This fascinating new book examines strategies for experimental approaches to stiffness, strength and toughness testing of plastic and composite materials. These materials, being non-linear viscoelastic, impose contraints on testing which are absent from other types of material. This book covers the latest testing approaches for providing service-pertinent data within a limited budget and relates the structure of the tests and the functions that they serve to the intrinsic nature of the mechanical properties of plastic materials. Its aim is also to evaluate beneficial approaches to testing in the context of multiple objectives – mechanical evaluation being considered here in the light of modulus measurement and strength/ductility measurement.Detailed supplements at the end of each chapter expand upon the main points raised. The book is aimed at a broad audience of materials scientists and engineers. Those in industry will find the accounts of the approaches that can be used for the characterisation of mechanical properties and for utilising mechanical properties effectively in end product applications especially useful. Students and lecturers in materials science, engineering and polymer science will also find the book invaluable.
