Polymer Engineering:
The field of Polymer Engineering generally involves the design, analysis, and improvement of polymeric materials. This discipline has grown rapidly and today is considered one of the key fields in advanced industrial countries.
In general, polymers are divided into two categories: natural and synthetic. Natural polymers include materials like cellulose compounds, wood, paper, and wool, which humans have recognized for many years and continue to be highly important and valuable worldwide. Synthetic polymers gained attention during World War II, when scientists realized that polymeric materials could be made from petroleum-based substances, which would have various applications. Consequently, Polymer Engineering flourished with the creation of synthetic polymers by researchers, and now, after just five decades, the field has advanced to the point where progress in technology is closely linked to the design and production of polymeric materials.
Given that our country is among those with significant potential in agriculture and petroleum resources (chemical industries) and that polymers play a key role in these two sectors, Polymer Engineering has been emphasized in Iran for about 25 years. Initially, this major was considered a specialization within Chemical Engineering, but in 1983 (1362 in the Iranian calendar), Polymer Engineering, with two branches—Polymer Industries and Color Technology and Sciences—started accepting students independently ]1[.
Objective of the Polymer Engineering Program
The objective of the Polymer Industries program is the production of all polymer products such as rubber, plastic, elastomers, adhesives, resins, and other materials required by industry. For example, tire design and manufacturing in the rubber industry, polyethylene pipes in the plastics industry, and various fiberglass types in composites are performed with the help of polymer industries specialists. Even shaping of resins is within this field, such as the production of melamine. Plastic bags and non-stick coatings (Teflon) are also made from polymeric materials. Essentially, Polymer Industries covers everything related to these materials. Moreover, polymers are not only used industrially but also have medical applications. For instance, if a person's kneecap is damaged beyond repair, a similar kneecap is fabricated using polymer materials and placed on the knee. Dentures and contact lenses are also made from polymers, referred to as "biopolymers" 2]].
Iran's scientific rank in polymers is 1st in the Middle East and 18th among 144 countries worldwide.
Career Opportunities:
Today, more than 50% of auto parts are made from polymeric materials. In electrical, electronics, and telecommunications industries, synthetic polymers serve as vital electrical insulators. Polymers are also significant in the clothing industry. Their applications are widespread in transportation, military, medical, agricultural, and packaging industries. In the clothing sector, polymers greatly influence the production of footwear, apparel, and flooring. In land transportation (automobiles, trains, etc.), air transportation (airplanes, helicopters), and marine transportation (ships, etc.), polymers have a notable presence. Finally, in military, medical, agricultural, and packaging sectors, polymer materials are extensively applied. Given the broad industrial use of polymers, graduates of this field have sufficient expertise to establish and manage manufacturing units that convert raw polymers into consumable materials and can work in large polymer production complexes 3]].
Common Courses Across Various Polymer Engineering Branches:
General Mathematics, General Physics, General Chemistry, Computer Programming, General Workshop, Organic Chemistry, Basics of Electrical Engineering, Energy and Material Balances, Engineering Thermodynamics, Polymer Chemistry, Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics, Mass Transfer, Unit Operations, Process Control, Engineering Economics and Design, Industrial Drawing, Statics and Strength of Materials, Engineering Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Energy and Material Balances, Unit Operations, Reactor Kinetics and Design, Process Control, Physical Chemistry, Mass Transfer, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Measurement Methods, Polymer Physical Chemistry, Polymerization Kinetics Chemistry, Molecular Characterization Measurement Tools of Polymers, Polymer Characterization Measurement Methods, Plastic Engineering and Workshop, Polymer Rheology, Polymerization Engineering Principles, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polymers, Fiber Technology and Physical Properties, Elastomer Engineering and Workshop, Composite Technology and Workshop, Natural Polymer Properties and Applications.
Specialized Courses for Polymer Industries Branch:
Polymer Rheology, Elastomer Engineering, Plastic Engineering, Composite Technology, Fiber Technology and Physical Properties.
Faculty History:
The Polymer Industries Department at Qom University of Technology began its activities in 2011 (1390 Iranian calendar) by enrolling 39 students and currently educates students at the bachelor's level.
References:
[2] http://nasir.ir
3]] Source: Introduction to University Fields Book by Sanjesh Organization, authored by Ms. Firoozeh Soodaei and Sanjeh Organization's Samaneh Software [4] http://www.beytoote.com
