1681 (v.4) Materials and Technology 112

Area:

Department of Applied Physics

Credits:

12.5

Contact Hours:

4.0

Lecture:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Laboratory:

1 x 2 Hours Fortnightly

Syllabus:

Introduction to Plastics and Rubbers - history, classification, advantages/disadvantages, uses. Polymer Chemistry and Structure - polymerisation reactions, structures. Ingredients of Plastics and Rubbers - resins, additives, reinforcements, fillers. Properties of Plastics and Rubbers - electrical, optical, thermal and mechanical properties, flammability. Forms of Plastics - adhesives, films, foams, filaments and fibres, coatings, composites. Production Techniques - moulding, extrusion, laminating. Healthand Safety - hazards, toxicity, waste pollution, recycling.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit students will understand the role of chemical structural characteristics that affect the physical and mechanical properties of polymeric materials. They will be able to describe a typical polymer molecule in terms of its chain structure and how the molecule may be generated by repeating mer units, draw mer structures of some common thermoplastics, thermosets and rubbers and describe addition and condensation polymerisation mechanics. This unit will allow them to cite the general characteristics of polymers and their applications and name the various types of polymer additives and how they modify the properties of plastics. Students will be able to describe how the density, stiffness, strength and ductility of semicrystalline polymers are influenced by the degree of crystallinity and explain the influence of polymer chemistry on melting and glass-transition temperatures. Finally they will have gained an understanding of the health and safety issues when dealing withplastics, rubbers and plastics and comprehend the problems of environmental and waste pollution and recycling of polymers.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

No prescribed references.

Unit Texts:

Richardson, T. L. and Lokensgard, E., 1997, 'Industrial Plastics - Theory and Application', Delmar Publishers, Albany. Callister, W. D., 2003, 'Materials Science and Engineering - An Introduction', Wiley and Sons, New York.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Assignments 105. Laboratory 15%. Test 15%. Final Examination 60%.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 2	Y