1、 Engineering plasticEngineering plastics1 are a group of plastic materials that have better mechanical and/or thermal properties than the more widely used commodity plastics(such as polystyrene, PVC, polypropylene and polyethylene).Being more expensive, engineering plastics are produced in lower qua
2、ntities and tend to be used for smaller objects or low-volume applications (such as mechanical parts), rather than for bulk and high-volume ends (like containers and packaging).The term usually refers to thermoplastic materials rather than thermosetting ones. Examples of engineering plastics include
3、 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS), used for car bumpers, dashboard trim and Lego bricks; polycarbonates, used in motorcycle helmets; and polyamides (nylons), used for skis and ski boots.Engineering plastics have gradually replaced traditional engineering materials such as wood or metal in many a
4、pplications. Besides equalling or surpassing them in weight/strength and other properties, engineering plastics are much easier to manufacture, especially in complicated shapes.The global market for engineering plastics in terms of revenue was estimated to be worth $45.2 billion in 2011 and is expec
5、ted to reach $76.8 billion by 2017.2Relevant propertieseditEach engineering plastics usually has a unique combination of properties that may make it the material of choice for some application. For example, polycarbonates are highly resistant to impact, while polyamides are highly resistant to abras
6、ion. Other properties exhibited by various grades of engineering plastics include heat resistance, mechanical strength, rigidity, chemical stability and fire safety.ResearchmFaculty in the Department of Plastics Engineering are active researchers. The department maintains an extensive lab facility a
7、llowing the faculty to direct research in areas including the following: Plastics Product Design Plastics Process Development Plastics Materials and Additives Plastics Mold and Die Design Elastomers and Rubber Testing and Characterization Computer-Aided Engineering Plastics Recycling Polymeric Bioma
8、terialsOther Research Initiatives Commercial Ventures and Intellectual PropertyTechnology commercialization takes place within Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property (CVIP), whereas the focus of our economic development activities is with entrepreneurs and early stage companies within Commerc
9、ial Venture Development (CVD). Nanomanufacturing CenterNanotechnology research is creating scientific breakthroughs at an amazing rate - inventions that hit the national and international news almost daily. The promise of nanotechnology will not be realized until lab-created inventions can be reliab
10、ly replicated and manufactured. M2D2 NSF Biodegradable Polymer Research Center The Biodegradable Polymer Research Center (BPRC) functions to carry out exploratory and fundamental research on biodegradable polymers to support the technological interests of its members.The Plastics Engineering faculty
11、 works closely with both industry and governmental organizations on plastics-related research. Most research programs are developed between faculty members and the sponsoring company or organization. Project sponsors define their specific needs, and the faculty member(s) develop a proposal.In such c
12、ases, a proposal is developed with the assistance of the UMass Lowell Office for Research Administration, the Universitys one-stop solutions provider for managing research, budgets, technology research programs and technology licensing. Mechanisms exist for conducting all types of research programs:
13、 from simple short-term materials testing or consultations to major multi-year research projects.List of engineering plasticsedit Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) （丙烯腈- 丁二烯-苯乙烯共聚物） Nylon 6 （尼龙 6） Nylon 6-6 Polyamides (PA) Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) Polycarbonates (PC) Polyetheretherketone
14、 (PEEK) Polyetherketone (PEK) Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) Polyimides Polyoxymethylene plastic (POM / Acetal) Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) Polyphenylene oxide (PPO) Polysulphone (PSU) Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE / Teflon) Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE / UHMW)ABS Outstanding i
15、mpact resistance and easy to thermoform 。Acetal High strength, low friction, and excellent machinability.High Density Polyethylene HDPE, widely used as cutting board materials; easy to weld.High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) Tough, low cost, and easy to thermoformNylon Strong and stiff with excellent bearing and wear properties PETStrong and stiff with excellent wear and machining characteristics
