Encyclopedia of Materials: Plastics and Polymers, Four Volume Set covers plastics and polymeric materials, including their fundamental properties, current and potential future application areas in various private, public, commercial and industrial sectors, and their biodegradability, reusability and disposability. As well as covering all aspects of the science and applications of plastics and polymers, the book expounds on newer developments, including up-to-date articles and knowledge. In addition, the detrimental environmental effects of plastics and polymers are included, along with expertly-written articles that shed light on composites of macro, micro- and nano-particle sized plastic and polymeric materials and biodegradable natural or synthetic materials. This encyclopedia will be most valuable to researchers working at the interface between materials science/chemistry and materials engineering, as well as advanced undergraduates who need to quickly understand a broad range of foundational concepts and the developments that have taken place over time. - 2023 PROSE Awards - Winner: Finalist: Reference Works – Physical Sciences and Mathematics: Association of American Publishers - Provides comprehensive coverage on plastics and polymers, making the book a one-stop-shop - Includes a special focus on the implications of using products made from these materials, and on their safe disposal - Presents new content that is complemented by making available an important component of revised, top quality foundational reference material from the landmark Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology