The revised and expanded third edition of this widely used reference to polymer science and plastics technology contains concise definitions and explanations of more than 5,200 terms. It contains hundreds of entries which are new to this edition, reflecting the growth and increased sophistication of the plastics industry.

Whittington's Dictionary of Plastics, 3rd Ed. covers all aspects of plastics technology, including plastics and other polymeric materials; polymer science; chemicals (including monomers); catalysts; fillers; colorants; lubricants; flame retardants and other additives; processing and fabrication methods and machinery, including molds; analytical techniques; flammability; toxicity; environmental aspects; applications; and more. In addition to coverage of all commercial plastics, definitions are given for other polymeric materials including adhesives, elastomers, films, foams, coatings, and fibers.

From the Preface: “...This edition has been strengthened in the areas of processing, rheology, plastics properties, and materials tests...While this work is called a dictionary, we have filled out many definitions beyond the concise definitions typical of the conventional dictionary to provide greater breadth and depth of insight, yet have stopped well short of what one would find in an encyclopedia of much greater size. Wherever possible, we have tried to use simple language understandable to students and workers without technical education...”

Target Audience: Any practicing professional or student — at any level — involved in the plastics industry.