This comprehensive handbook provides virtually all currently used techniques for measuring and testing the physical properties of polymers. It covers all the main polymer classes, including rubber, plastics, foams, textiles, coated fabrics, and composites; compares approaches to testing in different branches of the polymer industry; presents the fundamental principles regulating each property; addresses resistance to degradation, nondestructive testing, tests for processability, standardization of adhesion testing; and more. Highly recommended.

From the Preface: “It is essential for design, specification, and quality control to have data covering the physical properties of materials. The different characteristics and behavior or materials dictate that particular test procedures be developed, and often standardized, for each material type. Polymers, especially, have unique properties that require their own measurement techniques...”

Target Audience: Plastics, polymer, chemical, and design engineers; polymer and materials scientists; polymer physicists and technologists; and upper-level students in these disciplines.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Putting Testing in Perspective

Quality Assurance of Physical Testing Measurements

Standardization

Sample Preparation

Conditioning

Mass, Density, and Dimensions

Processability Tests

Strength and Stiffness Properties

Fatigue and Wear

Time-Dependent Properties

Effect of Temperature

Environmental Resistance

Other Physical Properties

Testing of Rubber

Particular Requirements for Plastics

Cellular Materials

Particular Requirements for Composites

Textile Polymers

Coated Fabrics

Dynamic Mechanical (Thermal) Analysis

Fracture Mechanics Properties

Friction

Thermal Properties

Electrical Properties

Optical Properties

Testing for Fire

Weathering

Lifetime Prediction

Permeability

Adhesion

Nondestructive Testing

Index