Synthetic Polymers

This text provides an inroduction to the technologies involved in the synthesis of the main engineering high polymers in such materials as plastics, fibres, rubbers, foams, adhesives and coatings. Besides the basic processes, it includes information on physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics important with respect to obtaining the right end products. It also focuses on their main applications in different engineering areas and gives data on production and consumption. Each technological flowchart is presented in a concise way to provide the reader with information on the basic necessary operations. Those involved with the design, production, processing or marketing of polymers should find this a useful reference, while graduate students should find it a useful introduction to the subject.