Purpose & Overview
The objective of this seminar is to provide a detailed introduction to structure-processing-property relationships in polymers, with an in-depth review of crystallization and mechanical properties. The attendee learns about the important aspects of crystallization and mechanical properties of polymers and how they relate to conventional polymer processing, such as injection molding, extrusion, blow molding and thermoforming, with emphasis on practical applications. The concepts covered in this seminar will serve as valuable tools for material selection and process optimization, and will help polymer users predict material performance.

Who should attend?
This seminar is designed to benefit production, product development and R&D personnel who are using polymers but do not have formal training in polymers. Individuals who wish to receive an in-depth introduction to polymers with emphasis on mechanical properties would benefit from this seminar.

Instructor: Dr. Pravin Soni - Biography

Seminar Content
Introduction
• Fundamentals of plastic materials
Crystallization and Processing
• Ways of controlling crystallinity during processing
Crystalline Morphologies
• Control of crystallinity and transparency with nucleating agents
Factors Determining Crystallinity
• Structure-processing-property relationships
Melting of Polymers
• Factors affecting melting point and effect of processing conditions
General Introduction to Mechanical Behavior of Polymers-Mechanism of Deformation
• How plastics behave when subjected to mechanical stress: yielding, crazing and cracking. Effect of processing and testing conditions
Factors Affecting Mechanical Properties of Polymers
• Ways of achieving desired properties during processing
Creep and Stress Relaxation
• Improving creep resistance
Dynamic Mechanical Properties
• Mechanical transitions and their relationship to properties of polymers
Time-Temperature Superposition
• Technique for predicting long-term properties using short-term testing
Brittle-to-Ductile Transitions in Mechanical Properties
Effect of Environment
• Stress cracking of polymers

Seminar Fees	Before 4/23/08	After 4/23/08
SPE Member	$675	$775
Nonmember	$925	$925

Price Schedule

All forms of registration must contain payment, either by credit card or check, otherwise the registration will not be processed. Checks should be made payable to SPE Seminars in U.S. funds.

Use a separate registration form for each attendee.

If you do not receive a confirmation for the seminar prior to attending, please e-mail seminars@4spe.org or call SPE at +1 203-740-5403 to verify your registration.