Polymer Processing

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In this practical course the processing and mechanical testing of polymers will be explored. The course will exist of four different experiments. In these experiments the processing and testing of a specific polymer will be conducted. Thermoplastic polymers will be compounded (pure and as a blend) and processed in a blow or flat film trough extrusion. 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. Thermosetting polymers will be processed into composites. Different techniques for constructing composite materials will be addressed. Attaching different composite parts to each other is complicated and different methods will be explored. Mechanical and physical testing will be performed using the above described techniques. Rolling and pressing techniques will be used to process elastomers and the process of vulcanisation will be studied. After processing mechanical and physical testing will be performed. Coatings/paints play are an important application area of polymers. A basic coating will be made and will be processed. Characteristics like scratch and impact resistance of this coatings will be tested.