Presents the basic principles of the four compoundable plastic families, and concentrates on the additives and modifiers needed to make high-volume thermoplastics perform in various applications over a wide range of processes, products, temperature ranges and environmental conditions.

"Outlines the benefits of using additives-individually or in combination-to modify the properties and processability of pure polymers, and discusses easy-to-understand theory and practical applications for immediate economic and performance improvements."

Although plastics are extremely successful commercially, they would never reach acceptable performance standards either in properties or processing without the incorporation of additives. With the inclusion of additives, plastics can be used in a variety of areas competing directly with other materials, but there are still many challenges to overcome. Some additives are severely restricted by legislation, others interfere with each other-in short their effectiveness varies with circumstances. Plastics Additives explains these issues in an alphabetical format making them easily accessible to readers, enabling them to find specific information on a specific topic. Each additive is the subject of one or more articles, providing a suffinct account of each given topic. An international group of experts in additive and polymer science, from many world class companies and institutes, explain the recent rapid changes in additive technology. They cover novel additives (scorch inhibitors, compatibilizers, surface-modified particulates etc.), the established varieties (antioxidants, biocides, antistatic agents, nucleating agents, fillers, fibres, impact modifiers, plasticizers) and many others, the articles also consider environmental concerns, interactions between additives and legislative change. With a quick reference guide and introductory articles that provide the non-specialist and newcomer with relevant information, this reference book is essential reading for anyone concerned with plastics and additives.

Both technically and economically, additives form a large and increasingly significant part of the polymer industry, both plastics and elastomers. Since the first edition of this book was published, there have been wide-ranging developments, covering chemistry and formulation of new and more efficient additive systems and the safer use of additives, both by processors in the factory and, in the wider field, as they affect the general public. This new edition follows the successful formula of its predecessor, it provides a comprehensive view of all types of additives, concentrating mainly on their technical aspects (chemistry/formulation, structure, function, main applications) with notes on the commercial background of each. The field has been expanded to include any substance that is added to a polymer to improve its use, so including reinforcing materials (such as glass fibre), carbon black and titanium dioxide. This is a book which has been planned for ease of use and the information is presented in a way which is appropriate to the users' needs.

Plastics without additives are not viable. Additives are essential to make plastics processable and to assure their end-use properties. Over the last decade the demands on additives have continued to evolve, not only because of changes in processing conditions and production techniques but also because plastics are being used in more demanding applications. This revised edition, described earlier by one reviewer as the ""bible"" for anyone involved in the chemistry and technology of plastics additives, provides an excellent overview of the complex science and technology of plastics additives and their industry. It offers guidance for all professionals involved in the development of new thermoplastic resin grades and novel end-use applications. For the first time, the electronic pages of the book are accessible and searchable (see imprint with personal access code on the first page), offering fast and easy access to specific information, particularly trade names etc. With the purchase of this book, you also receive a free personal access code to download the eBook.

This updated, expanded volume has long been established as the "bible" for all those involved in the chemistry and technology of polymer additives.

Plastics without additives are not viable. Additives are essential to make plastics processable and to assure their end-use properties. The demands on additives have continued to evolve, not only because of changes in processing conditions and production techniques but also because plastics are being used in more demanding applications. This revised and updated edition, described earlier by one reviewer as the "bible" for anyone involved in the chemistry and technology of plastics additives, again provides an excellent overview of the complex science and technology of plastics additives and their industry. It offers guidance for all professionals involved in the development of new thermoplastic resin grades and novel end-use applications.