This review outlines the techniques used in plastics analysis and then illustrates which methods are applied to obtain a particular result or piece of compositional information such as polymer and filler identification, molecular weight determination, or surface properties. It also includes sections on specific areas such as tests for plastics in contact with food, analysis of plastic laminates and fibres, PVC stabilizers, and more. Techniques which are discussed include IR, UV, NMR, atomic absorption, X-ray fluorescence, and raman spectroscopy. Chromatographic methods including GC-MS, LC-MS, GPC, and TLC, as well as thermal techniques DSC, DMTA, and TGA are also covered.

From the Introduction: “Plastics present chemical analysts with one of their most difficult, but satisfying, challenges. In order to obtain useful products that perform under a variety of demanding conditions, the plastic matrix can be tailor made by the bringing together of a wide range of polymers and additives. There is a very wide range of polymer types available...”

Rapra Review Reports contain a brief overview of the topic, followed by extensive references, with abstracts, from the Rapra database. They serve as condensed, valuable research tools for scientists, technologists, and other researchers working with rubber or plastics materials.

Table of Contents:

Analytical Techniques

Determination of Molecular Weight and Microstructure of Plastic Polymers

Determination of Polymer Type

Determination of the Plasticiser and Filler in a Plastic Compound

Determination of Stabilisers in a Plastics Compound

Determination of Functional Additives

Analysis of Plastics for Food Contact Use

Determination of Stabilisers in PVC

Analysis of Plastic Laminates and Fibres

Surface Analysis of Plastics

Failure Diagnosis

Introduction

Additional References

Appendices

Abstracts from the Polymer Library Database

Index