Engineering Plastics

Engineering Plastics aim to provide a complete review of the use of polymers in engineering but first it is necessary to discuss what is meant by an engineering plastic. Generally speaking, engineering plastics are those, which are replacing conventional materials such as metals and alloys in general engineering. In addition, the term engineering plastic covers materials that have superior properties, which were not particularly available in conventional polymeric materials such as the exceptionally high heat resistance of polyimides and polysulfides. 

Engineering polymers can be reinforced by including in their formulations, glass fibres, carbon fibres and nanotubes, which produce appreciable improvements in mechanical and thermal properties. In addition to conventional materials engineering polymers include materials as diverse as polyether ether ketone, polyimide, polyetherimide and polysulfides.

Plastics are now being used as a replacement in applications as diverse as gears, aircraft body’s constructions, micro-electronics, extreme high-temperature applications and hip joints. The mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of polymers will be discussed. Other diverse applications such as solvent and detergent resistance, frictional hardness properties, food packaging applications and gas barrier properties are also discussed. In addition a very important application is discussed, the resistance of plastics to gamma and other forms of radiation in the nuclear industry, medical applications and food sterilisation.

Engineering Plastics will be of interest to those at all levels who are concerned with general engineering, and the building, automotive, aerospace, electronics, mechanical and nuclear industries. It will also be of interest as a source book to materials scientists, to those concerned with the development of new materials and students of engineering and related studies.