B. Course Syllabi for Materials Engineering

1. Course Name: Mat E 454 Industrial Polymers and Processing

2. Catalog Description: Mat E 454. Industrial Polymers and Processing. (2-3) Cr. 3. F. Industrial polymerization reactions, fabrication of polymeric materials. Adhesives, coatings, and textiles. Recycling of polymers, Economics considerations. Hands on experience in operation of processing instruments. Data analysis and interpretation is an integral part of the course.

3. Prerequisites: Mat E 351.

4. Textbook/Materials: None. References: Handbook of Plastic Materials and Technology, Rubin, I. (ed.), Wiley, New York, 1990; Polymer Handbook, 3rd Ed., Brandrup, J. and Immergut, E.H., (eds.), Wiley, New York, 1989; Properties of Polymers, 3rd Ed., Van Krevlen, D.W., Elsevier, New York, 1997; Manufacturing of Polymer Composites, 1st Ed., Anstrom B.T., Chapman & Hall, New York, 1997.

5. Course Learning Objectives:
Upon Completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Describe the major industrial processing techniques for polymers, composites and fibers.
• Understand the relationship between the processing technique, component performance, raw material choice and cost.
• Understand the global and economic issues associated with polymer and composites processing.
• Understand the diverse application of polymers and composites to industry.

6. Topics Covered:
Industrial Polymerization Reactions

• Bulk, solution, emulsion, and suspension polymerization in relation to cost and production.
• Industrial Fiber Production.
• Consideration of cost and production methods for glass, Kevlar, carbon, fiber mats. Overview of other available fibers, high modulus polyethylene fibers, natural fibers.

Industrial Processing Techniques.

• Review of the major polymer and composite processing techniques in relation to issues of component performance specification, raw material, geometry and cost. Overview of processing defects. Introduction to secondary processing techniques; machining, joining, adhesives, fusion bonding, surface finish. Quality control and inspection techniques.

Environmental and Economic Aspects of Polymers and Composites.

• World consumption and production trends, commodity polymers, cost-application relationships, recycling of polymers and polymer composites, biodegradable polymers and fibers.
• Industrial Case Studies.
• Polymers and polymer composites in aerospace, automotive, microelectronic, marine, sport, biomedical and prosthetic devices.

7. Course/Laboratory Schedule: MW 4, R 3-6

8. Professional Component: Mat E 454 contributes 3 credit towards Engineering Topics and to the professional component of this program through the discussion of case studies, which include economic, sustainability and manufacturability, issues.

9. Relationship of Course to Program Learning Outcomes and Program Educational Objectives: Objectives: A, E Outcomes: a, b, g, k-o (significant)

10. Prepared by: J.U. Otaigbe, 2/3/00, rev. 5/24/00 KPC