The second edition of this handbook builds on the success of its predecessor with completely revised material and six new chapters. It introduces the possibilities of new catalyst systems for producing more durable thermoplastics, while detailing the use of additives that promote impact resistance, controlled rheology, thermal stability, and other desirable characteristics of the polymer matrix. It reveals viable options for the manufacture of polypropylene composites to better accomodate market requirements across various industries.

The Handbook of Polypropylene and Polypropylene Composites discusses nanocomposite concentrates that improve the compounding of materials with superior mechanical and thermal properties; illustrates the behavior of the interphase region — the polymeric coating of any type of dispersed particulate incorporated in the polymer matix — composed of materials such as mineral filler particles and glass fibers; explores the characterization of long-term creep-fatigue behavior as a means of estimating service lifetime of thermoplastic components; and more.

From the Preface: “...This handbook is a comprehensive guide to interphase design, describing key material ingredients that contribute to suitable thermal and mechanical behavior demanded by end-use requirements. I have identified interphsae design as the foundation on which additives are the individual building blocks needed to develop a suitable material. The sequence of formation steps begins with the manufacture of polypropylene resins and culminates with the aufbau (`building up') of the interphase design...”

Target Audience: Plastics, chemical, design, process, manufacturing, and technical service engineers; materials scientists; polymer chemists; and upper-level students of these disciplines.

Table of Contents:

Global Trends for Polypropylene

Polypropylene: Structure, Properties, Manufacturing Processes, and Applications

Chemical Coupling Agents for Filled and Grafted Polypropylene Composites

Stabilization of Flame-Retarded Polypropylene

Recycling of Polypropylene and Its Blends: Economic and Technology Aspects

Impact Behavior of Polypropylene, Its Blends and Composites

Metallocene Plastomers as Polypropylene Impact Modifiers

Talc in Polypropylene

Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene

Functionalization and Compounding of Polypropylene Using Twin-Screw Extruders

Engineered Interphases in Polypropylene Composites

Mega-Coupled Polypropylene Composites of Glass Fibers

Characterization of Long-Term Creep-Fatigue Behavior for Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene

Mica Reinforcement of Polypropylene

Use of Coupled Mica Systems to Enhance Properties of Polypropylene Composites

Performance of Lamellar High-Purity Submicrometer and Compacted Talc Products in Polypropylene Compounds

Automotive Applications for Polypropylene and Polypropylene Composites

Wollastonite-Reinforced Polypropylene

Part Shrinkage Behavior of Polypropylene Resins and Polypropylene Composites

Polypropylene Nanocomposites

Index