Handbook of Impact Modifiers

Handbook of Impact Modifiers provides key information on how to modify structure and morphology, improve mechanical performance, and prevent changes during the use of polymeric products through proper selection of impact modifiers. The book brings analyses of important publications found in open and patent literature with special attention given to recent findings that have brought many new essential developments.

The book starts with an analysis of the chemical origin and related properties of impact modifiers, which are analyzed in general terms to highlight the differences in their properties. The specific agents are discussed in the companion Databook of Impact Modifiers, which has been published as a separate book to help select and analyze products available in the commercial markets. The information included in the databook and handbook are completely different and without any repetition.

The handbook contains the essential theoretical knowledge required for proper selection and use of impact modifiers, including their morphological structure and distribution in a polymer matrix, the effect of polymer crystallization in the presence of and without impact modifiers, important influences on impact modification, mechanisms of modification, and effective methods of incorporation of impact modifiers. Details on selection and performance in different polymers, products, and processing methods are included, with extensive use made of patent literature and research papers available for different applications. The book also features three chapters that discuss the effects of impact modifiers on physical and mechanical properties of materials, essential analytical techniques used to understand systems containing impact modifiers, and the health and safety and environmental effects of impact modifiers.