This review describes the main types of stabilisers with the focus on those categories for polyolefins. It also elucidates some of the physical and chemical aspects of such products when incorporated into the polymer matrix, discussing stability during weathering, heat ageing and processing. The review is supported by several hundred relevant abstracts selected from the Polymer Library.

Polymers play a vital role in manufacturing processes of many kinds, and the development of new polymeric materials is of increasing importance in the field of materials science. Because of this, there is a need to understand why the properties of polymers change, what can be done to avoid degradation and failure, and how performance can be maintained over a much longer lifespan. The authors deal firstly with the process of degradation through oxidation, and then explain how the addition of various antioxidants can inhibit or retard this process. They present a unique discussion of the physico-chemical aspects, particularly the chemical kinetics of antioxidant action and of branched chain reaction kinetics, and the theory of critical phenomena inhibited oxidation. The last part of the book offers practical advice on methods of oxidation investigation, on selection of appropriate antixodants, and on the basic principles of performance prognosis. The book also includes a unique coverage of the regularities of additive solubility.

Plastic films are high-performance materials which play an essential part in modern life. The plastics films industry uses state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and is continuously seeking out new technologies to improve its performance. The understanding of the nature of plastic films, their production techniques, applications and their characterisation is essential for producing new types of plastic films. This handbook has been written to discuss the production and main uses of plastic films. Plastic films are high-performance materials which play an essential part in modern life. Plastic films are mostly used in packaging applications but as will be seen from this book they are also used in the agricultural, medical and engineering fields. The plastics films industry uses state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and is continuously seeking out new technologies to improve its performance. The understanding of the nature of plastic films, their production techniques, applications and their characterisation is essential for producing new types of plastic films. This handbook has been written to discuss the production and main uses of plastic films.

This industrially relevant resource covers all established and emerging analytical methods for the deformulation of polymeric materials, with emphasis on the non-polymeric components. Each technique is evaluated on its technical and industrial merits. Emphasis is on understanding (principles and characteristics) and industrial applicability. Extensively illustrated throughout with over 200 figures, 400 tables, and 3,000 references.

The purpose of the present series of publications is two-fold. In the first place it is intended to review progress in the development of practical stabilising systems for a wide range of polymers and applications. A complementary and ultimately more important objec tive is to accommodate these practical developments within the framework of antioxidant theory, since there can be little question that further major advances in the practice of stabilisation technology will only be possible on the basis of a firm mechanistic foundation. Research into the role of 'stable' free radicals as antioxidants and stabilisers for polymers has intensified in recent years. Nitroxyl radicals (nitroxides) were the earliest long-lived radicals to be investi gated in detail and Maslov and Zaikov review the developments that have taken place in understanding their reaction mechanisms from the time when they were first investigated in liquid hydrocarbon systems to the present day when their outstanding performance as light stabilisers has been the object of much scientific research. Although some features of their reactivity remain obscure, the authors approach the problem kinetically and indicate the factors limiting their effectiveness.

Plastics are used worldwide in everyday life, e.g. as food packaging, electronics, construction, automotive parts, and household appliances. To produce these products with the desired service lifetimes the use of suitable stabilizers is necessary. This book provides a concise and comprehensive overview of the basic mechanisms of plastic degradation processes caused by heat and light. At its core is a detailed description of the stabilization of different polymers, including an explanation of stabilization mechanisms and the influence of commonly used additives such as fillers, flame retardents and pigments on the stability of plastic. Every polymer scientist, material technologist, or application engineer dealing with the design of the properties of plastics will benefit from this new overview.