ABSTRACT
Polymers are being used increasingly in structural engineering applications where they are subjected to appreciable stress. Their increase in use is due to a number of factors. One of the most important is that although on an absolute basis their mechanical strength and stiffness may be relatively low compared with other materials, when the low density of polymers is taken into account, their specific strength and stiffness become comparable with those of metals and ceramics. Also, the fabrication costs of polymeric components usually are considerably lower than for other materials. Polymers melt at relatively low temperature and can be readily moulded into quite intricate components using a single moulding process.
