This is a source book for all aspects of thermal analysis as applied to polymeric material characterization. It includes theory, current instrumentation, and how to use the techniques for different types of polymers. It provides up to date reviews of current scientific findings for thermal analysis of polymeric materials, as well as insights into how the techniques can be used for practical and basic research. It consolidates a very wide field of knowledge into one book with insight on what all the information means. The book provides a clear overview of how thermal analysis can be used for material development, how to interpret thermal analysis data, and limitations of the techniques. Most of the knowledge generated for the reader will be practical in nature, but by understanding the basics and fundamentals, the readers may also see ways to apply these techniques to problems outside of polymeric materials. The work will be used as a training tool for professionals, research scientists and lab technicians, whether new to thermal analysis, as well as those needing to apply the techniques to their respective projects. Readers need to have at least BS degree in physical sciences and a general knowledge of polymeric materials. Last edition was published in 1997 - so assuming knowledge in the book is from 1995/96, we have about 15 years worth of new data and information to share with the reader in updating this book to a 3rd edition. This field has expanded considerably since the last edition. This book is therefore overdue for an update. The major changes in this revision compared to the 2nd edition The work will be updated 30-50% - many changes have occurred in thermal analysis and specifically in how these techniques are used for specific materials (or new materials - e.g. nanocomposites) a section on the use of thermal analysis for materials fire safety has been added each author includes a section attempting to predict the future and anticipate changes that may occur in the field. Consolidates knowledge in a wide field encompassing polymer and materials science, solid state physics, and an understanding of mechanical properties and chemical stability, presenting an all-in-one proposition, reducing time spent to acquire or disseminate quality information Written by practitioners, for practitioners, exploring current usage and applications, not theoretical techniques Techniques for thermal analysis for materials fire safety discusses rarely synthesized new coverage. Coverage extends to nanocomposites and other complex, recently discovered polymeric nanomaterials, representing a new class of content rarely afforded full breathing space in the literature Predicts future and anticipated changes in thermal calorimetry, meaning for the practitioner and institution the book sustains value over time rather than being outdated by events