MTE2201 · Plastics and the planet: Health, impact and sustainability

Overview

This unit will focus on the relationships between processing, structure and properties in polymeric materials. Beginning with the mechanisms for the formation of polymeric chains, the molecular‐scale structures will then be described in detail and the links to important mechanical properties explored. There will be coverage of how the properties change with temperature and timescale, and the important technological applications of a wide range of polymeric materials will be described as well as environmental aspects. Finally, the unit will introduce a number of analysis methods which are crucial for characterising the properties of polymers.

Areas of study: E3001 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Specialisation: Materials engineering E6011 Master of Professional Engineering - Specialisation: Materials engineering

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Continuous assessment: 50% Final assessment: 50% This unit contains hurdle requirements that you must achieve to be able to pass the unit. You are required to achieve at least 45% in the total continuous assessment component and at least 45% in the final assessment component. The consequence of not achieving a hurdle requirement is a fail grade (NH) and a maximum mark of 45 for the unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Describe the structures of common polymers and appreciate how polymer chains are formed.
2. Describe the common processing techniques for polymeric materials and understand how they affect bulk morphology and properties.
3. Describe how polymer structure and morphology influences thermal and mechanical properties.
4. Describe a range of thermal analysis techniques which are commonly used to characterise polymeric materials, understand how these techniques are carried out, and interpret the experimental data which they generate.
5. Use basic laboratory skills to study polymeric materials, be able to work effectively within a team in carrying out laboratory work, be able to keep appropriate laboratory records and develop skills to communicate the results and conclusions of practical work.

Workload

The minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours of independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.