Thermal Degradation Of Polymeric Materials

Thermal Degradation of Polymeric Materials, Second Edition offers a wealth of information for polymer researchers and processors who require a thorough understanding of the implications of thermal degradation on materials and product performance. Sections cover thermal degradation mechanisms and kinetics, as well as various techniques, such as thermogravimetry in combination with mass spectroscopy and infrared spectrometry to investigate thermal decomposition routes. Other chapters focus on polymers and copolymers, including polyolefins, styrene polymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyacrylates, natural polymers, inorganic polymers, high temperature-resistant and conducting polymers, blends, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, nanocomposites, and biocomposites. Finally, other key considerations such as recycling of polymers by thermal degradation, thermal degradation during processing, and modelling, are discussed in detail. Explains mechanisms of polymer degradation, making it possible to understand and predict material behavior at elevated temperatures Offers systematic coverage of each polymer group that is supported by data detailed explanations and critical analysis Investigates thermal decomposition routes in new materials, such as organic-inorganic hybrid materials and polymer nanocomposites

The study of polymer degradation and stabilisation is of considerable practical importance as the industrial uses of polymeric materials continue to expand. In this book, the authors lucidly relate technological phenomena to the chemistry and physics of degradation and stabilisation processes. Degradation embraces a variety of technologically important phenomena ranging from relatively low temperature processes such as 'weathering' of plastics, 'fatigue' of rubbers through the processing of polymers in shearing mixers to very high temperature processes such as flammability and ablation. All these technological phenomena have in common certain basic chemical reactions. Thus 'weathering' has its roots in photo-oxidation, 'fatigue' and melt-degradation in mechano-oxidation and flammability, and ablation in ablation in pyrolysis and vapour phase oxidation.

Thermal Characterization of Polymeric Materials is a critical review and a concise evaluation of the application of thermal analysis in polymer science and engineering. This book is divided into nine chapters that specifically tackle the instrumentation, theory, and a wide variety of applications of thermal characterization. The introductory chapters provide an overview of all aspects of thermal analytical methods and apparatus and the theory underlying the basic principles of thermal analysis. These chapters also examine the theories and functions of state for thermometry, dilatometry, thermomechanical analysis, calorimetry, thermogravimetry. These topics are followed by a discussion on single-component and multicomponent systems and their phase transitions, as influenced by concentration, pressure, deformation, molecular weight, and copolymerization. The subsequent chapters explore the influence of important chemical and physical parameters on the glass transition, crystallization, and melting of thermoplastic materials. The discussion then shifts to the theoretical aspects of polymer-polymer compatibility, phase separation, and miscibility in mixed polymer systems. This book further considers the thermal analysis in thermosets, elastomers, and fibers. The concluding chapters present the methods of obtaining information on the relative flammability properties of polymers, for screening fire retardant additives, and for studying the mechanism of flame inhibition. These chapters also look into the thermal analysis of antioxidants, stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, impact modifiers, and fire retardants. Polymer scientists and researchers will find this book invaluable.

This book delivers a deep insight into thermal polymer degradation features and put a particular emphasis on blends, composites and nanocomposites. It examines the thermal stability and the mechanism of degrading for every class of polymer substances and studies the effect on reinforcement to all classes. The book further explores the thermal stability when nano particles are added and summarizes the latest studies and application relevant results. This book offers a valuable reference source to graduate and post graduate students, engineering students, research scholars and polymer engineers from industry.

The development of polymers as an important class of material was inhibited at the first by the premature failure of these versatile compounds in many applications. The deterioration of important properties of both natural and synthetic polymers is the result of irreversible changes in composition and structure of polymers molecules. As a result of these reactions, mechanical, electrical and/or aesthetic properties are degraded beyond acceptable limits. It is now generally recognized that stabilization against degradation is necessary if the useful life of polymers is to be extended sufficiently to meet design requirements for long-term applications. Polymers degrade by a wide variety of mechanisms, several of which affect all polymers through to varying degree. This monograph will concentrate on those degradation mechanisms which result from reactions of polymers with oxygen in its various forms and which are accelerated by heat and/or radiation. Those stabilization mechanisms are discussed which are based on an understanding of degradation reaction mechanisms that are reasonably well established. The stabilization of polymers is still undergoing a transition from an art to a science as mechanisms of degradation become more fully developed. A scientific approach to stabilization can only be approached when there is an understanding of the reactions that lead to degradation. Stabilization against biodegradation and burning will not be discussed since there is not a clear understanding of how polymers degrade under these conditions.

Strong bonds form stronger materials. For this reason, the investigation on thermal degradation of materials is a significantly important area in research and development activities. The analysis of thermal stability can be used to assess the behavior of materials in the aggressive environmental conditions, which in turn provides valuable information about the service life span of the materiel. Unlike other books published so far that have focused on either the fundamentals of thermal analysis or the degradation pattern of the materials, this book is specifically on the mechanism of degradation of materials. The mechanism of rapturing of chemical bonds as a result of exposure to high-temperature environment is difficult to study and resulting mechanistic pathway hard to establish. Limited information is available on this subject in the published literatures and difficult to excavate. Chapters in this book are contributed by the experts working on thermal degradation and analysis of the wide variety of advanced and traditional materials. Each chapter discusses the material, its possible application, behavior of chemical entities when exposed to high-temperature environment and mode and the mechanistic route of its decomposition. Such information is crucial while selecting the chemical ingredients during the synthesis or development of new materials technology.

Compostable Polymer Materials, Second Edition, deals with the environmentally important family of polymers designed to be disposed of in industrial and municipal compost facilities after their useful life. These compostable plastics undergo degradation and leave no visible, distinguishable, or toxic residue. Environmental concerns and legislative measures taken in different regions of the world make composting an increasingly attractive route for the disposal of redundant polymers. This book covers the entire spectrum of preparation, degradation, and evironmental issues related to compostable polymers. It emphasizes recent studies concerning compostability and ecotoxilogical assessment of polymer materials. It descibes the thermal behavior, including flammability properties, of compostable polymers. It also explores possible routes of compostable polymers waste disposal through an ecological lens. Finally, the book examines the economic factors at work, including price evolution over the past decade, the current market, and future perspectives. Compostable Polymer Materials is an essential resource for graduate students and scientists working in chemistry, materials science, ecology, and environmental science. Provides a comprehensive study of the composting process Details methods of compostable polymers preparation, including properties, processing and applications Presents the state-of-the-art knowledge on ecotoxicity testing and biodegradation under real composting conditions of compostable polymers, as well as biodegradation in various environments, such as marine environments and anaerobic conditions Discusses the evolution of waste management in Europe and the United States, as well as the status of MSW disposal and treatment methods in countries such as China and Brazil Overviews biodegradation studies under real composting conditions of products made of compostable polymers, e.g. bags, bottles, cutletry Analyzes evolution of market development, including price of compostable polymers during the last decade

In recent years numerous research papers have been published on the changes in chemical structure and in physical properties of polymers when they are exposed to heat over a range of temperatures. For example, these changes can occur at any time during the injection moulding of the plastic, in the subsequent processing and in its end-use application when exposed to elevated temperatures. Thermal stability is a very important parameter which must be taken into account when selecting polymers whether for their use as constructional or engineering applications or in the packaging of food at high temperatures. The mechanisms by which such changes occur are many and it is important to know what these are and to be able to measure the rate of change of polymer structure and its dependence on temperature and time. Development of an understanding of the mechanisms of thermal degradation will help the chemist to develop materials with better thermal stability. This is particularly important in newer developments in engineering and aerospace. This book reviews in nine chapters the measurement of these properties in the main types of polymers in use today. Numerous techniques are discussed ranging from thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance based methods to pyrolytic techniques such as those based on pyrolysis, gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. The book is aimed at those engaged in the manufacture of polymers and the development of end-use applications. It is essential that students of polymer science should have a thorough understanding of polymer stability and an additional aim of the book is to help in the development of such an interest.