Plastics: Microstructure and Engineering Applications

Plastics: Microstructure and Applications is a key text for senior students studying the science and engineering of plastics materials (or polymers) and will serve as a valuable introduction to the fundamentals of polymer properties for those new to the field.

Starting from microstructure and physical properties, the book covers the mechanical, chemical, transport and electrical properties of plastics materials and also deals in detail with wider issues that today’s engineers and materials scientists need, such as manufacturing processes and the design of plastics products.

A thorough revision of the book for this 4th edition reflects advances in the field by including more detailed discussion of characterization techniques, crystallization and molecular structure, thermoplastic composites, 3D printing and electrical properties of plastics. The chapter on materials and shape selection covers sustainability, life cycle analysis and waste disposal considerations for plastics materials.

• Provides introductory information for students of plastics technology, materials science and engineering, mechanical engineering and other fields.
• A useful introduction to the fundamentals of plastics for academic and industrial researchers from other fields.
• Includes substantial new coverage of microstructure and morphology of polymers; electrical properties of plastics; modern additive manufacturing and consideration of sustainability and life cycle analysis of plastic materials.

Nigel Mills was a Reader in Polymer Engineering in the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham, UK. He was the author of the first three editions of Plastics: Microstructure and Engineering Applications, as well as the Polymer Foams Handbook, published in 2007.

Mike Jenkins is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham, UK. Dr. Jenkins has researched and published widely in the field of polymer science and has edited three books on the use of polymers in sport and biomaterials.

Stephen Kukureka is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Metallurgy and Materials at the University of Birmingham, UK. Dr. Kukureka has collaborated and published widely in the mechanical properties and applied physics of polymers.