This collection of research and review papers is aimed at depicting the state of the art on the possible correlations between processing variables, obtained structure and special properties which this structure induces on the plastic part. The extraordinary capacity of plastics to modify their properties according to a particular structure is evidenced for several transformation processes and for many applications. The final common goal is to take profit of this peculiar capacity of plastics by inducing, through a suitable processing, a specific spatial organization.

The first concern of scientists who are interested in synthetic polymers has always been, and still is: How are they synthesized? But right after this comes the question: What have I made, and for what is it good? This leads to the important topic of the structure-property relations to which this book is devoted. Polymers are very large and very complicated systems; their character ization has to begin with the chemical composition, configuration, and con formation of the individual molecule. The first chapter is devoted to this broad objective. The immediate physical consequences, discussed in the second chapter, form the basis for the physical nature of polymers: the supermolecular interactions and arrangements of the individual macromolecules. The third chapter deals with the important question: How are these chemical and physical structures experimentally determined? The existing methods for polymer characterization are enumerated and discussed in this chapter. The following chapters go into more detail. For most applications-textiles, films, molded or extruded objects of all kinds-the mechanical and the thermal behaviors of polymers are of pre ponderant importance, followed by optical and electric properties. Chapters 4 through 9 describe how such properties are rooted in and dependent on the chemical structure. More-detailed considerations are given to certain particularly important and critical properties such as the solubility and permeability of polymeric systems. Macromolecules are not always the final goal of the chemist-they may act as intermediates, reactants, or catalysts. This topic is presented in Chapters 10 and 11.

This collection of research and review papers is aimed at depicting the state of the art on the possible correlations between processing variables, obtained structure and special properties which this structure induces on the plastic part. The extraordinary capacity of plastics to modify their properties according to a particular structure is evidenced for several transformation processes and for many applications. The final common goal is to take profit of this peculiar capacity of plastics by inducing, through a suitable processing, a specific spatial organization.

Additive manufacturing (AM) methods have grown and evolved rapidly in recent years. AM for polymers is an exciting field and has great potential in transformative and translational research in many fields, such as biomedical, aerospace, and even electronics. Current methods for polymer AM include material extrusion, material jetting, vat polymerisation, and powder bed fusion. With the promise of more applications, detailed understanding of AM—from the processability of the feedstock to the relationship between the process–structure–properties of AM parts—has become more critical. More research work is needed in material development to widen the choice of materials for polymer additive manufacturing. Modelling and simulations of the process will allow the prediction of microstructures and mechanical properties of the fabricated parts while complementing the understanding of the physical phenomena that occurs during the AM processes. In this book, state-of-the-art reviews and current research are collated, which focus on the process–structure–properties relationships in polymer additive manufacturing.

Thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers (TLCPs) offer considerable promise as high strength/lightweight engineering materials. Their excellent mechanical properties are derived from the spontaneous ordering of stiff polymer molecules in the melt state, which is ultimately translated into high molecular orientation in finished products. Understanding the effect of processing on molecular orientation, and specifically the role and mechanisms by which flow fields impact molecular orientation, is thus a prerequisite to rational design of processes that exploit and enhance the characteristics of TLCPs. The lack of fundamental knowledge to rationally anticipate structure development during processing of commercial main-chain TLCPs however, has significantly hindered the wide spread applicability of these materials. In light of the need for improved understanding of flow-orientation relationships in TLCPs, this thesis presents the first coordinated attempt to combine fundamental studies of orientation development in well-defined simple flows (simple shear) and complex processing flows (extrusion and injection molding) using in situ x-ray scattering methods, with structure and property investigations of injection molded plaques made from commercial TLCPs.

Manufacturing of Nanocomposites with Engineering Plastics collates recent research findings on the manufacturing, properties, and applications of nanocomposites with engineering plastics in one comprehensive volume. The book specifically examines topics of engineering plastics, rheology, thermo-mechanical properties, wear, flame retardancy, modeling, filler surface modification, and more. It represents a ready reference for managers and scholars working in the areas of polymer and nanocomposite materials science, both in industry and academia, and provides introductory information for people new to the field. - Provides a comprehensive review of the most recent research findings - A single one-stop ready reference that assimilates knowledge on the development of nanocomposites with engineering plastics - Contributions from leading experts in the field - Provides examples of applications that will help with material selection - Chapters are designed to provide not only introductory information, but also to lead the reader to more advanced characterization tools

With a focus on structure-property relationships, this book describes how polymer morphology affects properties and how scientists can modify them. The book covers structure development, theory, simulation, and processing; and discusses a broad range of techniques and methods. • Provides an up-to-date, comprehensive introduction to the principles and practices of polymer morphology • Illustrates major structure types, such as semicrystalline morphology, surface-induced polymer crystallization, phase separation, self-assembly, deformation, and surface topography • Covers a variety of polymers, such as homopolymers, block copolymers, polymer thin films, polymer blends, and polymer nanocomposites • Discusses a broad range of advanced and novel techniques and methods, like x-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, and electron microscopy and their applications in the morphology of polymer materials

The book is intended to reveal the correlation between the chemical structure and the physical characteristics of plastics necessary for appropriate material selection, design, and processing. The entire spectrum of plastics is addressed, including thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and blends. One of the special features is the extensive discussion and explanation of the interdependence between polymer structure and properties and processing. Polymeric Materials contains several application-oriented examples and is presented at an intermediate level for both practicing plastic engineers and advanced engineering students. Contents: · General Characteristics of Polymeric Materials · Molecular Structure and Synthesis of Polymers · Structure of Polymeric Materials · Thermomechanical Properties · Mechanical Behaviour · Aging and Stabilization · Overview of Selected Polymeric Materials · Guide Values of the Physical Properties

Polymers are used in everything from nylon stockings to commercial aircraft to artificial heart valves, and they have a key role in addressing international competitiveness and other national issues. Polymer Science and Engineering explores the universe of polymers, describing their properties and wide-ranging potential, and presents the state of the science, with a hard look at downward trends in research support. Leading experts offer findings, recommendations, and research directions. Lively vignettes provide snapshots of polymers in everyday applications. The volume includes an overview of the use of polymers in such fields as medicine and biotechnology, information and communication, housing and construction, energy and transportation, national defense, and environmental protection. The committee looks at the various classes of polymersâ€"plastics, fibers, composites, and other materials, as well as polymers used as membranes and coatingsâ€"and how their composition and specific methods of processing result in unparalleled usefulness. The reader can also learn the science behind the technology, including efforts to model polymer synthesis after nature's methods, and breakthroughs in characterizing polymer properties needed for twenty-first-century applications. This informative volume will be important to chemists, engineers, materials scientists, researchers, industrialists, and policymakers interested in the role of polymers, as well as to science and engineering educators and students.