MTE3591 - Composites, thermosets and elastomers

Offered

Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2008 (Off-campus 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 unit 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 exercise work: 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.

Co-requisites

MTE2545, MTE3546

Prohibitions

MTE4554, MTE4560, MTE4591