Molecular orientation and mechanical isotropy in polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate films.

Providing an updated and comprehensive account of the properties of solid polymers, the book covers all aspects of mechanical behaviour. This includes finite elastic behavior, linear viscoelasticity and mechanical relaxations, mechanical anisotropy, non-linear viscoelasicity, yield behavior and fracture. New to this edition is coverage of polymer nanocomposites, and molecular interpretations of yield, e.g. Bowden, Young, and Argon. The book begins by focusing on the structure of polymers, including their chemical composition and physical structure. It goes on to discuss the mechanical properties and behaviour of polymers, the statistical molecular theories of the rubber-like state and describes aspects of linear viscoelastic behaviour, its measurement, and experimental studies. Later chapters cover composites and experimental behaviour, relaxation transitions, stress and yielding. The book concludes with a discussion of breaking phenomena.

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the mechanical behaviour of solid polymers. Extensively revised and updated throughout, the second edition now includes new material on mechanical relaxations and anisotropy, composites modelling, non-linear viscoelasticity, yield behaviour and fracture of tough polymers. The accessible approach of the book has been retained with each chapter designed to be self contained and the theory and applications of the subject carefully introduced where appropriate. The latest developments in the field are included alongside worked examples, mathematical appendices and an extensive reference. Fully revised and updated throughout to include all the latest developments in the field Worked examples at the end of the chapter An invaluable resource for students of materials science, chemistry, physics or engineering studying polymer science