"Ralph Hermansen has capitalized on his well-known reputation in the formulating of high-tech aerospace technology. In this book, he delves into the processes that engineers use to convert raw polymers into compounded systems used to resolve vexing design problems. The text demonstrates a how-to approach to extend successful formulation to new and unexpected product needs. Ralph covers primarily polyurethane and epoxy resins and adds interesting methodology for other types of polymers as well. This compendium will prove useful to experienced compounders, formulators, and designers. Newcomers to the field will also find its advanced primer-like structure helpful."

—Sidney H. Goodman, PhD, Principal Engineer/Scientist (Emeritus), Raytheon/Hughes Aerospace Corp., and Senior Lecturer (Emeritus), University of Southern California

"The author provides an excellent account of the intricacies of custom formulation based on a career in the industry. The breadth of topics covered, including the very basics to more advanced applications such as aerospace and automotive electronics, makes it a must-have for both students as well as experts. This book fills a substantial need for insight into the formulation process from an industrial expert that discusses not only the scientific approach, but also the inner workings of the important business decisions that are required for successful implementation. The summary of the compounds patented by the author, along with the full explanation of properties and experimental testing procedures, serves as an excellent reference guide for materials scientists working on a wide variety of projects. I highly recommend this book to professionals and students as there is a wealth of knowledge made available to those wishing to launch their career within this discipline."

—Dr. Brent G. Pautler, Application Scientist at Advanced Chemistry Development Inc. (ACD/Labs)

"Ralph Hermansen has capitalized on his well-known reputation in the formulating of high-tech aerospace technology. In this book, he delves into the processes that engineers use to convert raw polymers into compounded systems used to resolve vexing design problems. The text demonstrates a how-to approach to extend successful formulation to new and unexpected product needs. Ralph covers primarily polyurethane and epoxy resins and adds interesting methodology for other types of polymers as well. This compendium will prove useful to experienced compounders, formulators, and designers. Newcomers to the field will also find its advanced primer-like structure helpful."

—Sidney H. Goodman, PhD, Principal Engineer/Scientist (Emeritus), Raytheon/Hughes Aerospace Corp., and Senior Lecturer (Emeritus), University of Southern California

"The author provides an excellent account of the intricacies of custom formulation based on a career in the industry. The breadth of topics covered, including the very basics to more advanced applications such as aerospace and automotive electronics, makes it a must-have for both students as well as experts. This book fills a substantial need for insight into the formulation process from an industrial expert that discusses not only the scientific approach, but also the inner workings of the important business decisions that are required for successful implementation. The summary of the compounds patented by the author, along with the full explanation of properties and experimental testing procedures, serves as an excellent reference guide for materials scientists working on a wide variety of projects. I highly recommend this book to professionals and students as there is a wealth of knowledge made available to those wishing to launch their career within this discipline."

—Dr. Brent G. Pautler, Application Scientist at Advanced Chemistry Development Inc. (ACD/Labs)

Ralph D. Hermansen was formerly Senior Scientist at Hughes Aircraft Company in El Segundo, California. He was very active in the Society for the Advancement of Materials and Processes Engineering (SAMPE) and has presented papers annually and attended many seminars and sessions. He has 21 patent awards and won best inventor award in 1991 from Hughes Aircraft Company. He has taught courses at HAC as an instructor in their Advanced Technical Education Program (ATEP) for several years materials engineering and Pascal Programming Language and is the author of Formulating Plastics and Elastomers by Computer (Elsevier). Mr. Hermansen was known nationwide as one to see with challenging material problems. Anxious clients, from as far across the continent, traveled to seek his help with "unsolvable problems." He currently reviews books in his field.