Industrial Polymers, Specialty Polymers, and Their Applications

Derived from the well-known Plastics Technology Handbook, this volume is for those whose work focuses on the latest designs in and applications for industrial and specialty polymers. It discusses industrial polymers that are produced using a free-radical mechanism, as well as lesser-used polyurethanes, ketones, acrylics, and condensation polymers. A second part examines the manufacture of specialty polymers for commercial use across diverse fields. A final section presents a comprehensive overview of unusual developments in polymer use, such as in the automotive, appliance, and aerospace industries, as well as in packaging, agriculture, communication, electronics, and medicine.

The book first focuses on commonly used industrial polymers, including polypropylenes, low- and high-density polyethylenes, and poly(vinyl chloride), as well as less widely used polymer types, such as acrylics, ether polymers, cellulosics, sulfide polymers, silicones, polysulfones, polyether ether ketones, and polybenzimidazoles. It then explores polymer derivatives and polymeric combinations that play special and often critical roles in diverse fields of human activities. The polymers covered include liquid crystal, electroactive, ionic, and shape memory polymers; hydrogels; and nanocomposites. The volume concludes with a comprehensive overview of new developments in the use of polymers in a variety of areas.