Introduction
Polymer Engineering
Polymer engineering is primarily concerned with designing, analysing, and improving polymeric materials. This field has grown rapidly and is now one of the key disciplines in advanced industrialized countries.
Polymers are generally divided into two categories: natural and synthetic. Natural polymers include cellulose compounds, wood, paper, and wool, which have been known to humanity for centuries and remain highly valuable globally. Synthetic polymers, however, gained attention during World War II when scientists discovered that petroleum-based materials could be used to create synthetic polymers with diverse applications. Consequently, polymer engineering flourished with the development of synthetic polymers by researchers. Over just five decades, this field has advanced to the point where technological progress is closely linked to the design and manufacture of polymeric materials.
Since Iran has significant potential in agriculture and petroleum resources (chemical industries), which play a crucial role in polymer materials, polymer engineering has been recognized in the country for approximately 25 years. Initially, it was introduced as a specialization within chemical engineering. However, in 1983, polymer engineering became an independent discipline, offering two specializations: Polymer Industries and Color Technology and Science.
Objective of Polymer Engineering
The Polymer Engineering program aims to produce all polymer-based products, such as rubber, plastics, elastomers, adhesives, resins, and other materials required by various industries. For instance, designing and manufacturing car tyres in the rubber industry, polyethene pipes in the plastics industry, and different types of fibreglass in composites are achieved with the expertise of polymer engineering specialists. Additionally, resin shaping is a key aspect of this field, such as in the production of melamine. Even plastic bags and non-stick cookware coatings (like Teflon) are made from polymeric materials.Polymer engineering studies and examines all aspects related to these materials. Polymers have industrial applications and play an essential role in medical fields. For example, if a person's knee cap is damaged and cannot be repaired, a replacement knee cap made from polymeric materials can be created and implanted. Similarly, dentures and contact lenses are made from polymeric materials, often called "biopolymers."
Iran holds the top rank in polymer science in the Middle East and ranks 18th among 144 countries globally.
Job Opportunities in Polymer Engineering
Today, more than 50% of car parts are made from polymer materials. Synthetic polymers are crucialelectrical, electronics, and telecommunications insulators. Polymers are also essential in the apparel industry. The use of polymer materials is vast across several sectors, including transportation, military, medical, agriculture, and packaging.Polymers are vital in producing footwear, clothing, and flooring in the apparel industry. Polymers also have a significant presence in land transport (automobiles, trains, etc.), air transport (aeroplanes, helicopters), and sea transport (ships, etc.) in the transportation sector. Furthermore, polymer materials are widely used in the military, medical, agricultural, and packaging industries.Given polymers' wide applications, Polymer Engineering graduates will have the skills and knowledge necessary to create and plan production units that transform raw polymers into consumable products. They will also be well-equipped to work in large polymer manufacturing complexes.
Common Courses in Various Polymer Engineering Specializations
- General Courses:
- General Mathematics
- General Physics
- General Chemistry
- Computer Programming
- General Workshop
- Core Engineering Courses:
- Organic Chemistry
- Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering
- Energy and Material Balances
- Engineering Thermodynamics
- Heat Transfer
- Fluid Mechanics
- Mass Transfer
- Unit Operations
- Process Control
- Engineering Economics and Project Design
- Industrial Drafting
- Statics and Strength of Materials
- Polymer-Specific Courses:
- Polymerization Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Polymer Physical Chemistry
- Polymerization Kinetics
- Molecular Characterization of Polymers
- Methods for Measuring Polymer Properties
- Plastics Engineering and Workshop
- Polymer Rheology
- Principles of Polymerization Engineering
- Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polymers
- Technology and Physical Properties of Fibers
- Elastomer Engineering and Workshop
- Composite Technology and Workshop
- Properties and Applications of Natural Polymers
These courses provide a solid foundation in both general engineering principles and specialized knowledge related to polymer materials, preparing students for diverse roles in the polymer industry.
Specialized Courses in Polymer Industries Specialization
- Polymer Rheology
- Elastomer Engineering
- Plastics Engineering
- Composite Technology
- Technology and Physical Properties of Fibers
These specialized courses focus on the advanced study and application of polymer materials in various industries, enabling students to gain expertise in designing and manufacturing polymer-based products.
History of the Faculty
The Polymer Industries Department at Qom University of Technology began its activities in 2011 by admitting 39 undergraduate students. The department also offers graduate programs, admitting and training students at the master’s level.