Plastics without additives are not viable. Additives are essential to make plastics processable and to ensure their end-use properties. Since the previous edition of the Plastics Additives Handbook, the demands on additives have continued to evolve and grow in complexity. This is due in part to changes in processing conditions and production techniques; additionally, as plastics find uses in more and more demanding applications, the properties that additives impart become more critical.

Long established as the “bible” for anyone involved in the chemistry and technology of plastics additives, this extensively updated edition provides an excellent overview of the field. It will serve as a valuable desk reference for years to come. A detailed table of contents and index make finding the information you need a simple task, even in this comprehensive volume.

From the Preface: “...Thermoplastic materials are processed in the melt at high temperatures and under high shear. During their service life the final products have to survive severe exposure to conditions such as heat, light and humidity, without changes in appearance or premature mechanical failure, in some cases for several decades. Without suitable additives, e.g., processing and heat stabilizers, processing aids, nucleating agents, antioxidants and light stabilizers, none of these developments would be possible...”

Target Audience: All professionals — and students — concerned with the development of new thermoplastic resin grades and novel end-use applications.

Table of Contents:

Antioxidants

Light Stabilizers

PVC Stabilizers

Acid Scavengers

Lubricants

Polymer Processing Aids

Anti-Blocking Additives

Slip Additives

Antifogging Additives

Antistatic Additives

Antimicrobials

Flame Retardants

Chemical Blowing Agents

Crosslinking and Controlled Degradation of Polyolefins

Colorants

Fluorescent Whitening Agents

Fillers and Reinforcements/Coupling Agents

Nucleating Agents for Semi-Crystalline Polymers

Additives for Mechanical Recycling of Plastics

The Physical Behavior of Polymer Additives

Analytics

Aspects of Plastic Additives Related to Health, Safety and Environment

Index