Polymer Engineering

Exploring the chemistry of synthesis, mechanisms of polymerization, reaction engineering of step-growth and chain-growth polymerization, polymer characterization, thermodynamics and structural, mechanical, thermal and transport behavior of polymers as melts, solutions and solids, Fundamentals of Polymer Engineering, Third Edition covers essential concepts and breakthroughs in reactor design and polymer production and processing. It contains modern theories and real-world examples for a clear understanding of polymer function and development. This fully updated edition addresses new materials, applications, processing techniques, and interpretations of data in the field of polymer science. It discusses the conversion of biomass and coal to plastics and fuels, the use of porous polymers and membranes for water purification, and the use of polymeric membranes in fuel cells. Recent developments are brought to light in detail, and there are new sections on the improvement of barrier properties of polymers, constitutive equations for polymer melts, additive manufacturing and polymer recycling. This textbook is aimed at senior undergraduate students and first year graduate students in polymer engineering and science courses, as well as professional engineers, scientists, and chemists. Examples and problems are included at the end of each chapter for concept reinforcement.

Polymers have an important role in manufacturing and their engineering properties form an important part of any course in engineering. This revised and updated second edition develops the principles of polymer engineering from the underlying materials science, and is aimed at undergraduateand postgraduate students in engineering and materials science. The opening chapters explain why plastics and rubbers have such distinctive properties and how these are affected by temperature, strain rate, and other factors. The book then explores how these properties can be exploited within theseproperty constraints to produce functional components. Major changes for this second edition include an introductory chapter on the environmental impact of polymers, emphasizing the important issues, and substantially revised sections on fracture testing for toughened polymers, yield, processing,heat transfer, and polymer forming.

This book provides a unified mechanics and materials perspective on polymers: both the mathematics of viscoelasticity theory as well as the physical mechanisms behind polymer deformation processes. Introductory material on fundamental mechanics is included to provide a continuous baseline for readers from all disciplines. Introductory material on the chemical and molecular basis of polymers is also included, which is essential to the understanding of the thermomechanical response. This self-contained text covers the viscoelastic characterization of polymers including constitutive modeling, experimental methods, thermal response, and stress and failure analysis. Example problems are provided within the text as well as at the end of each chapter. New to this edition: · One new chapter on the use of nano-material inclusions for structural polymer applications and applications such as fiber-reinforced polymers and adhesively bonded structures · Brings up-to-date polymer production and sales data and equipment and procedures for evaluating polymer characterization and classification · The work serves as a comprehensive reference for advanced seniors seeking graduate level courses, first and second year graduate students, and practicing engineers

Forensic Polymer Engineering: Why Polymer Products Fail in Service, Second Edition presents and explains the latest forensic engineering techniques used in the investigation of failed polymer materials that are illustrated with a very large number of detailed case studies which show the different types of failure and the forensic engineering techniques used in their investigation. In this updated edition, new case studies have been added to include patent disputes and failed products such as spiral wound wall storage tanks, lithium battery explosions, water bottle failures, and breast implant failures (such as the PIP scandal). New images demonstrating failure have been included, and images from the previous edition are reproduced in color and enhanced with additional explanatory detail. With a dedicated focus on polymeric materials, the book includes details on the experimental techniques that are used to characterize the materials, particularly in cases of failure. Finally, the book has information on the fabrication of polymer devices, as manufacturing flaws often play a role in failure. Demonstrates the latest forensic engineering techniques used in the investigation of failed polymer components Presents detailed case studies that illustrate different types of failure in polymer components, fittings, and medical devices Examines the role of manufacturing in product failure with an overview of faults recognized in methods, design, and material selection Provides an integrated approach to polymer failures that covers everything from basic materials properties, through to the experimental techniques required to study them

Fundamentals of Polymer Science for Engineers Filling a gap in the market, this textbook provides a concise, yet thorough introduction to polymer science for advanced engineering students and practitioners, focusing on the chemical, physical and materials science aspects that are most relevant for engineering applications. After covering polymer synthesis and properties, the major section of the book is devoted to polymeric materials, such as thermoplastics and polymer composites, polymer processing such as injection molding and extrusion, and methods for large-scale polymer characterization. The text concludes with an overview of engineering plastics. The emphasis throughout is on application-relevant topics, and the author focuses on real-life, industry-relevant polymeric materials.

This introductory text is intended as the basis for a two or three semester course in synthetic macromolecules. It can also serve as a self-instruction guide for engineers and scientists without formal training in the subject who find themselves working with polymers. For this reason, the material covered begins with basic concepts and proceeds to current practice, where appropriate. Serves as both a textbook and an introduction for scientists in the field Problems accompany each chapter

W ALL ARE SURROUNDED by plastic materials and cannot imagine modem life and utilities without the synthetic polymers. And yet, how many of us can distinguish between polyethylene and PVC? After all, most people name any polymer as ''Nylon. /I Is there any distinction between polymers and plastics? This introductory textbook tries to answer these questions and many others. It endeavors to provide the basic information required in modem life about the best utilization of new materials in the plastics era; the chemical sources of synthetic polymers, and the processes in which small"simple" molecules are converted to giant macromolecules, namely, high polymers; and the understanding of the role of these unique structures, their behavior and performance, their mechanical and thermal properties, flow and deforma tion. As we are mainly interested in the final product, the processing of plastics, through shaping and forming, presents a significant challenge to polymer engineering. All this is broadly discussed, ending with modem issues like composites, ecology and future prediction, followed by up-to-date informa tion and data about old as well as novel high performance polymers. The text is particularly targeted towards senior students of science and engineering (chemical, material, mechanical and others) who may use it as the first window to the world of polymers. At the same time many profession als who are involved in the resin or plastics industry may prefer this approach without elaborate math or overloading.

This reference book provides a comprehensive overview of the nature, manufacture, structure, properties, processing, and applications of commercially available polymers. The main feature of the book is the range of topics from both theory and practice, which means that physical properties and applications of the materials concerned are described in terms of the theory, chemistry and manufacturing constraints which apply to them. It will therefore enable scientists to understand the commercial implications of their work as well as providing polymer technologists, engineers and designers with a theoretical background. Provides a comprehensive overview of commercially available polymers Offers a unique mix of theory and application Essential for both scientists and technologists