymers and Other Materials in Photovoltaic Modules describes the durability and reliability behavior of polymers used in Si-photovoltaic modules and systems, particularly in terms of physical aging and degradation process/mechanisms, characterization methods, accelerated exposure chamber and testing, module level testing, and service life prediction. The book compares polymeric materials to traditional materials used in solar applications, explaining the degradation pathways of the different elements of a photovoltaic module, including encapsulant, front sheet, back sheet, wires and connectors, adhesives, sealants, and more. In addition, users will find sections on the tests needed for the evaluation of polymer degradation and aging, as well as accelerated tests to aid in materials selection. As demand for photovoltaics continues to grow globally, with polymer photovoltaics offering significantly lower production costs compared to earlier approaches, this book will serve as a welcome resource on new avenues.

The Handbook of Environmental Degradation of Materials, Third Edition, explains how to measure, analyze and control environmental degradation for a wide range of industrial materials, including metals, polymers, ceramics, concrete, wood and textiles exposed to environmental factors, such as weather, seawater, and fire. This updated edition divides the material into four new sections, Analysis and Testing, Types of Degradation, Protective Measures and Surface Engineering, then concluding with Case Studies. New chapters include topics on Hydrogen Permeation and Hydrogen Induced Cracking, Weathering of Plastics, the Environmental Degradation of Ceramics and Advanced Materials, Antimicrobial Layers, Coatings, and the Corrosion of Pipes in Drinking Water Systems. Expert contributors to this book provide a wealth of insider knowledge and engineering expertise that complements their explanations and advice. Case Studies from areas such as pipelines, tankers, packaging and chemical processing equipment ensure that the reader understands the practical measures that can be put in place to save money, lives and the environment. - Introduces the reader to the effects of environmental degradation on a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics, concrete, wood and textiles - Describes the kind of degradation that effects each material and how best to protect it - Includes case studies that show how organizations, from small consulting firms, to corporate giants design and manufacture products that are more resistant to environmental effects

The definitive guide to organic coatings, thoroughly revised and updated—now with coverage of a range of topics not covered in previous editions Organic Coatings: Science and Technology, Fourth Edition offers unparalleled coverageof organic coatings technology and its many applications. Written by three leading industry experts (including a new, internationally-recognized coatings scientist) it presents a systematic survey of the field, revises and updates the material from the previous edition, and features new or additional treatment of such topics as superhydrophobic, ice-phobic, antimicrobial, and self-healing coatings; sustainability, artist paints, and exterior architectural primers. making it even more relevant and useful for scientists and engineers in the field, as well as for students in coatings courses. The book incorporates up-to-date coverage of recent developments in the field with detailed discussions of the principles underlying the technology and their applications in the development, production, and uses of organic coatings. All chapters in this new edition have been updated to assure consistency and to enable extensive cross-referencing. The material presented is also applicable to the related areas of printing inks and adhesives, as well as areas within the plastics industry. This new edition Completely revises outdated chapters to ensure consistency and to enable extensive cross-referencing Correlates the empirical technology of coatings with the underlying science throughout Provides expert troubleshooting guidance for coatings scientists and technologists Features hundreds of illustrative figures and extensive references to the literature A new, internationally-recognized coatings scientist brings fresh perspective to the content. Providing a broad overview for beginners in the field of organic coatings and a handy reference for seasoned professionals, Organic Coatings: Science and Technology, Fourth Edition, gives you the information and answers you need, when you need them.

Recent investigations into blast-resistant properties of polyureas and other multi-phase polymeric elastomers indicate that they can dissipate broad bands of frequencies such as those encountered in blast events. In this unique book, Elastomeric Polymers with High Rate Sensitivity, Dr. Roshdy Barsoum and expert contributors bring together the cutting-edge testing methodologies, material properties, and critical design data for engineers seeking to deploy this technology. Where conventional methods of resisting blast, shockwave, and penetration are expensive, time-consuming and impractical, high-strain rate elastomeric polymers (HSREP) can be cheaper, quicker, and more easily applied to new and old materials alike. This book aids both military and civilian engineers in a range of applications, from buildings and tunnels to lightweight armor, ships, and aircraft. The book features constitutive models for software developers designing with these advanced polymers, as well as a discussion of the mechanisms of interaction between high-strain rate polymers and other materials. It also thoroughly covers HSREP engineering methods to achieve other unique properties, such as fireproofing. - Material properties and design data included to enable engineers to successfully deploy this technology - Cheaper, quicker, and more easily implemented than traditional methods of increasing blast and ballistic performance - A how-to guide to the engineering of high strain rate elastomeric polymers to achieve other useful properties, such as fireproofing

Service Life Prediction of Polymeric Materials: Global Perspectives combines developed content derived from topics discussed in the Fourth International Symposium on Service Life Prediction (Key Largo, Florida, December 2006). This critical examination of the existing and alternative methodologies used to assess the service life of polymeric materials presents readers with the advances in accelerated and field exposure testing protocols. Written by established experts in the service life community, this volume introduces advanced methods, including high throughput and combinatorial analyses, models data collection and storage formats. Researchers and engineers involved with materials and polymer science, coatings technologists and automotive materials will find Service Life Prediction of Polymeric Materials: Global Perspectives a useful tool.

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.

This book presents the state of the art on the weathering of polymers and plastic materials in outdoor applications, comprising natural weathering, accelerated climatic weathering, laboratory artificial accelerated weathering, and lifetime prediction methodology. It summarizes the most suitable methods of instrumental analysis to access and quantify (when possible) degradation caused by weathering, while also covering the degradation and stabilization of polymers based on environmental and artificially induced factors. Innovative polymer additives and some developments in polymeric materials designed for outdoor applications are also included, emphasizing a few selected cases. the book intends to be an important reference source for those involved in the study of the durability of polymers and plastics, production of plastics for exterior applications, chemists responsible for quality control of plastic products, and researchers and students across plastics engineering, polymer science, polymer chemistry and environmental science.