The aim of this reference book is to familiarize the reader with all aspects of the techniques used in the examination of polymers, including chemical, physicochemical, and purely physical methods of characterization. It describes the techniques currently available, with discussions of their capabilities, limitations, and applications. All types of modern instrumentation are covered, including those used in general quality control, research analysis, process monitoring, and for determination of mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical characteristics. Over 1,800 references are cited.

From the Preface: “...The book covers not only instrumentation for the determination of metals, non-metals, functional groups, polymer structural analysis and end-groups in the main types of polymers now in use commercially, but also the analysis of minor non-polymeric components of the polymer formulation, whether they be deliberately added, such as processing additives, or whether they occur adventitiously, such as residual volatiles and monomers and water. Fingerprinting techniques for the rapid identification of polymers and methods for the examination of polymer surfaces and polymer defects are also discussed...”

Target Audience: Laboratory designers and managers; chemists; quality, process control, and chemical engineers; and other readers concerned with instrumentation in the polymer laboratory.

Table of Contents:

Determination of Metals

Non-Metallic Elements

Functional Groups and Polymer Structure

Examination of Polymer Surfaces and Defects

Volatiles and Water

Fingerprinting Techniques

Polymer Additives

Polymer Fractionation and Molecular Weight

Thermal and Chemical Stability

Monitoring of Resin Cure

Oxidative Stability

Examination of Photopolymers

Glass Transition and Other Transitions

Crystallinity

Viscoelastic and Rheological Properties

Thermal Properties

Flammability Testing

Mechanical, Electrical, and Optical Properties

Miscellaneous Physical and Chemical Properties

Additive Migration from Packaged Commodities

Appendices

Index