.... a very less talked of Engineering Branch. We all know about plastic. But very less is known about what goes behind the creating of plastics that is ruling our lives since it's invention. A lot of research is going in this field, as to how we can make the plastic products more Eco-friendly and re-utilizable. Plastics engineering encompasses the processing, design, development, and manufacture of plastics products. The nature of plastic materials and the properties like outdoor weatherability, thermal properties such as upper use temperature, electrical properties, barrier properties, and resistance to chemical attack, all pose unique challenges to an Engineer. The different fields where a Plastics Engineer could specialize are: Medical plastics Automotive plastics Recycled or recyclable plastics Biodegradable plastics ....and many more to come. This can be a great trade of engineering, for engineers aspiring to get their hands dirty in something different.
Plastics engineering encompasses the processing, design, development, and manufacture of plastics products. A plastic is a polymeric material that is in a semi-liquid state, having the property of plasticity and exhibiting flow. The nature of plastic materials poses unique challenges to an engineer. Mechanical properties of plastics are often difficult to quantify, and the plastics engineer has to design a product that meets certain specifications while keeping costs to a minimum.
Very true what you wrote, especially and I quote "ruling our lives since it's invention". One can ask; but is it necessary that it rules our lives in so many ways. My answer would be yes and no. Yes when it comes to medical plastics, automotive plastics, biodegradable etc., but NO when it comes to packaging. Nowadays it's almost impossible to buy, say hardware items without them being packed in nice looking, oversized plastic blisterpacks. To me that is a waste of a limited natural resource. I therefore propose a science that specializes in the "non-use" or minimal use (make the packs such that they just fit the item) of plastics for packaging of certain (and there will be a massive amount) items. It would be much better for the environment and save natural resources. Of course Plastic Engineering should go on but please consider the above.
I am normally a peace loving man. But one thing that makes me see red is plastic packaging of all kinds with a special certificate of demerit to blister packs. They are just a blister. Quite often I used to hear random popping noises in our office floor. One day I tracked the source. Our bored receptionist keeps a stock of blister packs brought in by the couriers and pops the bubbles for want of something better to do. Hope no manufacturer hears of this and tries to market this in fancy packing as an 'Executive Stress Reliever'. Pea pods and bean pods make good shock absorbing packing and biodegradable. Unfortunately they are insect prone. That is no reason not to look at alternatives to plastic packaging.
Plastics have alot of potential to replace metals in many applications. We just need to move away from the old thinking. Technology now allows us to engineer plastics to suit a specific application.
