This volume covers the latest technological developments, providing an authoritative reference on polyolefins. It includes a comprehensive description of the structuring of molten polyolefins in fiber, film, and molding processes, providing correlations between structural order such as crystalline unit cell, polymorphic effect and orientation, and processing parameters. Polyolefins: Processing, Structure Development, and Properties also treats the history, commercialization, characterization, and crystallography of various commercial polyolefins and polystyrenes.

From the Preface: “Polyolefins, i.e., the polymers synthesized from olefinic monomers, are the major commercial thermoplastics. They are also important components of major thermoplastic elastomers. Polyethylene and polypropylene are the two largest thermoplastics in volume and are fabricated into filaments, films, and molded parts...We have incorporated polystyrene into this book although it is not classified as a polyolefin, but rather as an aromatic vinyl polymer. The structure and behavior of its isotactic and syndiotactic forms are similar to those of the corresponding polyolefins and help the drawing of conclusions...”

Target Audience: Engineers, chemists, and other technologists working with polyolefins.

Table of Contents:

Origins of Polyolefins

Characterization Methods

Crystallography of Polyolefins

Single Crystals: Structural Heirarchy and Morphology

Spherulites and Quiescent Crystallization

Polyolefin Copolymers and Blends

Polymer Melt Processing, Rheological Properties, and Orientation in Flowing Polymer Melts

Melt Spinning

Film Processing and Profile Extrusion

Molding

Mechanical Properties of Polyolefins

Index