This book is an outcome of author's desire for deeper knowledge into vital field of plastics without which it is almost impossible to imagine the modern day civilization. There has been an effort to cover all plastics used till date and fairly good details are provided regarding their chemical structure, properties and uses. Production of copolymers and poly alloys is also described. Production of Reinforced Plastics and Composites with their properties and specific uses are as well included.

Because it is essential to know the physical and mechanical properties of the plastics to select these for required service conditions so methods employed to determine such properties are described in fairly good detail. Manufacturing processes to shape the plastics for specific application are detailed at length. That includes molding, casting, welding, forming, machining and miscellaneous processes like calendaring, silk-screening, pultrusion, filament winding etc.

Selection of plastics for specific uses is an important consideration. So important uses of all major engineering plastics are listed. Unlike metals, identification of plastics is not easy but that knowledge is essential for reuse and recycling of them. So identification methods for plastics and their recyclability have been described as per the international norms.

At the end some appendices are included that provide helpful data need for selection and use of different plastics. Some selected standards on Plastics form ASTM and BIS are also included for ready reference for use by industries and researchers alike. Finally, Indian Institutes and Universities awarding degrees and diplomas in Plastic/Polymer Engineering and Technology are also listed for the benefit of those interested in pursuing this filed as their profession.