Plastics Materials and Processes

Plastics Materials and Processes: A Concise Encyclopedia is a resource for anyone with an interest in plastic materials and processes, from seasoned professionals to laypeople. Arranged in alphabetical order, it clearly explains all of the materials and processes as well as their major application areas and usages. Plastics Materials and Processes: A Concise Encyclopedia:

• Discusses and describes applications and practical uses of the materials and processes.
• Clear definitions and sufficient depth to satisfy the information seekers needs

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

Dictionary of Terms 1

Appendices 613

Index 951

"This reference book would be very useful for those involved with plastics in any way but especially for designers using plastics." (IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, July/August 2004)

"…fills the need for a handy, one-volume source for definitions and basic explanations in the rapidly growing plastics field…recommended…" (Choice, Vol. 41, No. 8, April 2004)

"...recommended to technologists as a source for quick, qualitative information..." (Polymer News)

"...It will be a valuable addition to technical libraries..." (Reactive and Functional Polymers, March 2004)

A veteran of work on plastics materials and processes for the Westinghouse Electric Corporation, CHARLES A. HARPER is the President of Technology Seminars, Inc., an organization that provides educational training courses for industry professionals. He is a member of the IEEE and the Society of Plastics Engineers, and has taught many courses on plastics, including as an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University.

EDWARD M. PETRIE is an industry consultant, recently retired, and former manager of strategic projects at ABB Electrical Systems Technology Institute. He has previously served as a consultant in the Polymers and Plastics Department at Westinghouse; he is a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers and is the author of the Handbook of Adhesives and Sealants.

A wide-ranging, accessible reference on plastics and processes

The broad range of professionals involved in plastics and related industries requires a comprehensive, accessible resource on these ubiquitous materials that foregoes cumbersome, technical jargon. Plastics Materials and Processes: A Concise Encyclopedia defines materials, processes, properties, test methods, and other useful information in a straightforward and efficient manner.

Charles Harper and Edward Petrie selected the contents of their encyclopedia with an eye toward giving readers an efficient, intelligent overall insight into plastics without requiring them to wade through additional texts or handbooks in specific areas. Organized alphabetically, the Encyclopedia includes information on:

• Application guidelines
• Process method trade-offs
• Design, finishing, and performance criteria
• Chemical, structural, and other basic polymer considerations

The authors begin with a brief introduction to polymers and plastics that brings the disparate information of the Encyclopedia together. Several appendices of valuable property data are also included, comparing plastics and other commonly used materials with one another and offering guidance on processing methods and final applications.

Intended for general managers, executives, purchasing and manufacturing personnel, supervisors, engineers, and students, this comprehensive guide will be useful to anyone involved in product design, development, application, manufacturing, marketing, or other periphery functions in the plastics industry. Plastics Materials and Processes provides a concise reference to an extraordinary volume of pertinent material.