Plastics

Plastics have now been our most used materials for over fifty years. This book adopts a new approach, exploring plastics’ contribution from two perspectives: as a medium for making and their value in societal use. The first approach examines the multivalent nature of plastics materiality and their impact on creativity through the work of artists, designers and manufacturers. The second perspective explores attitudes to plastics and the different value systems applied to them through current research undertaken by design, materials and socio-cultural historians. The book addresses the environmental impact of plastics and elucidates the ways in which they can and must be part of the solution. The individual viewpoints are provocative and controversial but together they present a balanced and scholarly un-picking of the debate that surrounds this ubiquitous group of materials. The book is essential reading for a wide academic readership interested in the Arts and Humanities, especially Design and Design History; Anthropology; and Cultural, Material and Social Histories.

Now in its Third Edition, Plastics is the key text for senior students studying the science and engineering of plastic materials. Starting from microstructure and physical properties, the book covers the mechanical, chemical and electrical properties of plastic materials, and also deals in detail with wider plastics issues that today’s engineers and materials scientists need such as manufacturing processes and the design of plastic products. The new edition has been updated to reflect changes in polymer technology and the plastics industry, and the increased knowledge of the mechanical properties of plastics. A new first chapter introduces plastics properties through practical exercises, to help students to see the relevance of more academic chapters. Computer modeling has revealed the mechanics of many types of composites, so the emphasis of chapter 4 has shifted to modeling. Applications, product design and process technology have moved on; consequently the case studies in chapter 14 were updated. A new chapter 15 introduces sport and biomaterials case studies, since increasing numbers of students are enrolled on courses with these emphases. The material has been thoroughly updated, and the principles of polymer structure-property relationships set out more clearly. Meets latest undergraduate needs for studying polymer properties Expended coverage of materials selection and shape selection New teaching case studies plus new material on plastics for use in sport applications and biomaterials Examination questions to accompany each chapter

Appendix includes formulas and procedures for making plastics.

The papers in this anthology were presented during seven ANTEC and RETEC symposia between 1995 and 1998, and chronicle many of the advances in the plastics coloring technology field during that time span. The unifying theme of the papers is ""creating more value."" The interactivity of the package design process has continued to demand advances in coloring technology, and the value of being able to exploit product appearance is glaringly apparent. Another way to create value is by being responsive through ""Speed to Market."" Manufacturers and suppliers have to respond to the demand of their consumers, yet fabricators cannot be ignored in their desire for first run acceptance of color. All these issues and many others are discussed within this authoritative overview of coloring technology.

Rev. ed. of: Permeability properties of plastics and elastomers / Massey, Liesl K. c2003. 2nd ed.

The Plastics Paradox is the first and only book to reveal the truth about plastics and the environment. Based on over 400 scientific articles, it dispels the myths that the public believe today. We are told that plastics are not green when in fact, they are usually the greenest choice according to lifecycle analysis (LCA) We are told that plastics create a waste problem when they are proven to dramatically reduce waste, for example replacing 1lb of plastic requires 3-4lb of the replacement material We are told that plastics take 1000 years to degrade when in fact a plastic bag disintegrates in just one year outdoors We are led to believe that plastic bags and straws are an issue when in fact they barely register in the statistics The list goes on... Everything you believe now is untrue and we are making policies that harm the environment based on bad information. After reading The Plastics Paradox you will be able to make wise choices that help create a brighter future for us and for our children.

Combined with a solid engineering background, this book provides the information and industrial case studies an engineer needs to both make informed decisions about selecting appropriate testing techniques and effectively troubleshoot problems in the field of plastics manufacturing. The scope of this book also includes relevant and concise information for data interpretation using the most important characterization techniques.

Plastics offer a variety of environmental benefits. However, their production, applications, and disposal present many environmental concerns. Plastics and the Environment provides state-of-the-art technical and research information on the complex relationship between the plastic and polymer industry and the environment, focusing on the sustainability, environmental impact, and cost—benefit tradeoffs associated with different technologies. Bringing together the field’s leading researchers, Anthony Andrady’s innovative collection not only covers how plastics affect the environment, but also how environmental factors affect plastics. The relative benefits of recycling, resource recovery, and energy recovery are also discussed in detail. The first of the book’s four sections represents a basic introduction to the key subject matter of plastics and the environment; the second explores several pertinent applications of plastics with environmental implications–packaging, paints and coatings, textiles, and agricultural film use. The third section discusses the behavior of plastics in some of the environments in which they are typically used, such as the outdoors, in biotic environments, or in fires. The final section consists of chapters on recycling and thermal treatment of plastics waste. Chapters include: Commodity Polymers Plastics in Transportation Biodegradation of Common Polymers Thermal Treatment of Polymer Waste Incineration of Plastics The contributors also focus on the effectiveness of recent technologies in mitigating environmental impacts, particularly those for managing plastics in the solid waste stream. Plastic and design engineers, polymer chemists, material scientists, and ecologists will find Plastics and the Environment to be a vital resource to this critical industry.

The selection and application of engineered materials is an integrated process that requires an understanding of the interaction between materials properties, manufacturing characteristics, design considerations, and the total life cycle of the product. This reference book on engineering plastics provides practical and comprehensive coverage on how the performance of plastics is characterized during design, property testing, and failure analysis. The fundamental structure and properties of plastics are reviewed for general reference, and detailed articles describe the important design factors, properties, and failure mechanisms of plastics. The effects of composition, processing, and structure are detailed in articles on the physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Other articles cover failure mechanisms such as: crazing and fracture; impact loading; fatigue failure; wear failures, moisture related failure; organic chemical related failure; photolytic degradation; and microbial degradation. Characterization of plastics in failure analysis is described with additional articles on analysis of structure, surface analysis, and fractography.

A fascinating guide to building with transparent plastics. Prominent international avant-garde architects such as Shigeru Ban and Herzog & de Meuron frequently use transparent plastic for their structures. Transparent plastic seems ephemeral and thus captures the spirit of the times.

Survey’s the issues typically raised in discussions ofsustainability and plastics Discusses current issues not covered in detail previously suchas ocean litter, migration of additives into food products and therecovery of plastics Covers post-consumer fate of plastics on land and in theoceans, highlighting the environmental impacts of disposalmethods Details toxicity of plastics, particularly as it applies tohuman health Presents a clear analysis of the key plastic-related issuesincluding numerous citations of the research base that supports andcontradicts the popularly held notions

Reinforced plastics are becoming widely adopted for long-term structural use-in everything from buildings and bridges to boats and swimming pools. However, the lifetimes being sought are far greater than the whole history of reinforced plastics production! Reinforced Plastics Durability explores the strength and weathering characteristics which make the material ideal for numerous applications, but also alerting the user of wear and corrosion-with studies of the processes and mechanisms which cause the deterioration. Written especially for first-time users of reinforced plastics-engineers, designers, and managers alike-Reinforced Plastics Durability offers substantial introductory information with key concepts. Subsequent chapters examine the long-term threats to the integrity of reinforced plastics: outdoor weathering, solvent/water attack, high temperatures, and repetitive stress. To maximize durability, contributors to the book report on experience with specific applications over time; the possibility of repair; and use of computer techniques to predict durability. Despite mentioning many possible threats to durability, Reinforced Plastics Durability emphasizes the fact that reinforced plastics composites have performed very well in most of the application areas. Readers will be able to take advantage of that success-and to possibly take steps toward the next phase of refinements and improvements.

This report provides an overview of the plastic packaging supply chain from materials to disposal. Information is included on market sizes and trends relevant to this chain. It includes a review of key factors affecting the industry, such as the need for recycling, and new developments in plastics used in packaging. This report includes a description of plastic material types and properties relevant to packaging. Tables of comparative data are included.

This new Handbook provides engineers and scientists with the information and practical guidance needed to successfully design and manufacture products using biopolymers and biodegradable plastics. Biopolymers and biodegradable plastics are a hot issue across the plastics industry, and for many of the industry sectors that use plastic: from packaging to medical devices and from the construction industry to the automotive sector. This book brings together in one place a number of key biopolymer and biodegradable plastics topics-in chapters previously published as well as updated and new chapters-for a broad audience of engineers of and scientists, especially those designing with biopolymers and biodegradable plastics or evaluating the options for switching from traditional plastics to biopolymers. Topics covered include preparation, fabrication, applications and recycling (including biodegradability and compostability). Applications in key areas such as films, coatings, controlled release, and tissue engineering are discussed.

The successful coloring of plastic parts, beginning with the formulation of the color preparation and ending with the manufacture of the final product, is the result of the interaction of chemical, physical, and technological factors. In-depth knowledge of these factors and their interrelation and the consideration of national and international regulations are prerequisite for anyone working in this field. This book describes the various aspects of coloring plastics. The reader is enabled to identify the color preparation that meets given product requirements. Only if color preparation, polymer material, and final product design and requirements are well coordinated will the customer be pleased with the colored plastic product. Contents: - Methods for Coloring of Plastics - Requirements for Color Preparations - Composition of Color Preparations - Colorants and Additives - Processing Errors and Troubleshooting - Quality Assurance - National/International Regulations

FROM THE INTRODUCTION "Considerable effort has gone into the study of various aspects of flammability and of various plastic materials, so that these materials which are proving so useful to man will always be used in ways which will not compromise his safety. The task is a continuing one, because the family of plastics continues to grow, and, along with it, its variety of applications. Some of these future applications cannot even be conceived of at the present time. The needs of man and his society are changing, and with them the factors that affect his safety, comfort, and convenience. A flammability handbook for plastics must necessarily involve a variety of sciences and technologies spread across the whole spectrum of human knowledge, and it is impossible to discuss all the subjects in great depth. Any details extracted for attention are brought because they are believed to be significant to the overall effort to make plastics as useful and safe as humanly possible."

Written in easy-to-read and -use format, this book provides a strong training resource and reference for product designers using plastics in their products – helping them identify, quantify, and confirm whether problems are related to product design or process. • Updates coverage of data analysis techniques and examples and expands coverage of failure analysis, key because of increased litigation related to product liability • Overviews plastic testing methods and the framework to investigate causes of plastic part failure • Provides a strong training resource and reference for product designers using plastics in their products • Features a video tour of a plastics testing labroatory on a companion website and has a separate manual of problems and solutions that are appropriate for college professors using the book as a class textbook

The sixth edition of this classic reference work continues to provide a balanced and comprehensive overview of the nature, manufacture, structure, properties, processing and applications of commercially available plastics materials. Aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice, it enables scientists to understand the commercial implications of their work as well as providing technologists with a theoretical background. Early chapters describe the history and nature of plastics and explain the relationship of chemical structure and properties. Preparation, structure, properties processing and applications of each class of plastics materials are then considered separately. New chapters have been added on materials selection and special polymers, including biodegradable and electroconductive polymers and thermoplastic elastomers. In addition many new plastics materials have been added throughout the text and more information has been included on testing methods and data. The sections on production/consumption statistics has also been completely updated. Reviews of previous editions: It's a genuine milestone in reference works...and the book is a 'must' for anyone concerned with the selection, preparation, compounding or processing of these materials' - British Plastic and Rubber 'This latest edition maintains the high standard set previously... The book s a 'must' for both student and practising technologists' - Plastics Materials 'The fourth edition of John Brydson's book carries on the splendid traditions of the previous three. As a reference book for a laboratory, sales office or student's bedroom, it is unrivalled in its comprehensive of the history, chemistry and technology of plastics'. - Reinforced Plastics 'As a reference book on the subject it is unique for its depth in such a compact form, yet allied to that it is so eminently readable. It is a working chemist's book for a working chemist.' - Journal of the Oil and Colour Chemists Association 'This is one of the most comprehensive reference books in its class.' - Polymer News, March 1996