During the last two decades, the production of polymers and plastics has been increasing rapidly. In spite of developing new polymers and polymeric materials, only 40-60 are used commercially on a large scale. It has been estimated that half of the annual production of polymers is employed outdoors. Increasing the stability of polymers and plastics towards heat, light, atmospheric oxygen and other environmental agents and weathering conditions has always been a very important problem. The photochemical instability of most of polymers limits them to outdoor application, where they are photo degraded fast over periods ranging from months to a few years. To the despair of technologists and consumers alike, photodegrada tion and environmental ageing of polymers occur much faster than can be expected from knowledge collected in laboratories. In many cases, improved methods of preparation and purification of both monomers and polymers yield products of better quality and higher resistance to heat and light. However, without stabilization of polymers by applica tion of antioxidants (to decrease thermal oxidative degradation) and photostabilizers (to decrease photo-oxidative degradation) it would be impossible to employ polymers and plastics in everyday use.

Covers recent advances in polymer degradation and stabilization. Focuses on the basics of photo- and bio-degradability. Delineates special and general environmental parameters such as solar irradiation, temperature, and agrochemical exposure. Surveys plastic waste disposal strategies such as recycling, incineration, chemical recovery by pyrolysis, and source reduction.

Third Edition brings acclaimed textthoroughly up to date with the latestorganic coatings technology Organic Coatings, Third Edition is an unparalleled reference and text for organic coatings technology and its myriad applications. It begins with discussions of key principles of coatings, then thoroughly explores raw materials, physical concepts, formulations, and applications. Scientists, engineers, and paint formulators all gain a deeper understanding of the principles underlying the technology and learn how to use these principles in the development, production, and application of organic coatings. The four authors, all leading industry experts, offer a unique approach to the topic that correlates the empirical technology of coatings with the underlying science. This Third Edition has been completely revised and updated to reflect numerous changes in the field, including changes driven by increasing pressure to lower VOC emissions, reduce energy requirements, and eliminate potential health hazards from organic coatings components. In addition, the authors have developed new material to make the text more accessible for scientists and engineers first entering the field, as well as for students taking coatings courses. At the same time, the hallmarks that distinguished the two previous editions have been retained, including: Troubleshooting guidance for coatings scientists and technologists Clear differentiation between established principles and hypotheses requiring further research Precise definitions of coatings industry terminology Extensive references to the current literature Hundreds of figures that help readers visualize key concepts and techniques Whether you are just entering the field of organic coatings and need a broad overview or you are an experienced professional who needs a sophisticated reference, you can depend on Organic Coatings to give you the information and answers you need.

This volume compiles a wealth of information on the composition, properties, utilization, and performance of major classes of additives while alerting formulators to potentially damaging interactions and challenges in the selection and testing of these materials. Completely revised and updated, the Handbook of Coatings Additives, Second Edition offers practical knowledge on the industry's most widely used compounds to accelerate and refine laboratory procedures, meet regulatory standards, and avoid hazards in the formulation of coatings additives. It is an ideal guide to making informed decisions in the development and design of effective coatings systems.

Durability and Reliability of Polymers and Other Materials in Photovoltaic Modules describes the durability and reliability behavior of polymers used in Si-photovoltaic modules and systems, particularly in terms of physical aging and degradation process/mechanisms, characterization methods, accelerated exposure chamber and testing, module level testing, and service life prediction. The book compares polymeric materials to traditional materials used in solar applications, explaining the degradation pathways of the different elements of a photovoltaic module, including encapsulant, front sheet, back sheet, wires and connectors, adhesives, sealants, and more. In addition, users will find sections on the tests needed for the evaluation of polymer degradation and aging, as well as accelerated tests to aid in materials selection. As demand for photovoltaics continues to grow globally, with polymer photovoltaics offering significantly lower production costs compared to earlier approaches, this book will serve as a welcome resource on new avenues. - Provides comprehensive coverage of photovoltaic polymers, from fundamental degradation mechanisms, to specific case studies of durability and materials failure - Offers practical, actionable information in relation to service life prediction of photovoltaic modules and accelerated testing for materials selection - Includes up-to-date information and interpretation of safety regulations and testing of photovoltaic modules and materials

'The Organic Chemistry of Museum Objects' makes available in a single volume, a survey of the chemical composition, properties and analysis of the whole range of organic materials incorporated into objects and artworks found in museum collections. The authors cover the fundamental chemistry of the bulk materials such as wood, paper, natural fibres and skin products, as well as that of the relatively minor components incorporated as paint, media, varnishes, adhesives and dyes. This expanded second edition, now in paperback, follows the structure of the first, though it has been extensively updated. In addition to chapters on basic organic chemistry, analytical methods, analytical findings and fundamental aspects of deterioration, the subject matter is grouped as far as possible by broad chemical class - oils and fats, waxes, bitumens, carbohydrates, proteins, natural resins, dyestuffs and synthetic polymers. This is an essential purchase for all practising and student conservators, restorers, museum scientists, curators and organic chemists.