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Understanding Thermoplastic Materials: Synthesis, Structure, and End Use Performance

Course description
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: 240 South Forge Street, Akron, Ohio 44325
Classroom 217 (Located inside the National Polymer Innovation Center)
Cost: $1,200.00 USD
CEU's: 1.6
Instructor: Mr. David Russell

Course Overview

Intended for materials scientists, engineers, and technical sales and marketing personnel.  This course is designed to provide in-depth understanding of the fundamental polymer chemistry and structure-property relationships as relates to successful selection of materials.   Through review of case studies of actual failures the course relates this materials understanding to process design, part design, engineering testing, and predictive testing so as to facilitate designing for long term performance.    Materials discussed include thermoplastic elastomers, commodity resins, engineering plastics, and high performance specialty resin. Key properties of each resin example are discussed in perspective of their typical uses such as automotive, aerospace, consumer durables, construction, hose, tubing, medical device, food and drug and the like.

Instructor Biography:

russellDave Russell is a graduate of The University of Akron where he studied Engineering, Mathematics, and Polymer Science. Dave has worked in the polymer industry at all levels of business from bench chemist to CEO; operating R&D laboratories, compounding plants, polymerization units and quality organizations.

Dave’s experience spans over 40 years working for companies like Goodyear, Eaton Corp, Akron Polymer Laboratory, Akron BioMaterials Inc, Biomerics LLC and Integra Life Sciences. Dave is currently an industry consultant specializing in marketing new products,  rubber and plastics failure analysis, polyurethane chemistry and technology  and polymeric medical devices.

Click to view Course Outline

Introduction and Market Overview

Macromolecular Topography and Architecture:

  • Molecular Weight
  • Linear vs Branched
  • Stereochemistry
  • Copolymers: Alternating,  Segmented Random, Segmented Block, Graft,
  • Super-macromolecular Architecture: Amorphous, Crystalline, Morphology

Basics of Polymer Synthesis and Relevant Examples:

  • Chain Addition Polymerizations: Radical, Anionic, Cationic, Coordination
  • Step Addition Polymerizations

Tayloring Properties with Post Reactor Processes:

  • Polyblends
  • Compounding
  • Dynamic Vulcanization
  • eBeam Crosslinking
  • Surface Modifications

Chemical / Analytical Characterizations

Engineering Properties and Test Methods

Failure Analysis: Modes of Failure, Case Studies and Predictive Testing

Chemistry, Structure, Properties, and Typical Applications of Thermoplastic Materials:

  • Commodity Resins: PE, PP, Styrenics, Acrylics, PVC
  • Engineering Resins: Nylon, Polyester, Polycarbonate, Acetals,, PPO
  • Specialty and High Performance Resin: Fluoroplastics, Polyether Ketones,  Polysulfones, Polyimides,
  • Thermoplastic Elastomers: TPU, Copolyesters, Copolyamides, TPVs, TPOs, Block Copolymers.

Regulatory Issues: 

  • Flammability and Smoke
  • Food Contact
  • Medical Device
  • UL, NSF, Other

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

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

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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.