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. Specific influences of an additive must be basic knowledge for the students.
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
General scientific competences [AWC 1, 2, 3]
The student is expected to think and to reason critically, creatively, scientifically about the course material and to apply the general insights to specific scientific problems. He (she) must be able, in an efficient way, to communicate and report about it.
Technical competences [ATC 1, 2, 4]
The student must be able to put interrelationships between different scientific disciplines, to analyse and resolve engineering-technical problems on a scientific way. He / She is able to apply, in an efficient way, research methods and techniques to resolve engineering-technical problems.
General competences [AC1, 5]
The student must be able to discuss and to resolve problems in a team en to handle according to the quality principles.
Specific competences [SC1, 5, 8]
The student must be able to master the general knowledge and skills of materials; He / She must be able to acquire advanced technological knowledge, to control specific practical experiences and to handle the processes in respect of the environment, the safety rules and health.
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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