The methacrylic ester volume is the last in this series of handbooks arranged according to the material concerned. In correspondence with the importance of these esters-one of the major plastics-the book has become very large; and in view of their use in many fields of industry, in particular their excellent properties when used outdoors, a major part of the book is devoted to acrylic glasses.
Like the preceding volumes, this one is divided into preparation, properties, and uses. After a section on the polymerization of methacrylate resins the mechanical, optical, electrical, thermal, and chemical properties of acrylic glasses are treated in separate sections. To these are added chapters on the manufacture and use of polymethacrylates, which provide information as detailed as it is comprehensive concerning these plastics. Numerous diagrams and tables are used to display the foundations from which the suitability of poiymethacrylates for various applications can be derived. The sections on the use of acrylic glasses in building, for illumination, in electrical appliances, in the household, in medicine, and in dentistry made particularly interesting reading.
Since none who work with plastics, be they engineers, builders, or electricians, can get through without polymethacrylates, the publication of this book will be particularly welcome to them, but chemists and physicists will also find uses for it, even if the heaviest stress is laid on applications. Recognition is due both to the editors and to the publishers for this excellent volume, even if those interested had to wait for it for a long time. While in a new edition further economic data on this important class of plastics would be desirable, this recommendation does not detract from this magnificent volume.
Otto Horn [NB 279 IE]