Polymer Engineering

Polymer Engineering is a branch of engineering that covers aspects related to polymerization, petrochemical industry, structuring & characterizing polymers. In short, polymer engineering aims to analyze, design and change polymer materials. Candidates who have completed their 10+2 with compulsory subjects Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and English can pursue this course. Admissions are done either through merit basis or entrance exam basis. Some of the common entrance exams that can be taken up to get admissions in this course are JEE Mains, KCET, TANCET, UPSEE and more. The average course duration is 3-5 years. However, for short term courses the average duration ranges between 6 months to 1 year. 

Polymer Engineering can be pursued either full time, part time or through distance learning modes. After completion, candidates will be able to make profitable careers by working as Plastic Industrial Engineer, Plastic Production Engineer, Product Designer Trainee and so on. 

Some of the top universities that offer Polymer Engineering are IIT Delhi, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, IIT Roorkee, Aligarh Muslim University, Cochin University of Science & Technology etc. The average tuition fee for the course ranges from Rs 50,000 to 5,00,000 per year at some of the top universities. 
 

The table below summarizes some of the course's most notable features.  Candidates who wish to pursue this course should have insights about the basic details. 

A polymer engineer is largely involved in the creation of polymers. This job entails developing and testing plastics or similar materials. The duties will entail creating novel polymers, working with prototypes, and building new equipment to process these materials. Interest in sustainability and creating better plastic materials for the betterment of the planet is necessary for pursuing polymer engineering. Candidates who are interested in Chemistry and plastics engineering can proceed with polymer engineering. This field is very diverse and requires experimentation. Candidates who enjoy being in a lab and working on chemicals and structures would enjoy this course. 

As a discipline of engineering, it deals with all types of polymers, including plastics, adhesives, rubbers, resins, and fibers. Students who get a degree in Polymer Engineering are qualified to work as quality control inspectors, production planners, and production supervisors in the polymer manufacturing and consumer sectors.

Graduates of this programme have opportunities in both the corporate and public sectors.

Career Opportunities: Following graduation in Polymer Engineering, students can pursue a variety of work opportunities. Production supervisors, quality control inspectors, mold designers, production planners, technicians, and polymer scientists are some of the jobs available to them.

High Salary: Entry level polymer engineers can earn an average salary of Rs 7,00,000 to Rs 15,00,000 per year.

Further Education: Candidates who seek to enhance their study have several alternatives, including M.E or  MTech in polymer engineering. There are also several institutes that provide postgraduate degrees in the same field.

Polymer engineering is taught at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at some of India's leading universities. To apply for admission to these schools, students should first review the eligibility requirements and begin their entrance preparation. It is recommended to take some common tests like JEE Mains, TANCET, UPSEE, and so on, depending on the institute chosen and their eligibility conditions. Candidates should also brush up on their abilities and gain fundamental information, since certain colleges may conduct personal interviews and counselling.

Candidates can pursue Polymer Engineering through multiple ways. There are diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate courses in this domain. The right choice must be made according to preferences, qualifications and skills. 

Diploma Courses in Polymer Engineering

• Diploma in Polymer Engineering
• Diploma in Polymer Technology

Undergraduate Courses in Polymer Engineering

• Bachelor of Technology (Polymer Engineering): A Bachelor of Technology in Polymer Engineering is an engineering degree that focuses on the design, analysis, and/or modification of polymer materials. All engineering fields take the same first-year course. The second year is dedicated to the study of specialized areas relating to polymer engineering. The third year is devoted to a more specialized study of the subject. The applicant begins project work and industry training in the fourth year. Polymer Engineering is a four-year programme that leads to several professional prospects.
• Bachelor of Engineering (Polymer Engineering): Polymer engineering is a type of engineering that creates, analyses, and/or alters polymer materials. Polymer engineering includes features of the petrochemical industry, polymerization, polymer structure and characterisation, polymer properties, polymer compounding and processing, and descriptions of important polymers, structure-property relationships, and applications.

Postgraduate Course in Polymer Engineering

Master of Technology (Polymer Engineering): The Master of Technology in Polymer Technology programme is a two-year Post-Graduate Polymer Engineering programme. The Master of Technology in Polymer Technology programme assists in the development of general research knowledge and abilities while pursuing a subject-based research project.

Polymer Engineering eligibility criteria are the standards that candidates must meet in order to be admitted to the course. The prerequisites for each course level are shown below. Individuals should confirm that they meet the eligibility standards before submitting an application to the chosen university or school.

Candidates can study polymer engineering in a variety of ways, including online, offline, and remote learning. Candidates can select from a variety of possibilities both in India and overseas. The best available alternatives are provided in the table below, and applicants can select them based on their preferences.

Polymer Engineering Online Course

The table below displays the many possibilities for taking the course online. Courses are available from reputable colleges as well as online learning sites such as Udemy.

Admission to Polymer engineering programmes is based on the candidate's qualifications as well as their admission examination score/rank. Merit is also used to determine admission to specific institutes. As a result, we may infer that admissions are merit-based and entrance-based, with more information provided below.

Merit-Based admissions

• Students may often obtain application forms for this route of admission through the official web portals of these universities as well as through offline channels
• Universities distribute merit lists including the names of selected applicants based only on their academic achievement at the 10+2 level under this technique of admission, often known as the "Direct Mode" of Admission. This is done on a cut-off basis, with students who score the same as or higher than the cut-off score being admitted to the specified college
• After finding their name on the merit list, interested candidates can contact the authorities to confirm the stages and dates of the document verification process, as well as submit a payment to reserve their place

Entrance-Based admissions

• Enroll for the respective exam by filling the application form
• Pay the application fee and upload scanned versions of all the necessary documents such as birth certificates, Class 10+2 marksheets, and passport size photographs in the required format
• Take the entrance exam
• After qualifying the exam, choose which branch of BTech you wish to pursue (in this case, Polymer Engineering) and enroll yourself in the respective institute.

Candidates interested in polymer engineering might enroll in a graduate level course in the subject. Many premier Indian colleges offer this programme. To get admitted to either of these programmes, candidates must write an entrance test either by a specific institution or one administered at the All India level. The details of the admission examinations for the graduate  in polymer engineering are provided below. 

• JEE Main
• BITSAT
• MHT-CET
• OJEE
• SRMJEEE
• UPSEE
• VITEEE

There are multiple colleges that provide training in Polymer engineering. Some of the premier institutes of India have Btech which candidates can pursue to get a headstart on their career in Polymer engineering. Some of these institutes are well regarded for delivering high-quality education as well as practical training. Candidates can review the list of colleges, as well as their location and estimated tuition rates.

The study of polymers and plastics falls under the academic subject of Materials Sciences and provides not only exciting employment opportunities but also the opportunity to work on something powerful and beneficial. A polymer engineer's typical working environment includes laboratories, office buildings, and production zones. There are several opportunities overseas, particularly in renewable energy and sustainability. Polymer engineers can find work in the field of Petroleum and Chemical industries. 

Along with all other engineering sectors like mechanical, electronics, and mechatronics, Europe's most industrialized country is also the Pioneer of Polymers. Polymers will undoubtedly totally replace metals, and Germany is ensuring that they will bear responsibility for this. They have the top institutions, which are supported by the government, large donations from automotive and industrial industries, and a strong desire to make the world a better place. Polymers and their uses are also advancing quickly in countries such as the United States, China, Singapore, the Netherlands, and Japan.

Polymer Engineering Abroad Top Colleges

Candidates have various options for studying Polymer Engineering at some of the world's leading universities. The table below is a list of the world's top engineering universities, along with their locations.

The course fee of Polymer engineering depends on the type and level of the course. Candidates wishing to pursue undergraduate degree such as Btech in Polymer engineering need to pay an average fee between Rs 40,000 to Rs 2,50,000 per year. And candidates who want to pursue Diploma in polymer engineering need to shell out Rs 20,000 to Rs 1,00,000 depending upon the institute. Whereas masters degree in Polymer will cost approximately Rs 50,000 to Rs 3,00,000 per year. 

Working with current polymers or generating new polymers may be among the duties of a polymer engineer. Aspirants may sharpen their abilities by learning about the criteria and expectations of a polymer engineer. A polymer engineer is an engineer who focuses on the creation and production of polymers such as nylon, epoxy, and plastic. A polymer engineer may work with polymers in a range of capacities, including the development of novel polymers and the application of existing ones. Key skills development might help you prepare for a job as a polymer engineer. When pursuing this job, it is critical to focus on the following skills:

• Chemistry Knowledge: The scientific study of materials and chemical processes is known as chemistry. Learning chemistry enables aspirants to identify and carry out the chemical processes essential for the production of polymers. Understanding the basic principles underlying creation helps to make more educated decisions and have a deeper understanding of the polymers
•  Mathematical Skills: Mathematical abilities help with numerical computations. Polymer engineers are expected to do calculations in a variety of settings, such as when reviewing the findings of a research or determining the ratios necessary for a chemical reaction. Strong mathematical ability can also aid in effectively selecting formulae and determining the resulting values
• Research Skills: Research abilities enable students to consult with many sources of media to learn more about a subject. This is a necessary skill for staying up to date on the newest advances in the sector. Research skills can also assist the aspirants in learning more about the polymer substances with which you are dealing, allowing to make better educated judgments and enhance the quality of the polymeric composites that is being manufactured
• Designing knowledge: Polymer engineers need to produce schematics in a variety of formats for product designs using computer-aided design tools. This is a critical skill for developing polymer product strategies. Although certain polymer engineer occupations do not require considerable modelling duties, it is a skill that is useful in a wide range of polymer engineer employment

The Polymer engineering course is vast, and the curriculum is designed with specific goals in mind. As a result, let us take a thorough look at the curriculum objective and outcome.

Polymer Engineering Course Objective

The goal of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of polymer science and engineering, including the chemical structure of various polymers, molecular weight measurement methods, polymerization kinetics and reactors, rheological behavior, and polymer processing technologies. The emphasis is mostly on polymer processing as well as the behavior of various polymeric materials.

• Examine the fundamental chemistry of addition polymerization and to describe a variety of economically useful polymers created by addition polymerization
• Classification of polymers, distinguishing between condensation and further polymerization
• Increase understanding of polymer synthesis methods
• Investigate the wide polymer environment through testing and laboratory studies
• To provide an overview of polymer synthesis theory
• Examining the design and manufacturing of polymer goods, with a focus on material selection and processing techniques

Polymer Engineering Course Outcome

• By the completion of the course, students will be able to: define the overall structure of polymers and conduct several types of polymerizations practically
• To demonstrate how the chemical composition of polymers feedstock may impact final output
• To propose methods for controlling the molecular weight and the rate of polymerization
• To conduct bulk and emulsion polymerization experiments and calculate molecular mass and sulfur content
• Choosing and employing advanced synthesis techniques for measuring the efficiencies of polymer consumption in complicated industrial processes
• Recognizing the influence of engineering solutions in a global and environmental context

The syllabus of Polymer engineering can be intensive and broad. There are basic subjects such as Chemistry, Intro to engineering and as the course progresses, candidates can choose more elective subjects according to their preferences and interests. The polymer engineering course also contains multiple practical and laboratory experiments that are also incorporated in the syllabus. Let us take a look at the syllabus and some of the important subjects within. 

Polymer Engineering Electives

• Structure property relationship
• Fundamentals of Nanoscience
• Adhesives and Surface Coatings
• Packaging & Decoration of plastics
• Plastics Packaging Technology
• Advanced Polymer Science & Technology
• Conducting Polymers
• Polyurethane Technology
• Biodegradable Polymers
• Fibre Technology
• Speciality Elastomers

Graduates of Polymer Engineering programmes can work in the polymer production and user sectors. They have the ability to function as a production supervisor, quality control inspector, and production planner. Polymer engineers in the public sector may work for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Oil and Natural Gas Commission, Oil India Laboratories, petrochemicals engineering plants, the Indian Institute of Petroleum, polymers corporations in various states, the Petroleum Conservation Research Association of India, and other organisations. Engineers can also participate in research and development.

Polymer Engineering Scope in Public Sector

Polymer Engineering Graduates are also sought by the Defense Research and Development Organization for the position of Scientist. Other firms that recruit B.Tech graduates in Polymer Engineering include the Central Institute of Plastic Engineering & Technology and Brahmaputra Cracker & Polymer Limited (BCPL). 

Bachelor degree holders can also find work at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Oil India Laboratories, Petrochemicals Engineering Plants, and the Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC), among other places. The applicant may also choose to work as a Lecturer in various Engineering Institutes. 

Polymer Engineering Scope in Private Sector

MNCs such as Windmoller & Holscher, Ceat Limited, Allied Solutions India Pvt. Ltd., Apollo Tyres Limited,  Kraton Polymers LLC, Polymer Technologies Inc, and others have a demand for polymer engineering services. 

Prominent companies that recruit Polymer engineers

• Finolex Industries
• BASF Construction Chemical India Pvt. Ltd.
• Tata Chemicals Ltd.
• United Phosphorus Ltd.
• Reliance Industries
• Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd.

Polymer Engineers can earn a good living as well as additional bonuses and privileges. A B.Tech holder's beginning pay ranges between Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 50,000 per month, excluding extra allowances. Those in the private sector are paid more than those in the public sector. Engineers with greater job experience may be able to earn up to Rs 80,000 per month.

Because the polymer industry faces a wide range of challenges, analytical and rational thinking skills are essential. Then there are conceptual criteria, which vary depending on the sector of the polymer industry. 

• In a synthesis firm, aspirants need be well-versed in synthesis procedures, reaction parameters, and so on
• In the processing business, machine handling expertise should be adequate to direct labourers for effective output i.e., quality and quantity.
• In the quality control division, aspirants are required to be extremely familiar with structure-property relationships. 
• Candidates should be able to manage all tests and characterizations in accordance with stringent ASTM/ISO Standards and then forecast the likely causes of product faults.

How to develop skills to become a Polymer engineer?

• Intern in a national lab such as NCL in Pune or a polymer industry-related lab 
• Visit expositions, Plast India, Plastivision, and conferences to meet individuals from various sectors and colleges
• It is critical in the polymer sector to have practical knowledge that is employed in the industry. As a result, stay up to date on new developments and scenarios in the polymer business. Rather than academic knowledge, practical knowledge is more crucial
• Also, pick what field you wish to work in; Marketing, R&D, sales, manufacturing, quality, design, and so on

Individuals who choose a profession as a Polymer Engineer work in the polymer manufacturing sectors. Polymer engineers can find work in both the public and private sectors. Polymer Engineers are typically employed by Polymer Manufacturing Industries. Polymer Engineers' prevalent job profiles include Production Supervisors, Quality Control Inspectors, Mold Designers, Production Planners, Production Engineers/Technologists, Polymer Scientists, Quality Engineers, Polymer Specialists, and so on. Polymer Engineers can operate in these positions in both the public and private sectors.

Polymer Specialists

A polymer expert studies the structural and chemical characteristics of diverse materials, such as metals, metallurgy, ceramics, elastomer, semiconductor, polymers, and glass. A polymer scientist develops novel materials, combines materials, or strengthens them with specified qualities for usage in a variety of goods.

Environment Officer

With environmental knowledge and protocols, it is possible to keep in sync with the project's environmental element. Environmental engineers solve environmental problems by applying engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry concepts.

Quality Control Executive

A quality engineer is in charge of guaranteeing the overall product quality. He or she is in charge of documenting the results of quality testing. He or she writes a report outlining the criteria for ensuring that test findings are fulfilled. He or she is in charge of documenting the report with all relevant information on test findings. He or she is critical in resolving the product's quality difficulties.

Chemical Engineer

A chemical engineer works in the chemical industry. He or she uses chemistry, biology, physics, and arithmetic concepts to create chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food goods, and other related things. A chemical engineer plans and constructs large-scale production processes and equipment.

Energy performance engineer

Energy efficiency engineers perform energy audits on existing residential, commercial, and industrial buildings to examine, survey, model, and evaluate the principal energy flows (mechanical, electrical, and thermal). The goal is to minimise energy use and increase energy efficiency.

Product Development engineer

Creates new goods for businesses and participates in all stages of product development, including research, design, manufacturing, and marketing. Develops new concepts by conducting research on consumer demand and industry trends; creates and tests prototype; and assesses manufacturing alternatives and costs.

Materials Engineer

Material engineers, as the name implies, deal with various materials such as plastic or metal to produce new materials. Their employment includes testing and designing materials utilised in the production of various items such as computer chips or automobile components.

Mold Designer Engineers

Mold design engineers must follow up with the production team in order to discuss the conceptual design with the appointed lead mould maker. The designer must go through all key aspects of the mould design.