The new ASM Handbook, Volume 11B: Characterization and Failure Analysis of Plastics represents the first time the topic of characterization and failure analysis of plastics has been given its own volume in the ASM Handbook series. Volume 11B contains divisions devoted to polymer science; material selection and design with engineering plastics; chemical, thermal, and physical analysis of plastics; mechanical behavior and testing of plastics; degradation mechanisms of plastics; failure analysis of plastics; and analysis and prevention of plastic product failures.

The new Volume 11B represents the first time the topic of characterization and failure analysis of plastics has been given its own volume in the ASM Handbook series. The volume had its origins in the ASM technical books Characterization and Failure Analysis of Plastics (2003) and Engineered Materials Handbook, Volume 2, Engineering Plastics (1988).

Volume 11B contains divisions devoted to polymer science; material selection and design with engineering plastics; chemical, thermal, and physical analysis of plastics; mechanical behavior and testing of plastics; degradation mechanisms of plastics; failure analysis of plastics; and analysis and prevention of plastic product failures.

The general principles of failure analysis are presented in the companion ASM Handbook, Volume 11: Failure Analysis and Prevention, which was published in 2021. Its divisions cover the practice of failure analysis, tools and techniques, fatigue and fracture, environmental and corrosion-related failures, wear failures, and distortion.

Another companion volume, ASM Handbook, Volume 11A: Analysis and Prevention of Component and Equipment Failures, also published in 2021. It contains divisions devoted to engineering aspects of failure and prevention, structural life assessment methods, metal manufacturing aspects of failure, and failure analysis of metallic components.

Contents

POLYMER SCIENCE
Engineering Plastics: An Introduction
Polymer Processing: An Introduction
Effects of Composition, Processing, and Structure on Properties of Engineering Plastics

MATERIAL SELECTION AND DESIGN WITH ENGINEERING PLASTICS
Plastic Design Methods
Navigating the Plastic Material Selection Process
Design and Selection of Plastics Processing Methods
Designing with Plastics
Avoiding Plastic Product Failure by Proper Plastic Selection and Design

CHEMICAL, THERMAL, AND PHYSICAL ANALYSIS OF PLASTICS
Analysis of Polymer Structure
Thermal Analysis and Thermal Properties
Physical, Chemical and Thermal Analysis of Thermoplastic Resins
Characterization of Thermosetting Resins and Polymers
Rheological Testing of Polymers
Additive and Filler Analysis
Effect of Environment on the Performance of Plastics
Weathering Testing of Polymeric Materials
Flammability Testing of Plastics
Electrical Testing and Characterization
Optical Testing and Characterization
Service Lifetime Assessment of Polymeric Products

MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR AND TESTING OF PLASTICS
Mechanical Testing and Properties of Plastics: An Introduction
Viscoelasticity
Creep, Stress Relaxation, and Yielding
Crazing and Fracture
Fracture Mechanics Testing of Plastics
Impact Loading and Testing
Fatigue and Fracture Mechanisms in Polymers
Multiaxial Fatigue Behavior of Thermoplastics and Composites
Friction and Wear Testing

DEGRADATION MECHANISMS OF PLASTICS
Thermal Stresses and Physical Aging
Environmental Stress Cracking
Moisture-Related Degradation
Chemical-Related Degradation
Photochemical Aging and Weathering of Polymers: The Basics
Microbial Degradation of Plastics

FAILURE ANALYSIS OF PLASTICS
The Failure Analysis Process: An Overview
Visual Examination and Photography in Failure Analysis
Characterization of Plastics in Failure Analysis
Ultrasonic Nondestructive Analysis
Fracture of Plastics
Fracture and Fractography of Elastomeric Materials
Surface Examination and Analysis of Plastics

ANALYSIS AND PREVENTION OF PLASTIC PRODUCT FAILURES
Design-Related Failures
Manufacturing-Related Failures of Plastic Parts
Wear Failures of Plastics
Wear Failures of Reinforced Polymers
Fatigue Failure
Creep Failure Mechanisms
Accelerated Life Testing and Aging

REFERENCE INFORMATION
Glossary of Terms
Index