Processing and Rheology

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

Lectures – Theoretical concepts will be explained using audiovisual support materials (mainly powerpoint). Whenever feasible, some demonstrations will be performed in the classroom.

Practical classes – Different polymers will be processed by extrusion and injection using different formulations. The materials will be characterized by thermal and mechanical analysis Doubt sessions/extra classes – Whenever required by students, sessions or extra classes to clarify doubts can be scheduled.

Learning Outcomes

The aim of this module is to enable students to acquire knowledge/basic competencies on: the main polymer processing methods; the relationship between the processing methods and the final properties of the polymers; and the technologies available for formulating polymers and elastomers. Special attention will be given to practical case-studies involving research projects.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction to module; objectives, syllabus, teaching methodology and calendar, assessment methods and criteria, description of assignments, main bibliography. Polymer processing. Rheological behaviour of molten polymers. Mixing processes. Continuous processing: extrusion and calendering. Batch processing: blowing, thermoforming, compression and injection molding. Reactive processing. Relationship between processing, formulation and final properties of polymers.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
An assignment: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Stevens, M.P. Polymer Chemistry - An Introduction. 3rd ed, Oxford University Press, 1999.

Baird, D.G, Collias D.I Polymer Processing – Principles and Design, 2nd ed, Wiley, 2014.

Osswald T, Understanding Polymer Processing: Processes and Governing Equations, Hanser, 2010.

William, D. Callister Jr, Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, John Wiley & Sons, INC, 2000.