This book is intended to be a source of practical information on all types of plastic foams (cellular plastics) in use, including the new structural plastic foams. Elastomer (rubber-like) foams are also considered. The book is intended primarily for those who require a non-theoretical, authoritative, easy-to-use handbook in the subject area. It should be of value to materials engineers, plastics fabricators, chemists, chemical engineers and students. Recognized authorities have written several chapters and parts of chapters in their fields of expertise. The book is organized in such a way that information on a desired subject can be found rapidly. An unusual feature is a comprehensive listing of all known standardization documents (test methods, practices, and specifications), including some international standards. Each document includes a brief description of its contents.

This Handbook reviews the chemistry, manufacturing methods, properties and applications of the synthetic polymer foams used in most applications. In addition, a chapter is included on the fundamental principles, which apply to all polymer foams. There is also a chapter on the blowing agents used to expand polymers and a chapter is on microcellular foams - a relatively new development where applications are still being explored.

This handbook explores the applications of polymer foams, and the properties that make them suitable for so many applications, in the detail required by postgraduate students, researchers and the many industrial engineers and designers who work with polymer foam in industry. It covers the mechanical properties of foams and foam microstructure, processing of foams, mechanical testing and analysis (using Finite element analysis). In addition, it uniquely offers a broader perspective on the actual engineering of foams and foam based (or foam including) products by including nine detailed case studies which firmly plant the theory of the book in a real world context, making it ideal for both polymer engineers and chemists and mechanical engineers and product designers.*Complete coverage of the mechanical and design aspects of polymer foams from an acknowledged international expert: no other book is available with this breadth making this a plastics engineer's first choice for a single volume Handbook*Polymer foams are ubiquitous in modern life, used everywhere from running shoes to furniture, and this book includes nine extensive case studies covering each key class of application, including biomechanics*Offers a rigorous mechanical and microstructure perspective, plus a computer based chapter: Essential for engineers and designers alike.

Handbook of Foaming and Blowing Agents, Second Edition includes the most current information on foaming technology, guiding users on the proper selection of formulation, which is highly dependent on the mechanisms of action of blowing agents and foaming agents, as well as dispersion and solubility. The book includes properties of 23 groups of blowing agents and the typical range of technical performance for each group, including general properties, physical-chemical properties, health and safety, environmental impact, and applications in different products and polymers. All information is illustrated by chemical reactions and diagrams. Chapters in the book look at foaming mechanisms with the use of solid blowing agents, which are decomposed to the gaseous products by application of heat, production of gaseous products by chemical reaction, and foaming by gases and evaporating liquids. - Introduces the fundamental mechanisms of action of blowing agents and foaming - Includes best practice guidance to help engineers and technicians improve the efficiency of their existing foaming processes - Enables practitioners to select blowing agents and foaming methods more effectively, thus reducing the risk of poor specification - Introduces useful analytical techniques for foaming - Discusses the environmental impact of foaming processes

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.

Brydson's Plastics Materials, Eighth Edition, provides a comprehensive overview of the commercially available plastics materials that bridge the gap between theory and practice. The book enables scientists to understand the commercial implications of their work and provides engineers with essential theory. Since the previous edition, many developments have taken place in plastics materials, such as the growth in the commercial use of sustainable bioplastics, so this book brings the user fully up-to-date with the latest materials, references, units, and figures that have all been thoroughly updated. The book remains the authoritiative resource for engineers, suppliers, researchers, materials scientists, and academics in the field of polymers, including current best practice, processing, and material selection information and health and safety guidance, along with discussions of sustainability and the commercial importance of various plastics and additives, including nanofillers and graphene as property modifiers. With a 50 year history as the principal reference in the field of plastics material, and fully updated by an expert team of polymer scientists and engineers, this book is essential reading for researchers and practitioners in this field. - Presents a one-stop-shop for easily accessible information on plastics materials, now updated to include the latest biopolymers, high temperature engineering plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, and more - Includes thoroughly revised and reorganised material as contributed by an expert team who make the book relevant to all plastics engineers, materials scientists, and students of polymers - Includes the latest guidance on health, safety, and sustainability, including materials safety data sheets, local regulations, and a discussion of recycling issues

Polypropylene: The Definitive User's Guide and Databook presents in a single volume a panoramic and up-to-the-minute user's guide for today's most important thermoplastic. The book examines every aspectùscience, technology, engineering, properties, design, processing, applicationsùof the continuing development and use of polypropylene. The unique treatment means that specialists can not only find what they want but for the first time can relate to and understand the needs and requirements of others in the product development chain. The entire work is underpinned by very extensive collections of property data that allow the reader to put the information to real industrial and commercial use. Despite the preeminence and unrivaled versatility of polypropylene as a thermoplastic material to manufacture, relatively few books have been devoted to its study. Polypropylene: The Definitive User's Guide and Databook not only fills the gap but breaks new ground in doing so.Polypropylene is the most popular thermoplastic in use today, and still one of the fastest growing. Polypropylene: The Definitive User's Guide and Databook is the complete workbook and reference resource for all those who work with the material. Its comprehensive scope uniquely caters to polymer scientists, plastics engineers, processing technologists, product designers, machinery and mold makers, product managers, end users, researchers and students alike.