Derived from the fourth edition of the well-known Plastics Technology Handbook Industrial Polymers Specialty Polymers and Their Applications covers a wide range of general and special types of polymers along with a wealth of information about their applications. The book first focuses on commonly used industrial polymers including polypropylenes low- and high-density polyethylenes and poly(vinyl chloride) as well as less widely used polymer types such as acrylics ether polymers cellulosics sulfide polymers silicones polysulfones polyether ether ketones and polybenzimidazoles. It then explores polymer derivatives and polymeric combinations that play special and often critical roles in diverse fields of human activities. The polymers covered include liquid crystal electroactive ionic and shape memory polymers; hydrogels; and nanocomposites. The volume concludes with a comprehensive overview of new developments in the use of polymers in a variety of areas. . Language: English