ABSTRACT
The chapter opens with a discussion of the types of plastics, their raw materials and general properties. Thermoplastics are introduced, and their molecular structure, the use of plasticisers, the properties of vinyl plastics, fluorocarbons, cellulose esters, polyamides, polyesters, polyacetals, acrylics and high-temperature forms are considered. Thermosets are introduced, and their molecular structure, phenolics, polyurethanes, epoxy resins, polyimides and silicones discussed. The structure of elastomers, vulcanisation and commonly used engineering forms are discussed.
