Handbook of Thermoplastic Elastomers, Second Edition presents a comprehensive working knowledge of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), providing an essential introduction for those learning the basics, but also detailed engineering data and best practice guidance for those already involved in polymerization, processing, and part manufacture.

TPEs use short, cost-effective production cycles, with reduced energy consumption compared to other polymers, and are used in a range of industries including automotive, medical, construction and many more. This handbook provides all the practical information engineers need to successfully utilize this material group in their products, as well as the required knowledge to thoroughly ground themselves in the fundamental chemistry of TPEs. The data tables included in this book assist engineers and scientists in both selecting and processing the materials for a given product or application.

In the second edition of this handbook, all chapters have been reviewed and updated. New polymers and applications have been added -- particularly in the growing automotive and medical fields -- and changes in chemistry and processing technology are covered.

1. Introduction2. A Brief History of Thermoplastics Elastomers3. Additives4. Processing Methods Used for Thermoplastic Elastomers5. Styrenic Block Copolymers6. Thermoplastic Elastomers Prepared by Dynamic Vulcanization7. Polyolefin-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers8. Thermoplastic Elastomers Based on Halogen-Containing Polyolefins9. Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers10. Thermoplastic Elastomers Based on Polyamides11. Thermoplastic Polyether Ester Elastomers12. Ionomeric Thermoplastic Elastomers13. Other Thermoplastic Elastomers14. Thermoplastic Elastomers Based on Recycled Rubber and Plastics15. Applications of Thermoplastic Elastomers16. Recycling of Thermoplastic Elastomers17. Recent Developments and Trends7 Appendices including lists of major suppliers and compounds, ISO Nomenclature, and processing and technical data sheets

Jiri G. Drobny is President of Drobny Polymer Associates, and former Adjunct Faculty of Plastics Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Drobny is an active educator, lecturer, writer, and internationally known consultant. His career spans more than 40 years in the rubber and plastic processing industry, mainly in research and development with senior and executive responsibilities.