Plastics Materials

Plastics Materials, Fifth Edition, reviews developments of plastics materials. The 1980s saw the introduction of many new materials, some of which were highly specialized in their function, particularly in the field of electronics. The book attempts to take such developments into account. It also highlights the commercial importance of materials discussed and includes representative production or consumption statistics. The book begins by tracing the historical development of plastics materials. This is followed by separate chapters on the production of polymers via addition polymerization, condensation polymerization, and rearrangement polymerization; physical states of aggregation of polymers; factors affecting the thermal and mechanical properties of polymers; the relation of structure to the chemical, electrical, and optical properties of plastics; plastics additives; and principles of plastics processing. Subsequent chapters focus on the properties of individual plastics materials. These include polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride polymers, poly(vinyl acetate), acrylic plastics, polystyrene, vinyl thermoplastics, polyamides and polyimides, polyacetals and related materials, and polycarbonates.

Preface to Fifth EditionPreface to First Edition1 The Historical Development of Plastics Materials 1.1 Natural Plastics 1.2 Parkesine and Celluloid 1.3 1900-1930 1.4 The Evolution of the Vinyl Plastics 1.5 Developments since 1939 1.6 Raw Materials for Plastics 1.7 The Market for Plastics 1.8 The Future for Plastics2 The Chemical Nature of Plastics 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Behavior 2.3 Further Consideration of Addition Polymerization 2.3.1 Elementary Kinetics of Free Radical Addition Polymerization 2.3.2 Ionic Polymerization 2.4 Condensation Polymerization3 States of Aggregation in Polymers 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Linear Amorphous Polymers 3.2.1 Orientation in Linear Amorphous Polymers 3.3 Crystalline Polymers 3.3.1 Orientation and Crystallization 3.3.2 Liquid Crystal Polymers 3.4 Cross-Linked Structures 3.5 Polyblends 3.6 Summary4 Relation of Structure to Thermal and Mechanical Properties 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Factors Affecting the Glass Transition Temperature 4.3 Factors Affecting the Ability to Crystallize 4.4 Factors Affecting the Crystalline Melting Point 4.5 Some Individual Properties 4.5.1 Melt Viscosity 4.5.2 Yield Strength and Modulus 4.5.3 Density 4.5.4 Impact Strength5 Relation of Structure to Chemical Properties 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Chemical Bonds 5.3 Polymer Solubility 5.3.1 Plasticisers 5.3.2 Extenders 5.3.3 Determination of Solubility Parameter 5.3.4 Thermodynamics and Solubility 5.4 Chemical Reactivity 5.5 Effects of Thermal, Photochemical and High Energy Radiation 5.6 Aging and Weathering 5.7 Diffusion and Permeability 5.8 Toxicity 5.9 Fire and Plastics6 Relation of Structure to Electrical and Optical Properties 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Dielectric Constant, Power Factor and Structure 6.3 Some Quantitative Relationships of Dielectrics 6.4 Electronic Applications of Polymers 6.5 Electrically Conductive Polymers 6.6 Optical Properties7 Additives for Plastics 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Fillers 7.2.1 Coupling Agents 7.3 Plasticisers and Softeners 7.4 Lubricants and Flow Promoters 7.5 Anti-Aging Additives 7.5.1 Antioxidants 7.5.2 Antiozonants 7.5.3 Stabilizers Against Dehydrochlorination 7.5.4 Ultra-Violet Absorbers and Related Materials 7.6 Flame Retarders 7.7 Colorants 7.8 Blowing Agents 7.9 Cross-linking Agents 7.10 Photodegradants8 Principles of the Processing of Plastics 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Melt Processing of Thermoplastics 8.2.1 Hygroscopic Behavior 8.2.2 Granule Characteristics 8.2.3 Thermal Properties Influencing Polymer Melting 8.2.4 Thermal Stability 8.2.5 Flow Properties 8.2.6 Thermal Properties Affecting Cooling 8.2.7 Crystallization 8.2.8 Orientation and Shrinkage 8.3 Melt Processing of Thermosetting Plastics 8.4 Processing in the Rubbery State 8.5 Solution, Suspension and Casting Processes 8.6 Summary9 Principles of Product Design 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Rigidity of Plastics Materials 9.2.1 The Assessment of Maximum Service Temperature 9.3 Toughness 9.3.1 The Assessment of Impact Strength 9.4 Stress-Strain-Time Behavior 9.4.1 The WLF Equations 9.4.2 Creep Curves 9.4.3 Practical Assessment of Long Term Behavior 9.5 Recovery from Deformation 9.6 Distortion, Voids and Frozen-in Stress 9.7 Conclusions10 Polyethylene 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Preparation of Monomer 10.3 Polymerization 10.3.1 High Pressure Polymerization 10.3.2 Ziegler Processes 10.3.3 The Phillips Process 10.3.4 Standard Oil Company (Indiana) Process 10.3.