This recently updated text and workbook comprehensively covers all the major topics associated with plastics technology — from chemical fundamentals and processing methods to waste disposal and recycling. It is divided into educational units, each covering a distinct subject area. Students can arrange these units to fit their individual educational objectives.

Each unit has key questions at the beginning and review questions at the end, providing a useful means for the reader to work through the lessons with specific objectives in mind. Thus, the Second Edition of Training in Plastics Technology not only enhances the reader's understanding of plastics and plastics technology, it also facilitates independent, self-paced learning.

From the Preface: “...In the United States, there has been increased interest in recent years in the post-high school training of technicians. However, little attention has been given to the system long established in Germany which could serve as a model. It is hoped that this book will find use in educational programs for technicians taught both within industry and in schools/programs dedicated to this purpose.”

Target Audience: Operators, technicians, and students of plastics technology.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Plastics Fundamentals

Raw Materials and Polymer Synthesis

Methods of Polymer Synthesis

Bonding Forces in Polymers

Classification of Plastics

Deformation Behavior of Plastics

Time-Dependent Behavior of Plastics

Physical Properties

Plastics Fabrication and Processing

Plastics Compounding

Extrusion

Injection Molding

Fiber-Reinforced Plastics

Plastic Foams

Thermoforming

Welding Plastics

Machining Plastics

Adhesive Bonding of Plastics

Plastics Products and Plastics Waste

Recycling Plastics

Appendix I: Glossary of Plastics Technology

Appendix II: Selected Literature

Appendix III: Example of a Training Program for Plastics Processing Operators in the U.S.

Answers to Review Questions