Key words
Polymers, Plastics (Materials), Composites (Materials), Additives
Objectives
In this course the production and the chemical-technological aspects of the commercial plastics are discussed, as well these of the additives, as these of the composites materials.
This means, more specific, that the different industrial production processes of the current plastics are studied, with their significance for the properties of the end product.
The course deals also with the choice of the raw materials and the synthesis of the semi manufactured thermoplastic products for thermosets, composites and rubbers, as well with the chemical reactions during hardening (vulcanisation).
The action of some additives, e.g. anti-oxidants, UV-stabilisers,… has mainly a chemical base.
After all, a study of these mechanisms justify their use within the end product.
Also the production of the fibres as reinforcing materials for composites are shortly discussed.
Topics
a) themoplastics
Catalysts / initiators, chemistry of the production processes, choice of reactor for the synthesis of the main thermoplastics en their significance for the properties of the end product (and for the environment).
b) themosets and rubbers
Choice of the raw materials, chemical technological production of the thermoplastic intermediary products, their respective cross-linking mechanisms and their influence on the quality of the end product or composite.
c) additives
Chemical working mechanism of some additives and the influence on the properties of the resulting plastic. Production of reinforcing fibres for composites materials.
Prerequisites
The students must have a sufficient knowledge of the different aspects of polymer science i.c. the chemistry, the different structure and aggregation states and of the general material characteristics.
Final Objectives
Core competence 1
To be able to have thorough control over complex chemical knowledge (chemical transformations and reactions) concerning the synthesis of commercial plastics, rubbers and composites and the use of additives (SC1 ).
Core competence 2
To be able to acquire and to have thorough control over advanced disciplinary chemical technological knowledge (SC5); he / she must be able to design and to take care of industrial chemical production processes (SC4).
a.o.
- concerning the industrial performance of some polymerisation reactions;
- concerning the choice and the compounding of additives in plastic materials.
Core competence 3
To be able to cope, in a well considered way, with the environment, with health and with safety in laboratories and production processes (SC7):
a.o.
- at the execution of production processes;
- using chemicals at the hardening of (composite) resins and rubbers;
- using additives in plastics.
General competence 1
To be able to think, to reason and to handle permanently in a critical, creative and scientific way about the matter in question (AC1), especially concerning the influence of raw materials and production processes (resins, fibres) on the properties of the end product.
General competence 2
To be able to implement scientific-disciplinary insights on complex engineering technical problems (AIC1). The students must be able to have insight in the connections, put between different scientific disciplines, to understand technical problems and processes (e.g. operating reactors), in a better way.
Materials used
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Teacher’s course.
Additional notes and background information, given during the lectures, belong also to the examination subject.
Course based on:
* "Plastics Materials", J.A. Brydson; Butterworths, 1989.
* "Saechtling Int. Plastics Handbook", W. Woebcken; Hanser Publishers, 1995.
* "Analysis & Performance of Fiber Composites", B.D.Agarwal and L.J.Broutman; Wiley Interscience, 1990.
* "Guide Pratique des Materiaux Composites", M.Geier et D.Duedal; Technique et Documentation, Paris, 1985.
* “Plastics Additives Handbook”, Gächter und Müller, Hanser Publishers, 1995.
* Recent publications in different journals and textbooks.
Optional background information: see the reference list in the course and the cited literature.
Study costs
About € 4.00 to buy the course material.
Study guidance
Students, individually or in group, have the possibility to make an appointment for additional explanation.
Teaching Methods
Lectures.
Assessment
Written examination with oral commentary (open questions concerning the course and the additional notes) (100 %).
A weighted average is used to compute the final score for a training item.
However, if a student gains a score of 7 or less on 20 on one of the different
courses (parts of training items) , he proves that his skill for certain
subcompetencies is insufficient.
Consequently, one can turn from the arithmetical
calculation of the final assignment of quotas of a training item and the new
marks can be awarded on consensus.
Of course, the examiners can judge that the arithmetic regulations mentioned in
the study index card can also be used for 7 or less.
For each deviation a detailed motivation ought to be drawn up. In that case one
should point out that the skill for this subcompetency is proven to be
insufficient, if the student didn't pass the partim that is considered to be
important for certain subcompetencies.
Lecturer(s)
Paul Vanhee
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