The authoritative resource on polymer blends for the twenty-first century

Over the past two decades, the field of polymer blends has experienced enormous growth in size and sophistication. This growth has sprung from and helped to stimulate both the science base and the development of technological and commercial applications. This two-volume set, Volume 1: Formulation and Volume 2: Performance explores and summarizes the progress made in polymer blend technology through contributions from highly respected experts from around the world. These major figures in polymer blend research offer a unique combination of expertise and points of view designed to guide professionals working in the field into the twenty-first century.

This book, however, is far more than a compendium of the recent literature or a review focusing only on dramatic new advances. Designed to serve as a highly practical handbook, it offers a coherent presentation in which the style and content of each chapter are coordinated to ensure a smooth and sensible transition from topic to topic. Each definitive volume provides enough background in each chapter to enable a beginner to start work in the field; presents the most important issues gleaned from critical sifting through the literature; and features clear, concise entries and carefully selected graphics to emphasize important conceptual points.

Volume 2 is devoted to the performance of polymer blends. Coverage includes:

• Mechanical properties and fracture resistance
• The characterization of rubber-toughened polymers, including fatigue
• Blending for specific performance characteristics
• Reinforced polymer blends
• Problems of recycling blends

C. B. BUCKNALL, PhD, ScD, is Head of the Advanced Materials Department, SIMS, Cranfield University, Bedford, United Kingdom.