Sponsored by the Society of Plastics Engineers, this expanded edition provides easily accessible, practical information on all aspects of plastics testing and failure analysis, including material characterization tests, identification analysis, quality control, liability testing, and more. It contains a wealth of new material, including significantly greater coverage of failure analysis and discussions of how computers and other digital devices have changed data collection and analysis.

Following a concise introduction to basic concepts, the Handbook of Plastics Testing Technology, 3rd Edition moves straight to practical discussions of the full gamut of testing issues. Rather than simply describing test procedures, the author clearly explains the broader significance of each test and the results it yields for engineers and materials scientists working in industry today. There is a generous amount of information on professional and testing organizations, equipment manufacturers, trade publications, independent testing laboratories, and plastics specifications. A DVD-driven virtual tour of a plastics testing laboratory is included.

From the Preface: “...Existing books and literature on the subject of failure analysis are too complex, too detailed, sometimes difficult to understand, and more suitable to the persons well-versed in polymer chemistry and physics. This book attempts to simplify a rather difficult subject of failure analysis by focusing on four major types of failures and key reasons behind failure of plastic parts. A step-by-step procedure starting from very basic and simple visual analysis to highly advanced analytical tests is presented. A simple flow chart is included to help with the investigation. To assist with the understanding of the subject matter, several actual case studies are included...”

Target Audience: Ideal for newcomers to plastics testing and failure analysis; also a valuable working resource for more seasoned professionals involved with manufacturing, testing, studying, or developing plastics.

Table of Contents:

Basic Concepts in Advancement and Testing Technology

Mechanical Properties

Thermal Properties

Electrical Properties

Weathering Properties

Optical Properties

Material Characterization Tests

Flammability

Chemical Properties

Analytical Tests

Conditioning Properties

Miscellaneous Tests

Identification Analysis of Plastic Materials

Testing of Foam Plastics

Failure Analysis

Quality Control

Product Liabilities and Testing

Nondestructive Testing and Measurements

Professional and Testing Organizations

Uniform Global Testing Standards

Appendix A: Index of Equipment Manufacturers

Appendix B: Abbreviatoins: Polymeric Materials

Appendix C: Glossary

Appendix D: Trade Names

Appendix E: Standards Organizations

Appendix F: Trade Publications

Appendix G: Independent Testing Laboratories

Appendix H: Specifications

Appendix I: Charts and Tables

Appendix J: Plastic/Polymer Educational Programs in the United States and Canada

Appendix K: New Application Checklist

Index