Polymer Durability

Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of polymer durability. Discusses the molecular mechanisms of polymer aging and deterioration, emphasizing UV and thermal exposure environments. Describes a variety of analytical techniques for studying degradation, with special emphasis on chemiluminescence. Covers advances in the use of additives and other approaches for enhancing polymer stability. Reviews mechanisms and applications of major classes of stabilizers, and discusses the problem of stabilizer migration and loss. Examines new methods for predicting the aging rate and lifetime of a material.

Polymer Analysis, Degradation & Stabilization

Durability and Reliability of Polymers and Other Materials in Photovoltaic Modules describes the durability and reliability behavior of polymers used in Si-photovoltaic modules and systems, particularly in terms of physical aging and degradation process/mechanisms, characterization methods, accelerated exposure chamber and testing, module level testing, and service life prediction. The book compares polymeric materials to traditional materials used in solar applications, explaining the degradation pathways of the different elements of a photovoltaic module, including encapsulant, front sheet, back sheet, wires and connectors, adhesives, sealants, and more. In addition, users will find sections on the tests needed for the evaluation of polymer degradation and aging, as well as accelerated tests to aid in materials selection. As demand for photovoltaics continues to grow globally, with polymer photovoltaics offering significantly lower production costs compared to earlier approaches, this book will serve as a welcome resource on new avenues. Provides comprehensive coverage of photovoltaic polymers, from fundamental degradation mechanisms, to specific case studies of durability and materials failure Offers practical, actionable information in relation to service life prediction of photovoltaic modules and accelerated testing for materials selection Includes up-to-date information and interpretation of safety regulations and testing of photovoltaic modules and materials

The result of the authors' 40 years of experience in durability testing, this book describes the advanced testing methodology based on the viscoelasticity of matrix polymer. After a short introduction to the viscoelastic behavior of fiber-reinforced plastics, the text goes on to review in detail the concepts of static, fatigue and creep strengths in polymer composites. An application-oriented approach is adopted such that the concepts developed in the book are applied to real-life examples. Indispensable information for materials scientists and engineers working in those industrial sectors is concerned with the development and safe use of polymer composite-based products.

This book covers a significant number of R&D projects, performed mostly after 2000, devoted to the understanding and prevention of performance degradation processes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The extent and severity of performance degradation processes in PEFCs were recognized rather gradually. Indeed, the recognition overlapped with a significant number of industrial dem- strations of fuel cell powered vehicles, which would suggest a degree of technology maturity beyond the resaolution of fundamental failure mechanisms. An intriguing question, therefore, is why has there been this apparent delay in addressing fun- mental performance stability requirements. The apparent answer is that testing of the power system under fully realistic operation conditions was one prerequisite for revealing the nature and extent of some key modes of PEFC stack failure. Such modes of failure were not exposed to a similar degree, or not at all, in earlier tests of PEFC stacks which were not performed under fully relevant conditions, parti- larly such tests which did not include multiple on–off and/or high power–low power cycles typical for transportation and mobile power applications of PEFCs. Long-term testing of PEFCs reported in the early 1990s by both Los Alamos National Laboratory and Ballard Power was performed under conditions of c- stant cell voltage, typically near the maximum power point of the PEFC.

"Covers recent advances in polymer degradation and stabilization. Focuses on the basics of photo- and bio-degradability. Delineates special and general environmental parameters such as solar irradiation, temperature, and agrochemical exposure. Surveys plastic waste disposal strategies such as recycling, incineration, chemical recovery by pyrolysis,

Based on polymer conferences held in 1999 and 2001, Polymer Composites II: Composites Applications in Infrastructure Renewal and Economic Development is a collection of status reports, success stories, and new opportunities from specific composite applications in infrastructure renewal that provide insight to the resulting economic development and effects. This volume brings together multidisciplinary experts involved with polymer composites who validate their design, construction, and performance and present the role that composites play in infrastructure renewal, detail the technical and regualtory barriers, identify helpful agencies, and estimate the possibilities of economic development.

This volume is a comprehensive guide to the industrial use of polymer composites. Edited contributions demonstrate the application of these materials for different industrial sectors. The book covers the benefits, future potential, and manufacturing techniques of different types of polymers. Contributors also address challenges in using nanopolymers in these industries. Readers will find valuable insights into the current demand and supply of polymer composites and future scope for research and development in this field of polymer science. The volume presents seven chapters, each exploring a different application of polymer composites. Chapter 1 discusses the use of polymer additives for improving classical concrete and the workability and durability of polymer composite concrete. Chapter 2 explores the use of polymer nanocomposites in packaging, including smart/intelligent packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, and vacuum packaging. Chapter 3 delves into the use of polymer composites in tissue engineering, including manufacturing techniques and various applications. Chapter 4 explores energy storage applications for polymer composites, while Chapter 5 discusses their use in microbial fuel cells. Chapter 6 explores the use of carbon nanotubes in polymer composite gas sensors. Finally, Chapter 7 discusses the use of polymer composites in automotive applications. This is an ideal reference for researchers, scientists, engineers, and professionals in the fields of materials science, polymer science, engineering, and nanotechnology. The content is also suitable for graduate and postgraduate students studying industrial manufacturing.