Introduction 1

Introduction

Engineering materials commonly known as plastics, rubbers, and adhesives are all correctly referred to as polymers.

Over 15,000 different types of polymers are commercially available and are categorised into 20 different families.

Polymers are light, corrosion-resistant materials with low strength and stiffness. They are usually not suitable for high-temperature applications but are reasonably inexpensive and can be easily formed into a variety of shapes and designs.