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.

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

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.

This book discusses the physical rather than the chemical examination of the properties of polymers on the basis of the type of equipment used, examples of the applications of these techniques are given. Techniques examined include thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis and evolved gas analysis), dynamic mechanical analysis and thermomechanical analysis, dielectric thermal analysis, ESR, MALDI, luminescence testing, photocalorimetry testing and the full range of equipment for mechanical, thermal, electrical, rheological, particle size, molecular weight.

This book focuses on plastics process analysis, instrumentation for modern manufacturing in the plastics industry. Process analysis is the starting point since plastics processing is different from processing of metals, ceramics, and other materials. Plastics materials show unique behavior in terms of heat transfer, fluid flow, viscoelastic behavior, and a dependence of the previous time, temperature and shear history which determines how the material responds during processing and its end use. Many of the manufacturing processes are continuous or cyclical in nature. The systems are flow systems in which the process variables, such as time, temperature, position, melt and hydraulic pressure, must be controlled to achieve a satisfactory product which is typically specified by critical dimensions and physical properties which vary with the processing conditions. Instrumentation has to be selected so that it survives the harsh manufacturing environment of high pressures, temperatures and shear rates, and yet it has to have a fast response to measure the process dynamics. At many times the measurements have to be in a non-contact mode so as not to disturb the melt or the finished product. Plastics resins are reactive systems. The resins will degrade if the process conditions are not controlled. Analysis of the process allows one to strategize how to minimize degradation and optimize end-use properties.