Products

Biodegradable polymers (BDPs) based on renewable sources have been drawing scientific as well as industrial attention due to their potential to replace fossil derived polymers (FDPs) for a large number of applications. Furthermore, BDPs introduce the viability of bio-degradation at the end of their life cycle, thus reducing the environmental impact of most FDPs.

This book covers the basic properties of BDPs according to their classifications, the rheology of BDPs and their blends, and their numerous applications, with an emphasis on processing: As BDPs possess attractive attributes compared to FDPs (which is discussed in the book), their processing has been investigated using conventional processing technologies. However, BDPs are sensitive to the processing conditions due to their composition, which is tuned to bio-degradation. Hence, special attention has been directed to minimize the in-process degradation and enhance their final processed properties. To remedy some of the BDP processing shortcomings, special additives, fillers, and blends have been incorporated and developed with minimal effect on the BDPs’ bio-degradation rate. All of these aspects of BDP processing are considered in this book, including their characteristics in extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, and 3D printing, as well as the processing of recycled BDPs.

PVC differs in its stabilization compared to other commodity plastics. Various metal compounds are suitable for the stabilization of PVC: lead, tin, calcium, magnesium, zinc, rare earths, and also almost-metal-free systems. These differences are described in the introductory part of this book, with their advantages, possibilities, and problems, from the perspective of the chemist but made understandable for salespeople and technicians.

Numerous tables and figures are included, providing structures and physico-chemical data. A special section for beginners is dedicated to guiding formulations and test methods. A relatively short section deals with development trends in Europe. Sustainability is a major theme, and it is demonstrated that PVC has a strong potential to develop into a fully sustainable material.

Another section deals with the everyday problems in the processing of PVC, such as the formation of specks, photo-effects, and plate-out. Plate-out is a common problem in the processing of PVC but only relatively few publications cover it. The causes, influencing factors, and mechanisms are still poorly understood. This section, unique in the literature, provides assistance in the selection and dosage of raw materials to PVC processor, based on the influencing factors during processing.

In this single handbook, the editors aim to give a diverse audience of readers a complete account of all aspects of PVC - from monomer manufacture to polymerization; the gamut of such additives as stabilizers, lubricants, plasticizers, impact modifiers, fillers and reinforcing agents; blends and alloys; compounding and processing; characterization; combustion resistance and weatherability; product engineering design; applications; environmental and safety; and finally the PVC industry dynamics.

The handbook contains both practical formulation information as well as a mechanistic view of why PVC behaves as it does.

The 2nd edition is comprehensively updated throughout, with all-new chapters on PVC recycling, sustainability, and decarbonization.

Plastics have a very important role to play in energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies of the present and future, but for them to be classified as sustainable materials, there is a great need for practical and economic recycling methods and infrastructure. This book fills the gap for a modern comprehensive technical guide to recycling of plastics, covering the whole value chain from raw materials to recycled materials.

All important recycling technologies (mechanical, chemical/feedstock, dissolution) are discussed and compared to each other and alternative disposal methods such as energy recovery and gasification. Collecting, sorting, and purification methods are also covered, as are economic, legal, and political aspects.

A strong emphasis is placed on data comparability, e.g. by standardized methods in measuring data. Although this is a challenge to implement, comparing data across technologies, regions, and stakeholders along the value chain yields important benefits. Key instruments for such a target are lifecycle assessments (LCAs), which are calculated in a standard way across the chapters to “calibrate“ the messages among the numerous expert co-authors.

Rheology describes the flow and deformation of materials. Plastics in particular are characterized by their special flow behavior. The viscosity of plastics is not only dependent on temperature and pressure, but also on the flow velocity. This flow behavior, known as structural viscosity, is clearly described in this textbook. In addition, due to their molecular chain structure, plastics have visco-elastic properties that affect the flow processes. Understanding of all of these aspects is highly important for developing and maintaining effective, reliable, efficient, and economical plastics processing procedures to produce high-quality products.

In this book, firstly different measurement methods that are suitable for measuring these properties are presented and their measurement results are also discussed. The laws that describe the special flow behavior of plastics are then explained. After deriving the flow equations, these are then used to calculate flow processes for the extrusion and injection molding processing methods.

In addition to the general basics, there are practical calculation examples for each chapter. The reader thus has the opportunity to study the basics and at the same time apply the knowledge gained.

Many full-color explanatory figures are provided, as are QR codes link to videos that explain the content even more clearly. It is therefore ideal for a wide range of people working with plastics in industry, such as injection molders, mold makers, and simulation experts.

This book introduces the reader to the concepts of Scientific Molding and Scientific Processing for Injection Molding, geared towards developing a robust, repeatable, and reproducible (3Rs) molding process. It explains the underlying principles of polymer science: the properties that are important to injection molding and their application to molding process development. The effects of polymer morphology, thermal transitions, drying, and rheology on the injection molding process are explained in detail. The development of a robust molding process is broken down into two sections: the Cosmetic Process and the Dimensional Process. Scientific molding procedures to establish a 3R process are provided.

The concept of Design of Experiments (DOEs) for and in injection molding is explained, giving insight into the cosmetic and dimensional process windows. A plan to release qualified molds into production with troubleshooting tips is also provided. Topics that impact a robust process such as the use of regrind, mold cooling, and venting are also described.

Readers will be able to utilize the knowledge gained from the book in their day-to-day operations immediately.

This third edition includes a completely new subchapter covering melt preparation, as well as much additional, revised, and updated material throughout the book. The revisions are deeply informed by the author’s long and ongoing experience as a trainer, resulting in improved ways to conduct a study, perform experiments, or explain a concept.

This is the first book focusing on the subject of injection mold sampling.

A standardized, structured, and systematic procedure for sampling injection molds is essential for a successful injection molding process. This work provides everything you need to know, guiding you from the placing of an order for a mold sampling to the transfer to series production. With the complete sequence of the individual sampling steps, lots of background information, notes, practical examples and tips, and a colorful, well-illustrated design, the sampling procedure is conveyed in a reader-friendly way.

The main topics covered are the structured procedure of a mold sampling, taking into account energy efficiency, documentation, and communication; a mold sampling analysis; optimum machine setup using strategic procedures and methods on the injection molding machine; process optimization with subsequent investigation of process capability; and a Run@Rate process.

This book is ideally suited for practical users working at the injection molding machine as well as serving as a textbook at vocational schools, further education institutions, and universities.

This book provides a user-friendly guide to the implementation of Scientific Injection Molding, a proven methodology to ensure robust and reliable mass production of plastic parts.

Readers will gain a clear understanding of their machines and especially their condition and behavior through on-site tests, of the polymers that will be processed, and of the necessary equipment for the application of this methodology in production plants. All the tests and tools that Scientific Injection Molding proposes are explained in detail so they can be readily applied.

Performing the validation of a mold or process correctly, establishing the limits of the process window or molding area through the design of experiments, and transferring processes from one machine to another, assuring their repeatability, are skills presented as fundamental tools of the modern injection molder.

Content:

1 Scientific Injection Molding – Advanced Steps toward Implementation

2 Knowing Our Machines

3 Knowing the Reliability and Performance of Injection Molding Machines

4 Understanding Plastic Materials

5 Required Information for Defining the Process

6 Necessary Equipment for Advanced Injection Molding

7 Tools for Scientific Injection Molding

8 Top Ten Key Parameters in the Definition of the Injection Molding Process

9 Process Portability, DOE (Design of Experiments), Mold Qualification and Process Validation

10 Melt Preparation

11 Process Variability, Self-Adaptation, and Corrections

12 Data To Be Collected for the Calculation and Performance of a Scientific Injection Molding Process Methodology

13 Reference Data Tables

In plastics technology, a wide variety of computer programs are used for the design and optimization of molded plastic parts and for mold design. These programs calculate the filling process, the holding pressure phase, and the cooling phase of the molded part in the mold. The results include, for example, pressures, temperatures, weld/knit lines, and voids. The shrinkage and warpage behavior of the molded part can also be predicted. Understanding and interpreting these simulation results is not trivial, although they are colorful representations with numerical values. Regardless of whether one has many years of experience as a designer, a mold maker, or an injection molder, or whether one is in training or studying, simulation is becoming increasingly important. For this reason, experts who know how to use these programs correctly are increasingly sought after in the market.

This book is intended to expand readers’ specialist knowledge in the field of simulation, thereby increasing their ability to recognize and avoid molding errors at an early stage. Readers will also learn to draw the right conclusions from the simulation results and develop their own solutions.

The use of polymers as barrier materials is one of their widest and most important fields of application (e.g., fuel tanks and hoses, water circuits, food packaging, raincoats and umbrellas, electrical insulation, drug delivery), and their performance also has environmental implications. In consequence, the problems of sorption and diffusion in polymers are important and ubiquitous in everyday life as well as in a number of high-tech applications. This book covers the science involved in these topics, which are often studied only from an engineering point of view.

“Sorption and Diffusion in Polymers” presents the different models generally used to describe sorption and/or transport properties and also a new physical model for them. It provides an overview of relevant applications, related polymer families, and the strategies used to control or reduce sorption and diffusion in polymer materials. 

This edited work details the latest research on the topic, with chapters written by experts in the field.

Specialty thermoplastics command a US$3 billion market worldwide. Their use is proliferating in aerospace and transportation, medical applications including implants, electrical and electronics, textiles and general engineering, and the oil and gas industries. This book provides the key details of all specialty thermoplastics in one volume, uncluttered by information on other commodity and engineering plastics. It covers the spectrum of manufacturing methods, major properties, processing, and applications.

The extraordinary resistance of specialty thermoplastics to high temperature, oxidation, hydrolysis, other chemicals, and radiation, as well as outstanding mechanical properties at temperatures from -40 to 300 °C make them attractive materials for challenging applications. R&D scientists will appreciate the coverage here of different polymer structures for specialty plastics and why certain structures are technically and commercially preferred. Plastics engineers and product design engineers are empowered to select the right plastic in the right grade for the desired applications.

Guidance on processing of specialty plastics using injection and compression molding, extrusion, and coating is provided, together with a wealth of details regarding applications, including aspects that are not readily visible, such as touch and feel.

In addition to users in industry and academic research, this work is also applicable as a textbook for special courses on polymer science and engineering for graduate and undergraduate students.

"Sustainable Packaging Materials" provides a concise introduction to the principles and practices of packaging sustainability. It addresses the important issues that concern packaging professionals, decision makers, managers, CTOs, legislators, researchers, and students, including the viability and future of recycling, bio- and oxo-degradable materials, and plastics alternatives such as paper, glass, and metal. Also covered are new regulations such as the extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, their consequences as to what materials are likely to be banned, and whether microplastics should be a concern for packaging companies.

Written by an experienced professor, educator, author, inventor, and entrepreneur, this book offers uniquely clear answers to these challenges, helping readers to identify packaging materials that are likely to be phased out to meet new regulations, and to find alternatives to benefit their research and businesses. They will also be equipped to follow guidelines on the use of various packaging materials to stay ahead of the demands of the industry, and to make informed choices about packaging materials by considering sustainability, performance, and cost. Furthermore, they will be informed of the emerging packaging trends in both academia and industry, and understand the issues associated with microplastic pollution, and the actions recommended to mitigate these challenges.

THE AI ACT HANDBOOK //

- Detailed overview of the AI Act

- Impact of the AI Act on various areas (including fi nance, employment law, advertising and administration)

- Related areas of law (data protection, IP and IT law)

- Practical overview of AI governance, risk and compliance in companies

- Information on standards, norms and certifications

By experts for practitioners – with this handbook, you can prepare yourself for the requirements of the European AI Act in a practical and compliant manner. Get comprehensive information on the effects on the various application fields of artificial intelligence in the private and public sectors. After a brief introduction to the history and technology of AI, you will receive a detailed subsumption of the content of the AI Act based on the various risk categories. Subsequently, areas of law closely related to the use of AI, in particular data protection, IP and IT law, will be dealt with in detail. By providing case studies, the book shares insights about the impact of the AI Act on various areas such as autonomous driving, work, critical infrastructure, medicine, insurance, etc. The correlation with the areas of law relevant to these areas will also be considered. A practical overview of the topic of AI governance, risk and compliance (GRC) in companies, tips on the application of guidelines and governance frameworks, implementation ideas for trustworthy AI as well as standards, norms and certifications complement the book.

The TEAM OF AUTHORS consists of lawyers specializing in IT and data protection law and the use of AI. It includes, among others, one of Austria's representative in the AI Act negotiations at EU Council level and the founder of the Austrian association Women in AI.

FROM THE CONTENTS //

- What Is AI and How Do Data Science and Data Analytics Differ?

- Geopolitics of Artificial Intelligence

- AI Act: Rights and Obligations

- Data Protection

- Intellectual Property

- AI and IT Contract Law

- Private Sector

- Public Sector

- Ethics

- Governance in the Company

Data Science, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence are currently some of the most talked-about concepts in industry, government, and society, and yet also the most misunderstood. This book will clarify these concepts and provide you with practical knowledge to apply them. Featuring: 

- A comprehensive overview of the various fields of application of data science

- Case studies from practice to make the described concepts tangible

- Practical examples to help you carry out simple data analysis projects

The book approaches the topic of data science from several sides. Crucially, it will show you how to build data platforms and apply data science tools and methods. Along the way, it will help you understand - and explain to various stakeholders - how to generate value from these techniques, such as applying data science to help organizations make faster decisions, reduce costs, and open up new markets. Furthermore, it will bring fundamental concepts related to data science to life, including statistics, mathematics, and legal considerations. Finally, the book outlines practical case studies that illustrate how knowledge generated from data is changing various industries over the long term. 

Contains these current issues:

- Mathematics basics: Mathematics for Machine Learning to help you understand and utilize various ML algorithms.

- Machine Learning: From statistical to neural and from Transformers and GPT-3 to AutoML, we introduce common frameworks for applying ML in practice

- Natural Language Processing: Tools and techniques for gaining insights from text data and developing language technologies

- Computer vision: How can we gain insights from images and videos with data science?

- Modeling and Simulation: Model the behavior of complex systems, such as the spread of COVID-19, and do a What-If analysis covering different scenarios.

- ML and AI in production: How to turn experimentation into a working data science product?

- Presenting your results: Essential presentation techniques for data scientists

Data Science, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI are currently some of the most talked-about concepts in industry, government, and society, and yet also the most misunderstood. This book will clarify these concepts and provide you with practical knowledge to apply them:

- Understand crucial data science concepts, from statistics and mathematics to legal and ethical considerations.

- Learn how to build data platforms and deploy safe and robust data projects to production.

- Gain the vocabulary to communicate technical requirements and roadmaps to diverse business stakeholders.

- Dive into practical case studies that illustrate how knowledge generated from data is changing various industries over the long term.

The team of authors consists of data experts from business and academia, including data scientists, engineers, business leaders and legal experts. Their broad, deep guide to all aspects of working with data and AI includes:

- Machine Learning Fundamentals: Foundations of mathematics and statistics, plus common frameworks for applying ML in practice: from statistical ML to neural networks, Transformers and AutoML

- Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision: How to extract valuable insights from text, images and video data, and put it to use in real world applications

- Foundation Models and Generative AI: Understand the strengths, challenges, and practical considerations for working with generative models for text, image, video, and other types of data

- Modeling and Simulation: Model the behavior of complex systems and do a What-If analysis covering different scenarios

- Data Science, ML and AI in production: How can you use cloud and database technologies and MLOps to turn experimentation into a working data product?

- Talking about Data: Communication and presentation skills for effective data teams and innovative business leaders

- Building Safe, Responsible AI: Best practices in ML Security; safeguarding generative AI models from attack; and how to adhere to GDPR, CCPA, and the new AI act

All authors are members of the Vienna Data Science Group (VDSG), an NGO that aims to establish a platform for exchanging knowledge on the application of data science, AI and Machine Learning and raising awareness of the opportunities and potential risks of these technologies.

This book provides an insight into the thermal analysis of thermosets and presents a large number of practical examples. The main techniques used for sample measurement are differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). In special cases, combined on-line techniques such as SDTA, visual monitoring, and evolved gas analysis (EGA) have also been employed.The more modern method of chip calorimetry by Flash DSC is also demonstrated.

Thermosets are polymers that have undergone a permanent chemical reaction known as curing or crosslinking to form a giant crosslinked network structure. They are rigid, typically insoluble materials of high mechanical strength and high temperature stability, with a broad range of applications that benefit from these properties. In contrast to thermoplastics, thermosets cannot be remelted or remolded into another shape after curing.

This text- and workbook provides a clearly written, comprehensive introduction to the major topics associated with plastics technology, from basic chemistry and processing methods to the problem of waste and the issue of recycling plastics. 

Guiding questions at the beginning of each lesson help the reader to work through the material in a targeted manner; success checks at the end of each lesson enable the reader to review what he/she has learned. It thus facilitates independent, self-paced learning, meeting the requirements of modern vocational training.

This book shows the true and often-underestimated market potential of plastics recycling, with analysis from economic, ecological, and technical perspectives. It is aimed at both technical and non-technical readers, including decision makers in material suppliers, plastic product manufacturers, governmental agencies, educators, and anyone with a general interest in plastics recycling.

An overview of waste handling systems with a focus on the U.S. market is provided. Different methods of waste handling are compared from both economic and ecological perspectives. Since plastic waste recycling is essential from an ecological point of view, common strategies and new approaches to both increase the recycling rate and improve recycling economically and technically are presented. This includes processing and material properties of recycled plastics. Finally, a worldwide outlook of plastic recycling is provided with analysis of additional worldwide markets, encompassing highly developed, fast-developing, and less developed countries.

This extensively revised and expanded 3rd edition includes an overview of new recycling methodologies, as well as the influence of digitalization. It contains new chapters providing, respectively, characterization methods for plastic waste, and policy overview and its influence on the economics of recycling. Economic and environmental analysis are more general, comparing the economic benefits of the different recycling methods based on, e.g., volume, contamination, etc. Finally, extension of the global recycling chains is discussed.

The spreadsheets used in the economic analyses are also provided as a bonus for the reader.

This book provides the background needed to understand not only the wide field of polymer processing, but also the emerging technologies associated with the plastics industry in the 21st century. It combines practical engineering concepts with modeling of realistic polymer processes. Divided into three sections, it provides the reader with a solid knowledge base in polymer materials, polymer processing, and modeling.

"Understanding Polymer Processing" is intended for the person who is entering the plastics manufacturing industry and as a textbook for students taking an introductory course in polymer processing. It also serves as a guide to the practicing engineer when choosing a process, determining important parameters and factors during the early stages of process design, and when optimizing such a process. Practical examples illustrating basic concepts are presented throughout the book.

New in the third edition are chapters on data-driven modeling and physics-driven modeling, as well as new sections on manufacturing and dimensional analysis. In addition to a number of other smaller improvements and corrections throughout the book, bonus code downloads are also provided. 

Part I: Polymeric Materials

This section gives a general introduction to polymers, including mechanical behavior of polymers and melt rheology.

Part II: Polymer Processing

The major polymer processes are introduced in this section, including extrusion, mixing, injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, film blowing, and many others.

Part III: Modeling

This last section delivers the tools to allow the engineer to solve back-of-the-envelope polymer processing models. It includes dimensional analysis and scaling, transport phenomena in polymer processing, and modeling polymer processes.

The validation of equipment, processes and methods is a basic requirement that nowadays has to be met in most industries. This handbook deals with the validation of computerized systems in general as well as with analytical method validation. The many detailed practical examples focus on thermal analysis of materials, such as plastics and rubber.

The handbook is intended for newcomers interested in the theoretical and regulatory aspects of validation and for thermal analysis practitioners who have to validate their equipment and methods.

The transportation landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by innovative business models and cutting-edge technologies like automated driving and new propulsion concepts. This book explores the critical intersection of legal, social, and safety requirements that are shaping the future of mobility, with a focus on automated driving. It addresses the fundamental question of how societal expectations influence the development of these technologies and provides practical guidance for engineers and managers on incorporating collective needs into product development while ensuring robust safety.

AI-driven mobility solutions, especially safety-critical and automated driving functions, introduce new risks and require new approaches to security and safety. Packed with best practices and real-world use cases, this book serves as an invaluable resource for manufacturers, producers, operators, and service providers navigating the landscape of vehicle safety and automated driving.