The contents have been divided into sections on physical states of polymers and characterization techniques. Chapters on physical states include discussions of the rubber elastic state, the glassy state, melts and concentrated solutions, the crystalline state, and the mesomorphic state. Characterization techniques described are molecular spectroscopy and scattering techniques.

Reviews measurement of these properties in the main types of polymers in use today. Numerous techniques are discussed ranging from thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance based methods to pyrolytic techniques such as those based on pyrolysis, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.

In recent years numerous research papers have been published on the changes in chemical structure and in physical properties of polymers when they are exposed to heat over a range of temperatures. For example, these changes can occur at any time during the injection moulding of the plastic, in the subsequent processing and in its end-use application when exposed to elevated temperatures. Thermal stability is a very important parameter which must be taken into account when selecting polymers whether for their use as constructional or engineering applications or in the packaging of food at high temperatures. The mechanisms by which such changes occur are many and it is important to know what these are and to be able to measure the rate of change of polymer structure and its dependence on temperature and time. Development of an understanding of the mechanisms of thermal degradation will help the chemist to develop materials with better thermal stability. This is particularly important in newer developments in engineering and aerospace. This book reviews in nine chapters the measurement of these properties in the main types of polymers in use today. Numerous techniques are discussed ranging from thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance based methods to pyrolytic techniques such as those based on pyrolysis, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The book is aimed at those engaged in the manufacture of polymers and the development of end-use applications. It is essential that students of polymer science should have a thorough understanding of polymer stability and an additional aim of the book is to help in the development of such an interest.

Understanding the thermal degradation of polymers is of paramount importance for developing a rational technology of polymer processing and higher-temperature applications. Controlling degradation requires understanding of many different phenomena, including chemical mechanisms, the influence of polymer morphology, the complexities of oxidation chemistry, and the effects of stabilisers, fillers and other additives. This book offers a wealth of information for polymer researchers and processors requiring an understanding of the implications of thermal degradation on material and product performance.

Strong bonds form stronger materials. For this reason, the investigation on thermal degradation of materials is a significantly important area in research and development activities. The analysis of thermal stability can be used to assess the behavior of materials in the aggressive environmental conditions, which in turn provides valuable information about the service life span of the materiel. Unlike other books published so far that have focused on either the fundamentals of thermal analysis or the degradation pattern of the materials, this book is specifically on the mechanism of degradation of materials. The mechanism of rapturing of chemical bonds as a result of exposure to high-temperature environment is difficult to study and resulting mechanistic pathway hard to establish. Limited information is available on this subject in the published literatures and difficult to excavate. Chapters in this book are contributed by the experts working on thermal degradation and analysis of the wide variety of advanced and traditional materials. Each chapter discusses the material, its possible application, behavior of chemical entities when exposed to high-temperature environment and mode and the mechanistic route of its decomposition. Such information is crucial while selecting the chemical ingredients during the synthesis or development of new materials technology.

Presents a solid introduction to thermal analysis, methods, instrumentation, calibration, and application along with the necessary theoretical background. Useful to chemists, physicists, materials scientists, and engineers who are new to thermal analysis techniques, and to existing users of thermal analysis who wish expand their experience to new techniques and applications Topics covered include Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Differential Thermal Analysis (DSC/DTA), Thermogravimetry, Thermomechanical Analysis and Dilatometry, Dynamic Mechanical Analysis, Micro-Thermal Analysis, Hot Stage Microscopy, and Instrumentation. Written by experts in the various areas of thermal analysis Relevant and detailed experiments and examples follow each chapter.