Thermal Degradation of Polymeric Materials, Second Edition offers a wealth of information for polymer researchers and processors who require a thorough understanding of the implications of thermal degradation on materials and product performance. Sections cover thermal degradation mechanisms and kinetics, as well as various techniques, such as thermogravimetry in combination with mass spectroscopy and infrared spectrometry to investigate thermal decomposition routes. Other chapters focus on polymers and copolymers, including polyolefins, styrene polymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyesters, polyacrylates, natural polymers, inorganic polymers, high temperature-resistant and conducting polymers, blends, organic-inorganic hybrid materials, nanocomposites, and biocomposites.

Finally, other key considerations such as recycling of polymers by thermal degradation, thermal degradation during processing, and modelling, are discussed in detail.

• Explains mechanisms of polymer degradation, making it possible to understand and predict material behavior at elevated temperatures
• Offers systematic coverage of each polymer group that is supported by data detailed explanations and critical analysis
• Investigates thermal decomposition routes in new materials, such as organic-inorganic hybrid materials and polymer nanocomposites

Professor Krzysztof Pielichowski, head of Department of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Cracow University of Technology, is an expert in polymer (nano)technology and chemistry, particularly in the areas of polymer nanocomposites with engineering polymers and hybrid organic-inorganic materials containing POSS. Prof. Pielichowski is currently performing a research programme in the area of preparation of engineering polymer nanocomposites with improved thermal and mechanical properties for construction applications.Prof. James Njuguna is the Academic Strategic Lead (Research) in Composite Materials at Robert Gordon University. He holds both PhD and MSc in Aeronautical Engineering from City, University of University. Dr. Njuguna is a Fellow of The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. He is a former Marie Curie Fellow and Research Councils United Kingdom (RCUK) Fellow. He has held various academic positions at Cracow University of Technology (Poland) and Cranfield University (UK). His research interests are focused on polymer (nano)composites - their fabrication, characterisation of thermal and mechanical properties, and safe disposal.Dr. Tomasz M. Majka is Assistant Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Technology of Polymers, Cracow University of Technology. He is an expert in polymer technology, especially in the area of pyrolysis and flammability of composite polymeric materials. Research works are focused on new flame retardants and heat stabilizers for engineering (construction) polymers, such as polyamides and polyoxymethylene. Member of the Polish Committee for Standardization, Technical Committee No. 141 - Plastics.

1. Introduction to Thermal Degradation of Polymeric Materials2. Mechanisms of Thermal Degradation of Polymers3. Thermooxidative Degradation of Polymers4. Thermal Degradation Techniques5. Kinetics of Thermal Degradation6. Thermal Degradation of Polymers, Copolymers and Blends7. Thermal Degradation of Natural Polymers8. Thermal Degradation of Inorganic Polymers9. Thermal Degradation of High Temperature-Resistant Polymers10. Thermal Degradation of Conducting Polymers11. Thermal Degradation of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials12. Thermal Degradation of Polymer (Nano)composites13. Thermal Degradation of Biocomposites14. Recycling of Polymers by Thermal Degradation15. Thermal Degradation During Processing of Polymers16. Modelling of Thermal Degradation Process17. Thermal Degradation of Polymeric Materials: Conclusions and Future Outlook