Numerous examples throughout the book illustrate how these concepts may be applied. Chapter 2 provides an introduction to the structure of a polymer, and to the phenomena of melting, solidification and orientation,
which play such important roles in defining the morphology and performance of a polymeric component. This puts the reader in the right frame to examine the behavior of rubber, which is covered in the next chapter. Here, the implications of large deformation are considered while important distinctions between polymeric and metal behavior are made. The issue of viscoelasticity is covered next, along with its implications in the prediction of creep and stress relaxation. The treatment of this complex subject is easy to follow and is accompanied by well-developed
insights, which make it possible for the engineer to apply these concepts to everyday design.

In Chapter 5, we see a presentation of the mechanisms of failure in plastics and rubber. This chapter has been extensively updated to reflect the new developments in this field. Yielding and necking phenomena are explained along with descriptions of brittle failure. The effects of fiber fillers, rubber as toughening agent and other reinforcements are covered.

The remainder of the book is devoted to the processing of polymers. Each of the major manufacturing processes is treated using the same framework. The last chapter is of particular interest to design engineers. Issues of material selection, the choice of processing technology and its effect on performance are considered. The sections on designing for stiffness and strength provide guidelines on the effect of different variables on the performance of a polymeric part.

N. G. McCrum, C. P. Bucknall, C. B. Bucknall. Oxford Science Publications, 1997. ISBN 0-19-856526-7. 

- Reviewed by Hubert Lobo.