Plastic Material Properties and Applications

Catalog description

Synthesis, polymerization, and characterization of thermoplastic and thermoset polymeric materials. PL ET 304 Plastic Material Properties and Applications (3) This course studies the fabrication of polymers and macromolecules. Current commercial techniques are covered in detail and encompass the reactions and processes currently being used in the plastics industry today. Also covered is the technology for creating different grades of polymers by using various fillers, additives, and blends to create variations within the known polymers. This is supplemented by laboratory exercises that draw together theory and practice.Polymer synthesis is a key link between the atoms present before they become a part of a polymer molecule and the molded article, the end produce of the molding operation. The course objective is to establish a basic knowledge of these processes to enable a deeper understanding of the capabilities of molding, designing, and the performance of polymer articles. Students will be able to start with a handful of carbon atoms, a synthesis procedure, and an injection molding machine, and understand what affects the polymer at each stage, rather than being limited to understanding a given molding process. It will allow students to adapt to industrial needs and the push towards a scientific approach to problem solving, rather than acting as traditional molding machine processors. Students will also be able to correlate the polymerization process to the performance derived in plastics processes and molded articles. Student competency is assessed by graded quizzes, examinations, homework, and special assignments. The course is offered once per year with an enrollment of 40 to 50 students.