*** Please note, each row and course# listed below is a separate, complete course. ***

Compounding and Testing of Plastics

Course# Date Time Location
017-1242 03/28/2025 - 03/28/2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Microsoft Teams
017-1243 06/20/2025 - 06/20/2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Microsoft Teams
017-1244 09/22/2025 - 09/22/2025 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Microsoft Teams
Cost: $700.00 USD
Online Registration
CEU's: 0.8
Instructor: John S. Dick

Course Overview

This survey course is designed to help chemists and nonchemists alike become familiar with the compounding and formulating of materials used in the plastics industries: i.e. thermoplastics and thermoset. An introduction and discussion of polymer chemistry and an overview of plastics compounding and testing are included in the course.  Compounding materials are studied and compared by general class and function.

Online Course Requirements

We want you to have a great experience participating in our remote (online) courses, and for that, you’ll need the right equipment and internet connection.

Minimum needs are:

  • A broadband internet connection that has at least a 2 Mbps upload and download speed.
  • A computer (PC or Mac) that can support the latest web browser versions.
  • At least 4 GB of RAM and adequate hard drive space.
  • A microphone and a speaker.
  • International Students: For virtual (online) courses, an additional fee will be assessed to cover the cost of shipping the professional binder (presentation slides), to your address. The cost of international shipping can be significant.

For more information, visit our Online Course Requirements webpage.

Instructor Biography:

John S. Dick, a senior rubber scientist with Alpha Technologies, has over thirty years of experience in the rubber industry. Mr. Dick has authored over 50 journal and magazine publications and four books on polymer technology. He received the Monsanto Master Technical Service Award in 1994, the ACS Rubber Division Best Paper Award in 1995 and a University of Akron Appreciation Award in 1998 for Teaching Polymer Compounding Courses in their Continuing Education Program. He is a Fellow of ASTM International receiving the Award of Merit in 1990. In addition, he has represented the United States as a delegate to the ISO for the last 20 years. He was appointed in 1992 to be Leader of the U.S. Delegation to ISO TC-45 on Rubber. Mr. Dick teaches rubber technology courses at both University of Akron and University of Wisconsin continuing education departments. He received his B.S. degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1970 and an M.A. from the University of Akron in 1979.

OVERVIEW OF POLYMER CHEMISTRY AND COMPOUNDING
Benefits from Knowing Available Compounding Materials
Definition of Compounding
Global Economic Impact
Definitions and Terms
Polymers, Monomers, and Polymerization
Addition Polymers vs. Condensation Polymers
Thermoplastics vs. Thermosets
Gel Point
Polymer Characterization
Number Average MW, Weight Average MW, and Polydispersity Number
Types of Polymerization Reactions
Free Radical vs. Ions
Free Radical Addition Polymerization
Anionic Addition Polymerization
Cationic Addition Polymerization
Ionic vs. Radical Polymerization
Thermal Characterization
Thermal Analysis (DTA, DSC, DGA)
Crystalline vs. Amorphous Polymers
Tacticity
Four Types of Polymerization Processes
Viscoelastic Properties

PLASTICS INDUSTRY
Markets, History, Manufacturing Process
Testing
Basic Principles
Compounding
Functional Uses
Manufacturing Processes (Extrusion, Injection Molding, Compression Molding, Blow Molding, Thermoforming, Casting, Rotational Casting, Calendering).
Plastics Testing (Tensile Properties, Flexural Properties, Compressive Strength, Hardness, Melt Flow Index, Capillary Rheometer, Heat Deflection Temperature, Vicat Softening Temperature, Impact Strength, Izod and Charpy Impact, Multi-axial Impact, Falling Weight, Dart Drop)
Thermoplastic Resins - (PE, PVC, PS, PP, ABS, MMA, PET, Cellulose Acetate, Nylon, PC, Polyacetal, PPO, Polysulfone, TFE)
Thermosetting Resins – (PF, UF, MF, Unsaturated Polyesters)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Coupling Agents
Flame Retardants
Plasticizers
Lubricants
Heat Stabilizers
Antioxidants
Curing Agents Colorants
Impact Modifiers
Alloys
New Processes

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions or need more information about this course, please contact:

Penelope Pinkston
330-972-8303
penelo1@uakron.edu


TO REGISTER

Online Registration

OR

Registration Form

Registration information: Registration shall remain open until posted as closed on the course listing on this site.

Registrations must be guaranteed by check, a purchase order number or a credit card, otherwise the registration will not be processed. Checks should be made payable to "The Akron Polymer Technology Services Training Center" and must include a copy of your completed registration form. Course fees are due before attending.

All registrations—whether by online, phone, fax or mail—will be confirmed and considered binding and subject to all cancellation policies. If you do not receive a confirmation prior to the class, please call The Akron Polymer Technology Services Training Center to verify your registration.

Course fee includes classroom instruction, instructional materials, parking permits, continental breakfast, lunch, beverages and refreshment breaks. Travel and hotel accommodations are not included.

ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED AND ON A FIRST-COME BASIS. EARLY REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Visit our registration webpage to view our cancellation/withdrawal policy.