Book excerpt: The Handbook of Polymer Testing: Physical Methods provides virtually currently used techniques for measuring and testing the physical properties of polymers. A concise but detailed technical guide to the physical testing methods of synthetic polymers in plastics, rubbers, cellular materials, textiles, coated fabrics, and composites, the book analyses a wide array of physical parameters and features complete coverage of mechanical, optical, and electrical, and thermal properties. Topics of interest include sample preparation, time-dependent properties, coated fabrics, weathering, permeability, and nondestructive testing.