Encyclopedia of Polymer Degradation compiles research results for the most important and commonly-used polymers, identifying their unitary degradative chemical reactions, including the fate of products resulting from primary degradation which can influence further degradation mechanisms and rates. The book proposes potential mechanisms of reactions and chemical descriptions of the sequence for events for each degradation mode. It takes a knowledge-based approach with the aim of facilitating more effective prevention of waste and environmental pollution caused by material failures, and also discusses the limitations of typical weathering studies, challenges in lab-based weathering studies, and the importance of understanding various degradation mechanisms.
