The development of polymers as an important class of material was inhibited at the first by the premature failure of these versatile compounds in many applications. The deterioration of important properties of both natural and synthetic polymers is the result of irreversible changes in composition and structure of polymers molecules. As a result of these reactions, mechanical, electrical and/or aesthetic properties are degraded beyond acceptable limits. It is now generally recognized that stabilization against degradation is necessary if the useful life of polymers is to be extended sufficiently to meet design requirements for long-term applications. Polymers degrade by a wide variety of mechanisms, several of which affect all polymers through to varying degree. This monograph will concentrate on those degradation mechanisms which result from reactions of polymers with oxygen in its various forms and which are accelerated by heat and/or radiation. Those stabilization mechanisms are discussed which are based on an understanding of degradation reaction mechanisms that are reasonably well established. The stabilization of polymers is still undergoing a transition from an art to a science as mechanisms of degradation become more fully developed. A scientific approach to stabilization can only be approached when there is an understanding of the reactions that lead to degradation. Stabilization against biodegradation and burning will not be discussed since there is not a clear understanding of how polymers degrade under these conditions.

Polymer Analysis, Degradation & Stabilization

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.

Comprehensive knowledge on the preparation, characterization, and applications of polymer nanocomposites Chemical Physics of Polymer Nanocomposites examines the state of the art in preparation, processing, characterizing, and applying a wide range of polymer nanocomposites, elucidating nanofiller/polymer interactions, nanofiller dispersion, distribution, filler-filler interactions, and interface properties, with a particular focus on the rheology of this important class of materials. The dependence of the rheological properties on the preparation techniques is discussed in detail, complemented by an overview of the processing approaches using conventional and micro injection molding, extrusion, compression molding, film blowing, pultrusion, and resin transfer molding. The book covers the latest understanding and accomplishments on polymer composites and presents the huge variety of this materials class. Practice-oriented with industry relevance, it also reviews preparation, characterization, morphology, properties, applications, sustainability, and recyclability. The topics covered in Chemical Physics of Polymer Nanocomposites include: Classification of nano fillers, nano-objects, nanomaterials, and polymer nanocomposites based on chemical nature and identity, and synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles General manufacturing methods and processes, including melt and shear mixing manufacturing of polymer nanocomposites 1D nano fillers and polymer nanocomposites, including polymer nanocomposites based on graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) and amphiphilic graphene platelets Polymer nanocomposites based on nano chitin, starch, and lignin, gold nanowires, titanium dioxide, and graphene and graphene oxide Chemical Physics of Polymer Nanocomposites is an essential resource for materials scientists, polymer chemists, chemical engineers, and engineering scientists in industry.

This volume deals with chemistry of polyelectrolytes, namely biocide guanidine containing polymers, discussing both synthesis of new guanidine containing monomers of diallyl and acrylic nature and their structure and investigation of their radical (co)polymerization and properties of new (co)polymers. The first parts of the book describe radical polymerization of these monomers and their co-polymerization with diallyldialkylammonium derivatives, features of their kinetic behavior in these processes (for example, polymerization rates, reactivity ratios) The sections on phycal chemical methods (IR, NMR, DSC ect.) are especially important for studying of structure and properties of synthesized monomer and polymer compounds. The book is finely illustrated with about hundred original figures, schemes and tables including kinetics, NMR, IR spectroscopy, biocide and other data.

The main focus in this monograph is on models of the kinetics of photo-initiated polymerization of mono- and bi-functional monomers up to the high conversion stage, their derivation, analysis and comparison with the experimental data. This monograph can be useful for scientists, engineers, post-graduate training students and students who are interested in problems both of the polymerization kinetics and general chemical kinetics.