This reference guide brings together a wide range of essential data on the effect of long term thermal exposure on plastics and elastomers, enabling engineers to make optimal material choices and design decisions. The data is supported by explanations of how to make use of the data in real-world engineering contexts.

High heat environments are common in automotive, oil and gas, household appliances, coatings, space and aeronautics and many more end uses. As a result, thermal stability data are critically important to engineers designing parts particularly that replace metals, work that is common today as they look for ways to reduce weight. The data tables in this book enable engineers and scientists to select the right materials for a given product or application across a wide range of sectors.

Several polymer classes are covered, including polyolefins, polyamides, polyesters, elastomers, fluoropolymers, biodegradable plastics and more, saving readers the need to contact suppliers. The book also includes introductory sections to provide background on plastic/polymer chemistry and formulation and plastic testing methods, providing the knowledge required to make best use of the data.

• Essential data and practical guidance for engineers and scientists working with plastics for use in high temperature environments
• Includes introductory chapters on polymer chemistry and its effect on thermal stability, providing the underpinning knowledge required to utilize the data
• Covers a wide range of commercial polymer classes, saving readers the need to contact suppliers

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.

- Introduction to Plastics and Polymers
- Principles of Thermal Stabilization
- Introduction to Plastics Testing
- Styrene Based Plastics
- Polyesters
- Polyimides
- Polyamides (Nylons)
- Polyolefins, Polyvinyls and Acrylics
- Fluoropolymers
- High Temperature/High Performance Polymers
- Elastomers and Rubbers
- Environmentally Friendly Polymers