The specialist properties of polysulfide polymers were immediately recognised on discovery, and technology was soon developed to convert these materials into useful products. In this Rapra Review Report, the author describes the factors controlling the structure of polysulfide polymers and the properties which influence their use and performance in products. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database provides useful references for further reading.

This report examines the different fibre types available and the current research. The authors have cited several hundred references to the latest work on properties, processing and applications. The different methods of fibre pretreatment are examined, together with fibre properties, chemistry and applications. This review is accompanied by summaries of papers from the Rapra Polymer Library database.

This is an overview of particulate filler production and use. Each filler type has different properties and these in turn are influenced by the particle size, shape and surface chemistry. Filler characteristics are discussed from costs to particle morphology. Practical aspects of filler grading are described and the principal filler types are outlined. Filler surface modification is an important topic. The main types of modifying agent and their uses are described, from fatty acids to functionalised polymers. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database gives useful references for further reading.

Solution-state NMR spectroscopy is generally regarded as the premier technique to characterise polymer structure. This report provides a timely review of the developments in the NMR of polymers in solution in the past few years. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Polymer Library gives useful references for further reading.

Polymers have been used in agriculture and horticulture since the middle of the last century. There is a tremendous potential for using polymers in agriculture and our fields and garden would look very different if we did not use polymers in them. This review traces the history of polymer use, discusses the markets for polymers in these applications, and describes in detail the different types of polymers that can be used and their specific applications. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Polymer Library gives useful references for further reading.

Vibrational spectroscopy is advantageous as an analytical tool for polymers and comprises two complementary techniques: infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy. This report is an absorbing overview of how these methods can be employed to provide information about complex polymeric macromolecules with respect to composition, structure, conformation and intermolecular interactions. The review is supported by several hundred abstracts selected from the Polymer Library giving useful references for further reading.

This report begins by summarising the basis of polymer blending. This includes an outline of the techniques being used to characterise blends including spectroscopic techniques and rheometry. The types of polymer blends which have been studied are outlined. Methods of compatibilisation are discussed. The morphology of the phases in a blend is critical to property development - the types of morphology observed are described. Flow-induced morphology is described. Processing of blends and the effects on morphology are discussed including extrusion, thermoforming, blow moulding, injection moulding and foaming. The accompanying abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database provide useful further information and indicate sources of additional material.

Polyolefins have many and varied applications. However, they have very poor bonding properties. This review discusses ways of improving adhesion and bonding. It describes the theories surrounding adhesion of polyolefins and the analysis techniques which have been used to characterise the material surfaces. Methods of enhancing adhesion are then discussed. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Polymer Library gives useful references for further reading.

At a time when it is critical to many plastics processors to add value to products, colorants are an essential part of the additives repertoire. Plastics are often processed at very high temperatures and shear, and products are exposed to heat and light. Colorants must tolerate these conditions to function adequately. This Rapra Review Report provides practical information for plastics processors with regard to colorant selection and the range of products and effects available. The review is accompanied by around 400 abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database, to facilitate further reading on this subject.