FOCUS
Plastic technology
PLASTIC has become the 'all-purpose' material. From packaging, to
plastic plants, to domestic items, containers, pipes and
automobile parts, the plastic industry has come a long way from
its small beginnings about a hundred years ago. There are as many
as 50 different varieties of plastic, most of them being
derivatives of petroleum, commonly known as polymers.
Chemical engineers form an important segment of the plastics
industry. Their job is to produce a plastic that is best suited
for a specific purpose, by altering the molecular arrangement and
enhancing certain properties of the material.
Some of the processes involved in plastic technology are
compression, moulding, lamination, fabrication etc. Injection
moulding and blow moulding are commonly used processes.
Plastic and polymer engineers develop plastics and polymers of
various types and capacities.
Mechanical engineers specialising in hydraulics, pneumatics and
mechanics, design machines and dies, aid in the production
process. Process engineers take care of the quality during the
manufacturing process.
Qualifying
To pursue a career in plastic technology, one must opt for
physics, chemistry and mathematics at 10+2 (Intermediate) level.
A BE in chemical/polymer engineering or a B.Sc in chemistry is
the basic qualification. In addition, a diploma in
plastic/polymer technology is useful.
Postgraduate courses are available in plastic/polymer technology
for graduates in chemistry who have cleared the GATE exam.
Those having an M.Sc degree in chemistry or physics can take up
the M.Tech course in plastic technology.
There is a huge market for plastics in India. Agriculture,
construction, transportation, telecommunication and computers are
some areas in which plastic is being used extensively.
Plastic waste management has emerged as a distinct field of work.
Opportunities also exist in research and development of plastic.
Plastic helps in conserving natural resources like wood, rubber,
and metals. It can be used to produce products at a lower cost
and is a good substitute for costlier materials.
ARCHANA JAYAKAR
archana.hyd@careercommunity.co.in
maalini.mds@careercommunity.co.in
| Articles | Position wise | Category wise | Company wise | Location wise | Search Jobs | Home | |
Copyright © 2001 The Hindu.
Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu.