Ventus Publishing ApS, 2012, 269 pages, ISBN: 8740300871 9788740300871The chapters of this book are arranged in an attempt to reflect the three pillars of materials science and technology: in materials, there is a strong link between processing, microstructure and properties. Changing one affects the others and this has enabled scientists/engineers to tailor materials to suit purposes.ContentsIntroduction
History of the development of polymers
Why a clear understanding of material is important?
What can be achieved by appropriate selection of polymer-based materials?
What makes polymers versatile?Polymerisation
Polymerisation mechanisms
Polymerisation processes
Polymerisation reactors
Catalysts
Molecular weight and molecular weight distributions
Self-assessment questionsPolymer processing
Concept of rheology
Processing and forming thermoplastics
Processing and forming thermosetting polymers
Self-assessment questionsMicrostructure
Stereoregularity
Morphology in semi-crystalline thermoplastics
Degree of crystallinity
Crosslinking
Copolymer arrangements
Domain structures
Degree of molecular orientation
Self-assessment questionsBehaviour of polymers
Degradation of Polymers
Viscoelasticity
Relaxation transitions
Self-assessment questionsMechanical properties
Introduction
Tensile properties
Flexural properties
Compressive properties
Shear properties
Hardness
Impact properties and fracture toughness
Bearing strength
Environmental stress cracking
Fatigue and wear
Self-assessment questionsThermal properties
Differential scanning calorimetry
Thermogravimetric analysis
Thermomechanical analysis
Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis
Determination of softening temperature
Self-assessment questions
