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Polymer Degradation

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Book cover Polymer Degradation and Stabilization

Part of the book series: Polymers Properties and Applications ((POLYMERS,volume 8))

Abstract

Polymers degrade by several different mechanisms, depending on structure and exposure conditions. Degradation results from an irreversible change which leads eventually to failure. The most common types of degradation occur through chemical reactions, but there are a few important examples of degradation resulting only from physical changes. This latter type of degradation results from disruption of polymer morphology, rather than reactions at the molecular level. The phenomena of environmental stress cracking 1) and thermal embrittlement 2) are examples of physical degradation. Though not studied as extensively as chemical degradation, when these changes do occur, they can result in rapid and complete failure.

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    Dr. W. Lincoln Hawkins (Materials Consultant)

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Hawkins, W.L. (1984). Polymer Degradation. In: Polymer Degradation and Stabilization. Polymers Properties and Applications, vol 8. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69376-2_2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69376-2_2

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