This book deals with polyolefins prepared via Ziegler-Natta catalysis, from a polymer chemist's viewpoint, i.e. with emphasis on their preparation and on their basic composition and properties. In addition to chapters on catalysts, polymerization behaviour and polymer properties such as tacticity, crystallinity, morphology etc., a chapter is also devoted to characterization methods. The main part of this work is reserved for polypropylene in all its forms, namely, homopolymer, random copolymer and toughened (`block') copolymers, for which extensive own-experience was present. The other polyolefins are also covered by means of a thorough literature review.This book is intended for scientists active in the field of polyolefins, including catalyst development, but should also prove an invaluable medium in academia to illustrate the growth of understanding in catalysis, kinetics and characterization of a commercially very important class of polymers.

This book focuses on the polyolefin additives that are currently important in the plastics industry, alongside new additives of increasing interest, such as nanofillers and environmentally sustainable materials. As much as possible, each chapter emphasizes the performance of the additives in the polymer, and the value each relevant additive brings to polypropylene or polyethylene. Where possible, similar additives are compared by capability and relative cost. With major sections for each additive function, this book provides a highly practical guide for engineers and scientists creating and using polyolefin compounds, who will find in this book a wealth of detail and practical guidance. This unique resource will enable them to make practical decisions about the use of the various additives, fillers, and reinforcements specific to this family of materials. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Michael Tolinski is a freelance writer and a lecturer at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. He is a frequent contributor to Plastics Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering. - Structured to make it easy for the reader to find solutions for specific property requirements - Contains a number of short case studies about companies that have used or developed a particular additive to achieve a desired result - Covers environmental resistance, mechanical property enhancement, appearance enhancement, processing aids, and other modifications of form and function

Additives for Polyolefins is a unique quick-reference resource for those who create or use polyethylene and polypropylene compounds—the most commercially important family of plastic materials, making up close to half of the volume all plastics produced and used. These polymers would be useless without various additives. The book focuses on polyolefin additives that are currently important in the plastics industry, alongside new additives of increasing interest, such as nanofillers and environmentally sustainable materials. As much as possible, each chapter emphasises the performance of the additives in the polymer, and the value each relevant additive brings to polypropylene or polyethylene. Where possible, similar additives are compared by capability and relative cost. In this new edition, product tables have been updated with the most current product and company names, new case studies have been added, the role of nanofillers is discussed in greater detail, and the book concludes with a discussion on blending and handling additives, along with an entirely new chapter on how engineers can approach the issue of sustainability when choosing an additive. - Assesses capabilities and costs of a range of additives to enable engineers and scientists to make the correct selection for their property requirements - Provides concise, practical information about the purpose and use of specific additives, fillers, and reinforcements – demystifying the world of additives by providing clear, engineering explanations, and including real-world application case stories - Updated to include additional material on nanofillers, blending and handling, and sustainability

Brydson's Plastics Materials, Eighth Edition, provides a comprehensive overview of the commercially available plastics materials that bridge the gap between theory and practice. The book enables scientists to understand the commercial implications of their work and provides engineers with essential theory. Since the previous edition, many developments have taken place in plastics materials, such as the growth in the commercial use of sustainable bioplastics, so this book brings the user fully up-to-date with the latest materials, references, units, and figures that have all been thoroughly updated. The book remains the authoritiative resource for engineers, suppliers, researchers, materials scientists, and academics in the field of polymers, including current best practice, processing, and material selection information and health and safety guidance, along with discussions of sustainability and the commercial importance of various plastics and additives, including nanofillers and graphene as property modifiers. With a 50 year history as the principal reference in the field of plastics material, and fully updated by an expert team of polymer scientists and engineers, this book is essential reading for researchers and practitioners in this field. - Presents a one-stop-shop for easily accessible information on plastics materials, now updated to include the latest biopolymers, high temperature engineering plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, and more - Includes thoroughly revised and reorganised material as contributed by an expert team who make the book relevant to all plastics engineers, materials scientists, and students of polymers - Includes the latest guidance on health, safety, and sustainability, including materials safety data sheets, local regulations, and a discussion of recycling issues

The definitive reference on the properties and applications of polyolefin blends Polyolefins account for more than half of total plastics consumption in the world. In recent years, usage of and research on polyolefin blends have increased significantly due to new applications in medicine, packaging, and other fields and the development of novel polyolefins. With a special emphasis on nano- and micro-structures of crystals and phase morphology, Polyolefin Blends condenses and consolidates current information on polyolefins so that the reader can compare, select, and integrate a material solution. Focusing exclusively on the fundamental aspects as well as applications of polyolefin blends, this authoritative reference: * Features an introductory chapter that serves as a guide to polyolefin blends * Includes chapters covering formulation design, processing, characterization, modeling and simulation, engineering performance properties, and applications * Covers polyolefin/polyolefin blends and polyolefin/non-polyolefin blends * Discusses miscibility, phase behavior, functionalization, compatibilization, microstructure, crystallization, hierarchical morphology, and physical and mechanical properties * Covers new research trends including in-situ reactor blending and reactive processing, such as compatibilization/functionalization in the melt * Contains practical examples from open literature sources and commercial products With chapters contributed by leading experts from several countries, this is a must-have reference for scientists and engineers conducting research on polyolefin blends and for professionals in medical, packaging, and other commodity fields. It is also an excellent text for graduate students studying polymer science and polymer processing.

This introductory text is an important resource for new engineers, chemists, students, and chemical industry personnel to understand the technical aspects of polypropylene which is the 2nd largest synthetics polymer in manufactured output. The book considers the following topics: What are the principal types of polypropylene and how do they differ? What catalysts are used to produce polypropylene and how do they function? What is the role of cocatalysts and how have they evolved over the years? How are industrial polypropylene catalysts tested and the resultant polymer evaluated? What processes are used in the manufacture of polypropylene? What are the biopolymer alternatives to polypropylene? What companies are the major industrial manufacturers of polypropylene? What is the environmental fate of polypropylene?

Advances in Polymer Science enjoys a longstanding tradition and good reputation in its community. Each volume is dedicated to a current topic, and each review critically surveys one aspect of that topic, to place it within the context of the volume. The volumes typically summarize the significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years and discuss them critically, presenting selected examples, explaining and illustrating the important principles, and bringing together many important references of primary literature. On that basis, future research directions in the area can be discussed. Advances in Polymer Science volumes thus are important references for every polymer scientist, as well as for other scientists interested in polymer science - as an introduction to a neighboring field, or as a compilation of detailed information for the specialist.