This chapter discusses the structural classifications, molecular configuration, degradation, properties, and uses of polymers. It describes thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, degree of polymerization, branching, cross-linking, and copolymers. It also discusses glass transition temperatures, additives, and the effect of stretching on thermoplastics.

This chapter covers the fatigue and fracture behaviors of ceramics and polymers. It discusses the benefits of transformation toughening, the use of ceramic-matrix composites, fracture mechanisms, and the relationship between fatigue and subcritical crack growth. In regard to polymers, it covers general characteristics, viscoelastic properties, and static strength. It also discusses fatigue life, impact strength, fracture toughness, and stress-rupture behaviors as well as environmental effects such as plasticization, solvation, swelling, stress cracking, degradation, and surface embrittlement.

This chapter discusses the effect of fatigue on polymers, ceramics, composites, and bone. It begins with a general comparison of polymers and metals, noting important differences in microstructure and cyclic loading response. It then presents the results of several studies that shed light on the fatigue behavior and crack growth mechanisms of common structural polymers and moves on from there to discuss the fatigue behavior of bone and how it compares to stable and cyclically softening metals. It also discusses the fatigue characteristics of engineered and composited ceramics and ceramic fiber-reinforced metal-matrix composites.

This article briefly reviews abrasive and adhesive wear failure of reinforced polymers and polymer composites, namely particulate-filled polymers, short-fiber-reinforced polymers, polymers with continuous fibers, and mixed reinforcements and fabrics. It includes scanning electron microscope micrographs of abraded surfaces of composites against 80-grade SiC paper and under 14 N load, and worn surfaces of abraded polyether-imide composites and polyamide 66 unidirectional composites and 66 hybrid composites.