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Abstract

Polymers — which include such diverse materials as plastics, rubbers, and adhesives — are giant organic, chain-like molecules having molecular weights from 10 000 to more than 1 000 000 g.mol−1. Polymerisation is the process by which smaller molecules are joined to create these giant molecules. Polymers are used in an amazing number of applications, including toys, home appliances, structural and decorative items, coatings, paints, adhesives, automobile tyres, foams, and packaging. Polymers are often used in composites, both as fibres and as a matrix.

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© 1996 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Askeland, D.R. (1996). Polymers. In: The Science and Engineering of Materials. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2895-5_15

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-2895-5_15

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-412-53910-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-2895-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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