Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been around since the late part of the 19th century, although it was not produced commercially until the 1920s; it is the second largest consumed plastic material after polyethylene. PVC products can be rigid or flexible, opaque or transparent, coloured, and insulating or conducting. There is not just one PVC but a whole family of products tailor-made to suit the needs of each application. PVC is extremely cost effective in comparison to other plastics with a high degree of versatility in end-use and processing possibilities, as the reader will note from this book. It is durable, easily maintained, and can be produced in a large range of colours. As a result PVC finds use in an extensive range of applications in virtually all areas of human activity, including medical equipment, construction applications such as flexible roof membranes, pipes and window profiles, toys, automotive parts and electrical cabling. The PVC industry has also started to tackle some of its end-of-life issues. This practical guide provides comprehensive background on the resins and additives, their properties and processing characteristics, as well as discussion of product design and development issues. There have been, and still are, issues and perceptions over environmental and health acceptance covering vinyl chloride monomer, dioxins, phthalate plasticisers, and lead (and cadmium) based heat stabilisers and these are discussed in depth in this book. This book will be of interest to raw materials suppliers and processors or end-users of PVC, as well as anyone with a general interest in this versatile material: resins and additives properties and testing design issues processing, including post processing and assembly property enhancement sustainable development

Polypropylene is now the third largest consumed plastic material after polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. This book discusses the advantages and disadvantages of working with polypropylene, offering practical comment on the available types of polypropylene, its mechanical properties and in-service performance, and processing. Comparisons with other common plastics are also provided, which highlight the advantages of this polyolefin.

Antimicrobial packaging systems are those that beneficially interact with the food or with the surrounding environment, inhibiting microorganism growth or reducing their counts to improve the quality and extend the shelf-life of industrially produced foods. They have undoubtedly become a fully accepted alternative to the direct addition of preservatives to foods, with excellent future prospects.This book will help develop a working knowledge and understanding of antimicrobial packaging, it includes a description of the antimicrobial agents most commonly used and their mechanisms of action, the manufacturing methods available to fabricate the active system, the critical parameters to make an effective product and the tools to optimise them, and the various in vitro and in vivo methods for measuring the goodness of the antimicrobial system for validation purposes.The reader will develop the ability to understand why a specific agent is selected for a particular food product, or why a specific polymeric material and manufacturing technology are chosen. The reader will also become familiar with the different procedures for improving the activity of the packaging solution that is being developed and ways of testing its efficacy. This will accelerate the formulation of the active packaging concept, reducing development-time with respect to the trial and error processes common in many literature reports. Finally, it will help to identify the best and most cost-effective solutions. This volume is intended to be a practical guide to antimicrobial packaging and a quick reference for students and researchers from both academia and industry.

A Practical Guide to Plastics Sustainability: Concept, Solutions, and Implementation is a groundbreaking reference work offering a broad, detailed and highly practical vision of the complex concept of sustainability in plastics. The book's aim is to present a range of potential pathways towards more sustainable plastics parts and products, enabling the reader to further integrate the idea of sustainability into their design process. It begins by introducing the context and concept of sustainability, discussing perceptions, drivers of change, key factors, and environmental issues, before presenting a detailed outline of the current situation with types of plastics, processing, and opportunities for improved sustainability. Subsequent chapters focus on the different possibilities for improved sustainability, offering a step-by-step technical approach to areas including design, properties, renewable plastics, and recycling and re-use. Each of these pillars are supported by data, examples, analysis and best practice guidance. Finally, the latest developments and future possibilities are considered. - Approaches the idea of sustainability from numerous angles, offering practical solutions to improve sustainability in the development of plastic components and products - Explains how sustainability can be applied across plastics design, materials selection, processing, and end of life, all set alongside socioeconomic factors - Considers key areas of innovation, such as eco-design, novel opportunities for recycling or re-use, bio-based polymers and new technologies

Here is your starting point and complete guide to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) formulation. It covers the basics of vinyl formulation, starting formulations for compounds, and the latest compounding ingredients. Since publication of the acclaimed first edition, a standard reference used by vinyl technologists around the world, there have been many new developments in vinyl formulation as well as new discoveries and insights into the underlying mechanisms. It's all covered here in the second edition, in one highly readable, expertly organized volume.

This book details the factors involved in the injection moulding process, from material properties and selection to troubleshooting faults, and includes the equipment types currently in use and machine settings for different types of plastics. Material flow is a critical parameter in moulding and there are sections covering rheology and viscosity. High temperature is also discussed as it can lead to poor quality mouldings due to material degradation.The text is supported by 74 tables, many of which list key properties and processing parameters, and 233 figures; there are also many photographs of machinery and mouldings to illustrate key points. Troubleshooting flow charts are also included to indicate what should be changed to resolve common problems.Injection moulding in the Western World is becoming increasingly competitive as the manufacturing base for many plastic materials has moved to the East. Thus, Western manufacturers have moved into more technically difficult products and mouldings to provide enhanced added value and maintain market share. Technology is becoming more critical, together with innovation and quality control. There is a chapter on advanced processing in injection moulding covering multimaterial and assisted moulding technologies. This guide will help develop good technical skills and appropriate processing techniques for the range of plastics and products in the marketplace.Every injection moulder will find useful information in this text, in addition, this book will be of use to experts looking to fill gaps in their knowledge base as well as those new to the industry.ARBURG has been manufacturing injection moulding machines since 1954 and is one of the major global players. The company prides itself on the support offered to clients, which is exemplified in its training courses. This book is based on some of the training material and hence is based on years of experience.

Cellular polymers or foamed polymers are an important branch of plastics and are an essential part of daily life. Some of the major sectors of use are bedding, automotive, building construction, furniture, sound/thermal insulation, and packaging.Due to growing global concerns with regard to air pollution, research has led to the fascinating concept of using water as the sole blowing agent to create cellular foams as an alternative to traditional petroleum-based blowing agents (which contribute to air pollution). This strategy has created other possibilities of better and safer foams, and reduced costs are also considerable.With over 45 years of hands-on experience, the author provides in-depth knowledge of water-blown cellular polymers, from their chemistry to formulation and process methodology to produce quality foams. This exciting new phase of the polymer industry is presented in detail with regard to manufacture of standard foams as well as specialty foams. Such descriptions are based on new and emerging technologies, including the challenges and solutions foam producers must face with formulations as well as recommendations for machinery and equipment.This is a comprehensive presentation of all aspects of the technology required to produce water-blown cellular foams with different polymers to meet market demands. This book provides theoretical and practical information as well as guidance, and is an ideal source of information for libraries, students, teachers, foam producers and entrepreneurs.