Abstract
Polymers are readily divided into three chief classes: (i) thermoplastics, (ii) thermosetting plastics or thermosets, and (iii) elastomers. The thermoplastics soften with increasing temperature and return to their original hardness when cooled. Most are meltable, e.g. nylon is extruded into fibers or filaments from the molten state. The thermosets harden when heated and retain hardness when cooled. They set into permanent shapes by catalysis or when heated under pressure. Generally, they cannot be reworked by scrap. Elastomers such as rubbers can withstand high deformation without rupture.
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Further Reading
Ash MB, Ash IA (eds) (1992) Handbook of plastic compounds, elastomers, and resins. An international guide by category, trade name, composition, and suppliers. VCH, Weinheim.
Bost J (1982) Matières plastiques, vol. 2. Techniques and Documentation, Paris.
Bost J (1985) Matières plastiques, vol. 1, 2nd edn. Techniques and Documentation, Paris.
Elias HG (1993) An introduction to plastics. VCH, Weinheim.
FIZ Chemie (ed.) (1992) Part-index of polymer trade names, 2nd edn. VCH, Weinheim.
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© 2000 Springer-Verlag London
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Cardarelli, F. (2000). Polymers and Elastomers. In: Materials Handbook. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3648-4_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3648-4_10
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-3650-7
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