The Handbook of Polymer Testing: Physical Methods provides virtually currently used techniques for measuring and testing the physical properties of polymers. A concise but detailed technical guide to the physical testing methods of synthetic polymers in plastics, rubbers, cellular materials, textiles, coated fabrics, and composites, the book analys

This book discusses the physical rather than the chemical examination of the properties of polymers on the basis of the type of equipment used, examples of the applications of these techniques are given. Techniques examined include thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis and evolved gas analysis), dynamic mechanical analysis and thermomechanical analysis, dielectric thermal analysis, ESR, MALDI, luminescence testing, photocalorimetry testing and the full range of equipment for mechanical, thermal, electrical, rheological, particle size, molecular weight.

This report aims to describe recent developments in the major physical testing methods appropriate to thermoplastics, with references to much practical work carried out worldwide. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database provides useful references for further reading.

The selection and application of engineered materials is an integrated process that requires an understanding of the interaction between materials properties, manufacturing characteristics, design considerations, and the total life cycle of the product. This reference book on engineering plastics provides practical and comprehensive coverage on how the performance of plastics is characterized during design, property testing, and failure analysis. The fundamental structure and properties of plastics are reviewed for general reference, and detailed articles describe the important design factors, properties, and failure mechanisms of plastics. The effects of composition, processing, and structure are detailed in articles on the physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Other articles cover failure mechanisms such as: crazing and fracture; impact loading; fatigue failure; wear failures, moisture related failure; organic chemical related failure; photolytic degradation; and microbial degradation. Characterization of plastics in failure analysis is described with additional articles on analysis of structure, surface analysis, and fractography.

In spite of extensive efforts, material weathering testing still requires improvement. This book presents findings and opinions of experts in material degradation testing. The aim is to improve testing methods and procedures. Materials are presented to show that photochemical degradation rate depends on a combination of environmental factors such as UV radiation, temperature, humidity, rain, stress, and concentration of reactive pollutants. The potential effect of each parameter of degradation on data gathered is discussed based on known results from a long experience in testing. This book contains data obtained in laboratories of the largest manufacturers of UV stabilizers and chemical companies that manufacture durable materials. The book gives details of testing procedures and choice of parameters of exposure which are crucial for obtaining laboratory results correlating with environmental performance of materials.In addition to exposure conditions, the book contains many suggestions on sample preparation and post-exposure testing. The effective use of these methods shortens testing time of materials and determines acceleration rate of testing. The book also gives examples of complete, well-designed weathering experiments which may be used as patterns for selection of parameters and techniques for new studies. The areas of research that still require more attention in future studies are clearly indicated.

From the reviews of the bestselling First Edition: "A very useful contribution to the plastics industry. Mr. Shah has successfully filled a void between the identification of a test method, implementation of the test, and some understanding of the meaning of the results. . . . All in all, a job well done." -Polymer News "Provides a practical source for plastics testing . . . The appendices will prove invaluable." -SAMPE Journal. Sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers, the Handbook of Plastics Testing Technology, Second Edition is a valuable working resource for anyone involved with manufacturing, testing, studying, or developing plastics. Thoroughly updated and expanded with more than thirty-five percent new material, this new edition of the 1984 classic provides practical information on all aspects of contemporary plastics testing in a highly accessible, nonmathematical form. Following a concise introduction to basic concepts, the book moves straight to practical discussions of the full gamut of testing issues, including thermal, mechanical, weathering, optical, electrical, and chemical properties; materials characterization; flammability; analytical tests; quality control; product liability testing; failure analysis; nondestructive testing; and more. Rather than simply describing test procedures, the author clearly explains the broader significance of each test and the results it yields for engineers and materials scientists working in industry today. Professionals will also appreciate the Handbook's closing chapters and appendices, which offer a wide range of useful information on professional and testing organizations, uniform global testing standards, equipment manufacturers, trade publications, independent testing laboratories, and plastics specifications.