Product reliability is the major aim of technological know-how. Uninterrupted performance of manufactured products at typical and extreme conditions of its use is the major goal of product development and the most important indicator of material quality. This book provides information on defect formation and materials damage. The following aspects of material performance are discussed: 1 Effect of composition, morphological features, and structure of different materials on material performance, durability, and resilience 2 Analysis of causes of material damage and degradation 3 Effect of processing conditions on material damage 4 Effect of combined action of different degradants on industrial products 5 Systematic analysis of existing knowledge regarding the modes of damage and morphology of damaged material 6 Methods of analysis of material damage 7 Comparison of experiences generated in different sectors of industry regarding the most frequently encountered failures, reasons for these failures, and potential improvements preventing future damage The name "Atlas" was selected to indicate emphasis of the book on illustration with many real examples of damaged products and discussion of causes of damage and potential for material improvements. Special chapter contains examples of damage encountered in different groups of industrial products. Each group of materials is discussed according to the following breakdown: 1 Examples of damage typically encountered in a group under discussion 2 Results of structural analysis of degradation (e.g., image analysis, surface and bulk mapping by analytic techniques such as NMR, XPS, thermography, etc.) 3 Credit to the source of images, references, and explanations 4 Conditions under which material was degraded 5 Discussion of morphological features and observations

Author Biography

George Wypych has a Ph.D. in chemical engineering. His professional expertise includes both university teaching (full professor) and research and development. He has published 18 books: PVC Plastisols, (University Press); Polyvinylchloride Degradation, (Elsevier); Polyvinylchloride Stabilization, (Elsevier); Polymer Modified Textile materials, (Wiley & Sons); Handbook of Material Weathering, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Editions, (ChemTec Publishing); Handbook of Fillers, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Editions, (ChemTec Publishing); Recycling of PVC, (ChemTec Publishing); Weathering of Plastics. Testing to Mirror Real Life Performance, (Plastics Design Library), Handbook of Solvents, Handbook of Plasticizers, 1st and 2nd Editions, Handbook of Antistatics, Handbook of Material Biodegradation, Biodeterioration and Biostabilation, Handbook of Antiblocking, Release and Slip Additives 1st and 2nd Editions, Handbook of UV Degradation and Stabilization, PVC Degradation & Stabilization, The PVC Formulary, Atlas of Material Damage, and Handbook of Polymers (all by ChemTec Publishing), 47 scientific papers, and he has obtained 16 patents. He specializes in polymer additives, polymer processing and formulation, material durability and the development of sealants and coatings. He is included in the Dictionary of International Biography, Who's Who in Plastics and Polymers, Who's Who in Engineering, and was selected International Man of the Year 1996-1997 in recognition for his services to education.