Key words
Plastics (materials), composites (materials), additives, characterisation
Objectives
partim “plastics materials” (theory)
The student is learned to make a selection among a lot of plastics, with their own, sometimes strongly different, properties. He/she has to let inspire himself/herself by the application conditions of the end product, by the possibilities in design and processing, by economical factors as well as by ecological aspects. The choice of one material above the other has to be critically evaluated. All this is illustrated with a few practical realisations.
partim “additives” (theory)
Without the use of additives most polymers are limited in function. The choice of an adequate additive can modify properties. The students must be aware of the significance of additives in plastics.
partim “composites materials” (theory)
The aim is to give a survey of the different raw materials and processing methods, used by this kind of "new materials". An introduction is given to the theory of strength and stiffness of different types of composites in order to perform a simple and first design.
partim “characterisation” (laboratory exercises)
The student is learned about “why testing” and how they are performed. As well as physical, mechanical, as physico-chemical tests are dealt with. He / She is learned to interpret the testing results, generated by international standards.
Topics
partim “plastics materials” (theory)
Thorough discussion of the commercial plastics, from the polyolefins, over the other vinyl polymers, over the condensation and the engineering plastics, to the elastomers and the thermosets. In each case the mechanical, physical and chemical properties, the processing and the applications, the special types, copolymers and blends are given.
partim “additives” (theory)
The application of anti-oxidants, UV stabilisers, plasticisers and stabilisers for PVC, lubricants, fillers and reinforcing agents, pigments and colours, flame retardants, antistatics, anti-blockings, nucleating agents.
partim “composites materials” (theory)
Definition and situation; application of the raw materials (resins, reinforcements), processing techniques, simple calculations of strength and stiffness.
partim “characterisation” (laboratory exercises)
Mechanical characterisation (strength, stiffness,…), physical (Vicat, HDT, ageing tests, optical evaluation,…), tests on processability (rheological tests, MFI,…), physico-chemical tests (IR, thermal analysis, viscosity in solution,…).
Prerequisites
The students must have a sufficient knowledge of polymers and of general materials science.
Final Objectives
Core competence 1
To be able to acquire advanced interdisciplinary technological knowledge and to have thorough control over specific practical skills (SC5);
a.o.
- starting from the knowledge of (raw) materials, fabrication processes, economical and environmental factors, it must be possible to propose actual application opportunities for plastics and composites.
Core competence 2
To be able to perform chemical, physical and mechanical analysis and to apply them on process and product control (SC3), e.g. during the exercises on quality control on plastics.
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.
impact of (raw) materials and additives hereon.
General competence 1
To be able to think, to judge and to act permanently in a critical, creative and scientific way (AC1):
a.o.
- about the usability or otherwise of plastics, rubbers and composites in certain applications (general knowledge of plastic materials)
To be able to communicate on their practical tasks (preliminary research) and on problem solutions to laymen as well as to specialists (AC4).
General competence 2
To be able to implement and to develop research methods and research technologies in an effective way (AWC1) e.g. the implementation of different methods and techniques during the practical sessions.
To be able to cooperate in a multidisciplinary environment (materials, physics, chemistry, electro mechanics) (AWC4).
General competence 3
To be able to implement scientific-disciplinary insights on complex engineering technical problems (AIC1), e.g. realizations in plastics or in composites.
To be able to get acquainted with, to assimilate, to implement and to use relevant new technologies and/or theories (AIC2)
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.
* ASTM-, DIN-, ISO-,… standards; manuals of the different apparatus.
* 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 and copies (exercises).
Study guidance
Students, individually or in group, have the possibility to make an appointment for additional explanation.
Teaching Methods
Contacting hours (theoretical session): lectures;
Guided practical exercises and demonstrations, where the possible background information is gathered for oneself by the student (e.g. with the help of the literature).
Assessment
Theoretical session: written examination with oral explanation (open questions concerning the course and the additional notes) (67%).
Practical session: permanent evaluation and test (33%).
If a student gains a score of 7 or less on 20 on one of the different courses (parts of training items), 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.
Lecturer(s)
Vanhee Paul, Cardon Ludwig
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