Uniform Course Syllabus

Name of Course: Introduction to Plastics Course No: PLAS 110

Semester: Spring 2001, Rooms: Lecture – C115, Lab – C115/C117/C125

Instructor: Paul L. Milhoan, Room C103, Phone: 424-8000, Ext. 468

Office Hours: Tuesday 9-12 AM, Thursday 10-12 AM

I. Course Objectives - Students will acquire knowledge on:

· The building blocks of plastics and how the blocks are assembled.

· Different types of plastics – e.g. thermoplastic, thermoset, and elastomeric materials.

· Factors influencing plastics processability – e.g. melt flow rate, moisture.

· Plastics processing methods including extrusion, injection, thermoforming, blow molding, compression, and rotational molding.

· Significance of mechanical, chemical and physical properties – e.g. transparency, density, thermal behavior, flammability, fracture type, solubility, and heat conductivity.

· Durability of plastics and safety/environmental issues.

· How to use the acquired knowledge to manufacture quality plastic products.

II. Introduction to Plastics Laboratory – Students will have hands-on experience with:

· Plastics processing including extrusion, injection molding, pelletizing, and

(possibly) compression molding.

· Plastics mechanical properties testing including tension, compression, shear,

impact (Izod/Charpy, drop), hardness, and creep.

· Analytical tests including specific gravity, bulk (apparent) density, water

absorption, moisture analysis, etc.

· Plastics identification including heat, flame, odor tests, etc.

· Plastics recycling

· Area plastic manufacturer tours (When available)

III. Course Outline (See attached pages)

IV. Methods of Student Evaluations

1. 4 Exams 100 Points each (50%)

2. Quizzes 100 Points (10%)

3. Projects/Class Participation 300 Points (30%)

4. Homework 100 Points (10%)

Total: 900 Points

· Grading scale:

A 90%-100%

B 80%-89%

C 70%-79%

D 60%-69%

F Below 60%

· Exams will be given to make sure the student is progressing and comprehending the material. If a student misses an exam as a result of an emergency, he/she will be allowed to make up the exam ONLY if he/she notifies the instructor prior to their absence. Students must make-up the exam prior to the next class. Students are responsible to contact the instructor to arrange a time convenient to the instructor's schedule. Failure to show up for a make-up exam will result in a grade of ZERO for that exam. Exams not made up before the following class session will also result in a grade of ZERO for that exam. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.

· Homework is assigned to help students synthesize the material covered. Students are encouraged to do their own work in order to improve problem-solving skills and techniques, however teamwork on projects and problems is encouraged. All assigned homework and/or projects are due at the BEGINNING of the class on the due date posted unless extenuating circumstances exist. A five (5) point penalty will be assessed on late homework and/or projects for each day late.

· Quizzes can be unannounced and will be given as needed. Quizzes CANNOT be made up.

V. Attendance and Class Participation:

Students are encouraged to attend as many classes as possible. Students are responsible for all work assigned and all ideas discussed in class. I encourage students who need accommodations for this course to identify him/herself, schedule an appointment with me to discuss the need for accommodations, and provide the appropriate documentation.

VI. Assessment of Outcomes

1. Instructor Critique

2. Student Evaluation Form

VII. Other Information

· Text: Strong, A. Brent, “Plastics: Materials and Processing – 2^nd Edition,”

Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2000

· Requirements: Pencil and paper, calculator, safety glasses, leather gloves

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