Polymer Processing

Full course description

In this practical course the processing and mechanical testing of polymers will be explored. The course will exist of three different experiments. In these experiments the processing and testing of a specific polymer will be conducted.

Thermoplastic polymers will be processed with blown film extrusion. Mechanical tests will be conducted on the produced films to get a better understanding of the effects of the processing on the properties of the material.

Thermoplastic polymers with fillers will be processed via twin screw extrusion. These materials will be used in the next experiment for injection molding.

By the use of injection moulding standard dog bones will be made for mechanical testing. Mechanical and physical properties of the product will be determined by tensile and bending strength analysis, Melt Flow Index (MFI) and a notched test bar impact test.

Course objectives

To have the skills to determine the physical and mechanical properties of polymers and to increase the understanding of the underlying analytical methods;
To obtain skills in the processing of polymers e.g. (film)extrusion and injection moulding, compounding, etc.;
To obtain an understanding of the processing of different thermoplastic polymers

Prerequisites

CHE2001

Co-requisites

None

Organic Chemistry

Polymer Processing