A comprehensive survey of the role of plastics in the automotive industry, this book is the definitive non-specialist 'users' guide' to plastics. After establishing the differences between plastics and metals, design requirements, composites, processes and materials selection, the book focuses systematically on specific automotive applications, considering throughout the relationship between plastics and metals and making constructive comparisons where appropriate. The prospects for the future are also examined, as are the external pressures on plastics from the economic, and environmental perspective.
`Plastics in the automotive industry' attempts to bridge the gaps of understanding between the polymer chemists and physicists on the one hand, and the automotive engineers; designers and specifiers on the other. Its non-specialist approach excludes neither the engineer wanting to benefit from a greater appreciation of plastics, nor the scientist whishing to gain from an insight into the needs and probolems of the automotive engineer.
Preface
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 : Materials for Cars
Chapter 2 : Understanding Plastics
Chapter 3 : Choosing Plastics
Chapter 4 : Interiors
Chapter 5 : Exteriors
Chapter 6 : Engine, Power Train and Chassis
Chapter 7 : Electrics
Chapter 8 : Recycling
Chapter 9 : The Future and Automotive Plastics
Appendix 1 : Polymer Abbreviations and Trade Names
Appendix 2 : Databases for Materials Selection
Bibliography
Index
