The objective of Plastics Chemistry and Technology is to present an overview of the whole field of plastics through the design and product. To understand processing and application, it is most helpful to have a working knowledge of chemistry, properties, and test techniques. While other books in the field do an excellent job of covering specific areas of science or engineering, this book is intended to span the field in terms that do not require an extensive background in chemistry.
All plastics are based on polymeric materials. Plastics Chemistry and Technology starts by presenting an explanation of polymer mechanisms and then proceeds through properties, idiosyncrasies, and interactions with the environment. Processing techniques, fillers, reinforcements, adhesion, and test methods are covered along with some plastics design concepts.
The plastics field is expanding rapidly, with new materials and developments every year. This book presents an up-to-date review of the field, with enough basics in polymers to understand or contribute to future developments.
I would like to express my gratitude to all the people who aided in the preparation of Plastics Chemistry and Technology. I am indebted to Dr. Erik Wellisch, Dr. Clyde Alley, and Newt Chessin for their teaching and inspiration. I am thankful to my students at the Martin Marietta Institute for their patience, suggestions, and corrections, which contributed to the book. Contributions to the manuscript by A. J. Gibbs, Jim Hill, and Art Rosene were appreciated as were the review and helpful suggestions by Harry DuBois...

---