J.F. Rabek - Böcker

Although it is estimated that half of all polymers produced are required for exterior use, the photochemical instability of most polymers (many degrade over a period of months) severely limits their outdoor application. In order to improve polymer photostability the mechanisms of photodegradation and environmental ageing must first be understood. All the available information on polymer photodegradation and photo-oxidative degradation is reviewed in this book. Practical information on how to perform experiments to study photodegradation in both laboratories and practical exterior conditions are given based on the author's 25 years of experience in the field. The photodegradation of most polymers is described in details as is the degradation caused by metal salts and metal compounds. Special attention is given to photodegradation in extreme conditions, such as ablative photodecomposition, photodegradation during a thermonuclear blast and photodegradation in the space environment.The approach taken is both theoretical and practical and the book should be of interest to engineers, technicians and researchers in the polymer and plastics industries, in particular those concerned with the photoageing or photostabilization. This book should be of interest to all those in polymers and plastics industries; scientists involved in photodegradation in industry and academia; senior undergraduate and graduates in photodegradation; and those dealing with photostabilization and weathering.

The aim of this four volume, multi-author reference work is to provide a unique and comprehensive guide to the radiation curing field. During the last ten years radiation curing has developed into an area of increasing scientific and technological importance. These books outline the photochemical processes involved, evaluate the emerging applications and possibilities for further applications as well as providing an up-do-date overview of current research and industrial development. Volume One deals primarily with the basic principles of radiation curing: UV-curing; EB-curing; microwave curing; oligomer/resin technology; chemistry of imaging science; testing methods; equipment; coatings applications; and emerging trends in photopolymers for holographic recording and laser-induced reactions.Both academic researchers, graduate students and specialists in industrial research and development laboratories should find these volumes of value in the way that they present recent developments in the fields of polymer photochemistry, chemistry of photosensitive materials, the design of highly efficient photoresponsive systems, UV- and EB-curing, experimental methods of testing, reprography, microelectronics and halography.

The aim of this four volume, multi-author reference work is to provide a comprehensive guide to the radiation curing field. During the last ten years radiation curing has developed into an area of increasing scientific and technological importance. These books outline the photochemical processes involved, evaluate the emerging applications and possibilities for further applications as well as providing an up-do-date overview of current research and industrial development. Volume Three deals more specifically with the role of monomers and resins in radiation curing. The nature of the backbone of ologomers leads to the ultimate physical or chemical properties of the UV-cured material. This section also covers aspects of the chemistry of these compounds in relation to their end uses.Both academic researchers, graduate students and specialists in industrial research and development laboratories should find these volumes of value in the way that they present recent developments in the fields of polymer photochemistry, chemistry of photosensitive materials, the design of highly efficient photoresponsive systems, UV- and EB-curing, experimental methods of testing, reprography, microelectronics and halography.

The aim of this four volume, multi-author reference work is to provide a comprehensive guide to the radiation curing field. During the last ten years radiation curing has developed into an area of increasing scientific and technological importance. These books outline the photochemical processes involved, evaluate the emerging applications and possibilities for further applications as well as providing an up-do-date overview of current research and industrial development. Volume Four discusses the applications of radiation curing and provides a synopsis of the latest research in several areas: coatings; graphic arts; microelectronics; optical fibres; adhesives; 3D machining; membranes; and holographic optical elements. It also considers the worldwide trends in the market.Both academic researchers, graduate students and specialists in industrial research and development laboratories should find these volumes of value in the way that they present recent developments in the fields of polymer photochemistry, chemistry of photosensitive materials, the design of highly efficient photoresponsive systems, UV- and EB-curing, experimental methods of testing, reprography, microelectronics and halography.

During the last two decades, the production of polymers and plastics has been increasing rapidly. In spite of developing new polymers and polymeric materials, only 40~60 are used commercially on a large scale. It has been estimated that half of the annual production of polymers is employed outdoors. The photochemical instability of most polymers limits their outdoor application as they are photodegraded quickly over periods from months to a few years. To the despair of technologists and consumers alike, photodegradation and environmental ageing of polymers occur much faster than can be expected from knowledge collected in laboratories. In order to improve polymer photostability there has been a very big effort during the last 30 years to understand the mechanisms involved in photodegradation and environmental ageing. This book represents the author's attempt, based on his 25 years' experience in research on photodegradation and photo stabilization, to collect and generalize a number of available data on the photodegradation of polymers. The space limitation and the tremendous number of publications in the past two decades have made a detailed presentation of all important results and data difficult. The author apologizes to those whose work has not been quoted or widely presented in this book. Because many published results are very often contradictory, it has been difficult to present a fully critical review of collected knowledge, without antagonizing authors. For that reason, all available theories, mechanisms and different suggestions have been presented together, and only practice can evaluate which of them are valid.