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. In addition to conventional materials engineering polymers include materials as diverse as polyether ether ketone, polyimide, polyetherimide and polysulfides and polysulfides.
Engineering polymers can be reinforced by the inclusion in their formulations of glass fibres, carbon fibres and nanotubes which produce appreciable improvements in mechanical and thermal properties.
The book aims to provide a complete coverage of the types of plastics which are now increasingly being used in engineering, in applications as diverse as gears, aircraft body construction, micro-electronics and extreme high temperature applications, steel replacement and artificial hip joints. The book also intends to provide a complete review of the use of polymers in engineering.
The mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of polymers are discussed as are other diverse applications such as solvent and detergent resistance, frictional and hardness properties, food packaging applications and gas barrier properties. In addition a very important application is discussed of the resistance of plastics to gamma and other forms of radiation namely their use in nuclear industry, medical applications and food sterilisation.
The book will be of interest to those at all levels who are concerned with general engineering, building, automotive, aerospace, electronics, mechanical and nuclear industries. It will also be of interest as a source book to materials scientists, those concerned with the development of new materials and students of engineering and related studies.