Encyclopedia of Polymer Degradation compiles research results for the most important and commonly-used polymers, identifying their unitary degradative chemical reactions, including the fate of products resulting from primary degradation which can influence further degradation mechanisms and rates. The book proposes potential mechanisms of reactions and chemical descriptions of the sequence for events for each degradation mode. It takes a knowledge-based approach with the aim of facilitating more effective prevention of waste and environmental pollution caused by material failures, and also discusses the limitations of typical weathering studies, challenges in lab-based weathering studies, and the importance of understanding various degradation mechanisms.

• Outlines the limitations of typical weathering studies, considering how they take place in natural outdoor environments where conditions aren’t controlled, and discussing how these limitations can be effectively dealt with
• Covers challenges in laboratory weathering studies and how these can be overcome
• Emphasizes the importance of understanding degradation mechanisms, enabling the selection of the most resistant materials for specific applications and the development of effective stabilization strategies to protect materials against degradation