MATL06017 2019 Plastics Materials Processing and Testing

General Details

Full Title
Plastics Materials Processing and Testing
Transcript Title
Plastics Materials Processing
Code
MATL06017
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
MATL - 0722 Materials WD/PPR/PLAS/GL
Department
MENG - Mech. and Electronic Eng.
Level
06 - Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2019 - Full Academic Year 2019-20
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
David Mulligan
Programme Membership
SG_EPOLY_E06 201900 Certificate in Polymer Technologies SG_EMSYS_B07 201900 Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Systems SG_EMECS_H08 202400 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechatronic Systems SG_EMSYS_B07 202400 Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronic Systems
Description

This module will introduce the learner to the different types of plastics materials and their common applications. The processing techniques for plastics will be reviewed including extrusion and injection moulding. Finally the learners will be introduced to the different testing techniques for plastics and carry out a number of labs in this area. 

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

The student is expected to be able to know the definition of polymers and to classify and describe polymers according to respective groups.

2.

Determine and calculate the average molecular weight of the polymer and to describe the implications that arise from molecular weight differences with respect to properties and processing in general.

3.

Describe and identify the various polymerisation system for conducting polymerisation reactions and to compare and contrast the advantages and the disadvantages of the various systems.

4.

Determine the solubility parameter based on the molecular structure of the polymer and to identify and distinguish the factors affecting the polymer solubility

5.

Describe the properties of the crystalline polymers and to explain the formation of crystals in polymers and the factors affecting it.

6.

Identify the processing techniques used to plastics processing (e.g. injection moulding) including the various testing methods employed to test plastic materials.

Indicative Syllabus

Introduction to Polymers: This section will cover material in the area of the polymer industry, definition and structures of polymers, basic properties of polymers and classification of polymers.

Polymerization: This section will introduce the learner how to calculate molecular weight average and distribution, the significance of molecular weight control and techniques for molecular weight determination. The module wills also review step-wise, additional and co polymerisation and a review of polymerisation systems.

Polymer Solid and Solution: This section will review polymer solubility, phase separation, crystalline polymers, their structure and melting points. This section will also review amorphous polymers and the different property application relationships.

Polymer processing: Present an overview of the different kinds of processing techniques that are used in the processing of polymers as well as advantages and disadvantages of each type. Introduction to basic principles of mixing, choice and comparison of mixing and compounding systems for specific materials and applications

Extrusion: Basic screw types for single screw extruders, vented extruders. Overview of the main extrusion processes of; tube, wire coating, sheet and film. Design of mixing heads for single screw extrusion. Co-extrusion process. Comparison with twin screw extrusion. Introduction to screw and die characteristics. Fault diagnosis of common processing problems. Basic screw and die design considerations.

Injection Moulding: Construction of machines and types available, hydraulic, electric and hybrid systems. Multi shot systems and micro machines. Types of mould locking systems and tie bar less machines. Screw designs. Moulding cycle Overview of injection moulding non standard materials such as elastomers and thermosets. The effects of moulding conditions and process variables on products, e.g. shrinkage and orientation. Systematic approach to correction of moulding faults. The Economics of Injection Moulding: The moulding cycle and the derivation of typical costing for moulded components. Heating and cooling requirements Machine Safety: Requirements and types of safety mechanisms.

Blow Moulding: Principles of injection and extrusion blow moulding. Parison formation Blowing systems The effect of material properties on the product, also the effect of processing on the product.

Polymer Testing: Introduce the learner to the different methods of testing the defects and quality of polymers and become familiar with the common flaws that occur during polymer processing.

Indicative Practical:

Stress-strain behaviour in tension and flexure.

Fracture toughness properties-Charpy and Izod modes of deformation.

Determination of Tg and Tm and enthalpy of fusion using DSC.

Creep and stress relaxation studies of amorphous polymers.

Temperature and frequency dependence of dynamic mechanical properties.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
40 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
60 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Written Report Case Study Report Coursework Assessment UNKNOWN 40 % End of Term 1,2,3,4,5,6
             
             

End of Semester / Year Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 Final Exam Final Exam Final Exam UNKNOWN 60 % End of Term 1,2,3,4,5,6
             
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Flat Classroom Class Lectures 2 Weekly 2.00
Practical / Laboratory Engineering Laboratory Testing Labs 2 Fortnightly 1.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Part Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Off-Site Activity Offsite Facility Plan visits to polymer companies 8 Twice Per Semester 1.07
Total Part Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 1.07 Hours

Module Resources

Non ISBN Literary Resources

Plastics Materials, Brydson, Butterworth 7th ed,2001

Principles of Polymerisation, Odian, Wiley 4th Ed,2004

Introduction to Mechanical Properties of Solid Polymers, Ward and Hadley Wiley, 2004

Plastics materials and processes : A concise encyclopedia, Harper Petrie Wiley, 2003

Rubber Technology Handbook, Hofmann Hanser, 1996

Physical Polymer Science Sperling, L.H., Wiley Interscience (4th Ed), 2006

Plastics additives : an A-Z reference, Geoffrey Pritchard, Chapman & Hall (1st Ed),1998

Materials and Processes in Manufacturing, E. Paul Degarmo, Wiley (9thEd), 2003  

Other Resources

Plastic and rubber weekly journal

Newscientist journal

Polymer journal, Kunstoffe, Modern Plastics,

Additional Information

None