MTE4591

Composites, thermosets and elastomers ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader:

Offered:
Clayton Second semester 2006 (Day)

Synopsis: Crosslinking processes of network polymer formation and commodity and specialty applications and processing. The phase transformation processes of gelation and vitrification and the influence of crosslinking on viscosity, Tg, modulus and swelling and ultimate properties. For composites, the improvement of properties by appropriate selection of resin and fibre types and the methods of composite fabrication. Prediction of the orientation dependence of the elastic properties and strength of fibre composites and the importance of load transfer on the strength of composites is derived. The stress-strain relationships for isotropic and anisotropic composites and a review of composite toughness.

Objectives: On successful completion of this course students will be able to: 1. develop a detailed understanding of the chemistry, structure, properties and applications of network polymers and of polymer composites 2. be able to predict the behaviour of thermosets, elastomers and composites, based on their composition 3. gain the ability to select appropriate thermosets, elastomers and composites for specific applications and to understand the formulation of these materials 4. develop the confidence to be able to communicate with scientists and industrialists regarding thermosets, elastomers and composites.

Assessment: Four written assignments: 20% + Problem based learning exercises: 20% + Examination (3 hours): 60%

Contact Hours: Three 1-hour lecture/tutorial classes, one 3-hour problem based learning exercise class, and six hours of private study per week.

Corequisites: MTE2545, MTE3546

Prohibitions: MTE3591, MTE4554, MTE4560