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.

Building on the success of its predecessor with completely revised material and six new chapters, the Handbook of Polypropylene and Polypropylene Composites, Second Edition responds to increasing interest and changing global trends in the manufacture and application of polypropylene resin. The authors highlight viable options for the manufacture of polypropylene composites to better accommodate market requirements across various industries. The second edition introduces chapters on high-purity submicron talc fillers with lamellar microstructures, the utilization of Wollastonite fibers for polypropylene reinforcement, and updated material on nanocomposite production using exfoliated clay treated with maleated polypropylene-based materials, among many other topics.

The book provides comprehensive, up-to-date information on the physical properties of polymers including, viscoelasticity, flammability, miscibility, optical properties, surface properties and more. Containing carefully selected reprints from the Wiley's renowned Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology, this reference features the same breadth and quality of coverage and clarity of presentation found in the original.

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.