This book is designed to introduce plastics to a wide range of non-chemists who need to either gain, improve, or refresh their knowledge of plastic materials and manufacturing. It fully discusses both materials and manufacturing processes in a carefully-constructed and logical presentation. While providing a fundamental overview of a broad spectrum of topics, this bookrs"s high level of detail makes it valuable as a professional reference manual.Complete examination of materials, processes and performance of plastics includes many recent developmentsat the molecular, micro and macro levelssuch as conductive polymers, nano technology, biodegradable polymers, bio-based raw materials, twin-sheet thermoforming, and health considerations of plasticizers.Appropriate as a reference manual by manufacturing engineers, chemical engineers, plastics engineers, mechanical engineers, industrial engineers, or any other engineer working in a plastics-oriented company.