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What are Plastics & Polymers
What do cell phones, cars, household appliances and pacemakers have in common? They all rely on a family of materials known as polymers. Polymers have been invaluable to humanity since ancient times. From cellulose found in most plant matter to the proteins that make up our bodies, polymers are all around us. Over the last century, advancements in science have paved the way for a group of engineered polymers most people know as plastics.
What is Polymer Engineering Technology? Instructor Vii Rice tackles this and the most asked questions about the many career paths in this field.
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Guaranteed Momentum
Embrace a cycle of change.
You've heard of reduce, reuse, recycle. This model takes this age-old concept one step farther. And so do our graduates.
The Circular Economy
It's time to rethink how we create and consume goods and services. The circular economy is a model that students consider throughout their coursework. As future creators, they gain insight that will powerfully influence their choices as engineers and consumers.
Plastics & polymers make our lives better.
From your phone to your vehicle and everything in between, plastics and polymers are everywhere. Here are a few highlights.
Medical
Modern healthcare would not be possible without the use of polymeric materials. These materials have increased both the safety and comfort of patient care. The light weight, flexible, and durable nature of plastics make these materials well suited for a range of uses from eyeglasses and contact lenses, to syringes, sutures, neo-natal incubators and hip joints. Additionally, plastic packaging allows for medical products and pharmaceuticals to be safely transported and stored until ready to use.
Everyday Objects
Glasses, watches, and even tea bags are made using plastic. Did you know clothes contain plastics, too? Soft materials like fleece are created with nylon and polyester, which is constructed with plastic. And think about your favorite puffer jacket. That probably has plastic in it, too.
In Our Homes
Furniture, appliances, TVs, and carpets also contain plastic. It's also used to line electrical cables and protect water systems. Because of its durability, plastic saves us from being electrocuted and using contaminated water.
Transportation
Cars are about 50% plastic. Despite this high percentage, plastic is only about 10% of the car’s weight, a perk that drastically reduces fuel consumption. Even tires are made of polymers!
Construction Materials
Plastic is used in construction materials such as pipes, flooring, and insulation. It's a top choice because it's durable and lightweight, which often leads to long-term cost savings.
Sports Equipment
Without plastic, you wouldn't have your favorite sports equipment. Golf balls, footballs, kayaks, camping equipment, and most of our favorites contain plastic.
Next steps...
You're on your way to becoming a tomorrow maker.
Let's consider the big picture.
Like all hot topics, it's important to think about how decisions across-the-board impact sustainability.
Plastic & polymers can reduce carbon emissions.
There are lots of ways plastic can reduce pollution. Take everyday products like milk and juice, for example. When it comes to transporting goods, plastic bottles weigh significantly less compared to glass. A one-liter glass bottle runs about 800 grams while a plastic one of the same size only weighs 40 grams. Add this up and you'll quickly see how plastic can cut emissions.
Sustainable choices are everyone's responsibility.
It's easy to blame consumers for their choices or companies for their waste. But real change is everybody's job. Here, students explore the full scope of responsibility from product development to government regulation and learn how they can spark positive change.
Find Your Future
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See other perspectives on plastics & polymers.
Living One Day Without Using Plastic
Journalist A.J. Jacobs recently completed an experiment trying to live one day without plastic-using it or even touching it.
From DNA to Silly Putty: The Diverse World of Polymers
You are made of polymers, and so are trees and telephones and toys. A polymer is a long chain of identical molecules (or monomers) with a range of useful properties, like toughness or stretchiness -- and it turns out, we just can't live without them.
A Brief History of Plastic
Trace the history of the invention of plastic, and how the material ushered in what became known as the plastics century.
Plastics vs. Polymers: What’s the Difference?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, polymers and plastics are not always the same thing. Polymers can exist organically or be created synthetically, and consist of chains of joined individual molecules or monomers.
Real World Ready
ABET Accreditation
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ABET-accredited programs have met the highest standards set by industry, government, and academic professionals. Attending an ABET-accredited program will not only broaden your employment opportunities, it will also prepare you to enter the global workforce.
Meet our change makers.
Morgan Bartholomew
Polymer Engineering
When she graduated, Morgan left the college with a bachelor’s degree in plastics & polymer engineering technology, insights gained through three industry internships, three plastics conferences, two global experiences, a wealth of campus involvement, and a job waiting for her at TE Connectivity.
Zachary Geffre
Polymer Engineering
Guided by the skills he gained in the bachelor's program, Zachary plans to dive even deeper into the field of polymers by pursuing a master's degree in the field.
Matt Gross
Polymer Engineering
After earning his associate’s from Penn College and bachelor’s and master’s degree at Penn State, Matt dove into an exciting career in the aerospace industry.
Dalton Smith
Polymer Engineering
His interest in plastics and polymers began in high school while working with his father at Shop-Vac where he first explored injection molding.