The Effect of Radiation on Properties of Polymers examines the effects of radiation on plastics and elastomers. Polymers are required in products or parts for a range of cutting-edge applications that are exposed to radiation, in areas such as space, medicine, and radiation processing. This book focuses on the effects of radiation exposure within that environment, providing in-depth data coverage organized by category of polymer. Aspects such as radiation impact on mechanical and thermal properties, including glass transition and heat deflection temperatures, are described, demonstrating how changes in these properties affect the performance of plastic or elastomer parts.

The effect of radiation on electrical properties is also included. Supporting introductory chapters explain the key concepts of radiation, including the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of plastics and elastomers. This is a vital resource for plastics engineers, product designers, and R&D professionals, working on products or parts for radioactive environments, as well as engineers and scientists in the medical, nuclear, and radiation processing industries. The book also supports researchers and scientists in plastics engineering, polymer processing and properties, polymer and coatings chemistry, materials science, and radiation.

• Brings together highly valuable data on the effect of radiation on the properties of polymers and elastomers
• Enables the reader to compare properties and to select the best possible materials for specific applications
• Supported by detailed explanations and analysis, ensuring that the reader understands how to interpret and utilize the data

Larry McKeen has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin and worked for DuPont Fluoroproducts from 1978-2014. As a Senior Research Associate (Chemist), he was responsible for new product development including application technology and product optimization for particular end-uses, and product testing. He retired from DuPont at the end of 2014 and is currently a consultant.

1. Introduction to radiation processes and environments2. Introduction to the Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Plastics and Elastomers3. Effect of Radiation on the properties of Styrenic Plastics4. Effect of radiation on the properties of polyester polymers5. Effect of radiation on the properties of Polyimide polymers6. Effect of radiation on the properties of Polyamide polymers7. Effect of radiation on the properties of Polyolefin polymers8. The effect of Radiation on the properties of Polyvinyl & Acrylic polymers9. The effect of Radiation on the properties of Elastomers10. The effect of Radiation on the properties of Fluoropolymer polymers11. The effect of Radiation on the properties of High Temperature/High Performance Polymers12. Laminates