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Plastics 101

Course Overview
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Course# Date Time Location
212-1423 03/26/2025 - 03/28/2025 8:30 PM - 4:00 PM Microsoft Teams
212-1424 08/04/2025 - 08/06/2025 8:30 PM - 4:00 PM Microsoft Teams
212-1425 11/05/2025 - 11/07/2025 8:30 PM - 4:00 PM Microsoft Teams
Cost: $1,800.00 USD
Online Registration
CEU's: 1.6
Instructor: Mr. Christopher Paige

Course Overview

This course is intended to introduce students to the basic concepts of polymers and plastics which includes polymer synthesis and types of plastics that are generated from these polymers. Plastic processing techniques will be investigated, and plastic characterization techniques will be reviewed. Green plastics, recycling and plastic waste reduction are also included in this course. Case studies, including automotive applications will be included in the course presentation.

Instructor Biography:

Paige

Christopher (Chris) Paige holds a M. S. Degree in Plastics Engineering - 2005 (University of Massachusetts – Lowell) and a M.S. Degree in Polymer Chemistry – 1991 (University of Cincinnati). He is a member of Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), American Chemical Society (ACS) and America Society of Materials (ASM) and has over 30 years’ experience, working in Industry. As a Laboratory Manager, at the University of Akron, Chris performed numerous hands-on plastics processing projects, for domestic and International corporate clients. He is a subject matter expert and has trained clients on Rubber processing (C.W. Brabender’s, 2-Roll Mills, Heat presses), Plastics Processing (Single and Twin-Screw Extruders, Extrusion Blown Molding, Injection Molding, Injection Blow Molding, Thermoforming, Vacuum Forming, blown film and cast film lines), Rubber formulations and Rubber Characterization (MDR, Moonie Viscometers, RPA) and Polymer Characterizations (Thermal Analysis, Mechanical Instron testing, microscopy and spectroscopy).

Click to view Course Outline

  1. Introduction to Polymers: Understanding what plastics are, including synthetic vs. natural polymers.
  2. Types of Plastics: Exploring thermoplastics vs. thermosets, and common types like polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC.
  3. Production Processes: Injection molding, extrusion, and blow molding.
  4. Properties and Performance: How plastic characteristics like tensile strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance impact their use.
  5. Environmental Impact: Plastic waste, recycling processes, and sustainable alternatives.
  6. Applications: How plastics are used in different industries such as automotive, packaging, and healthcare.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions or need more information about this course, please contact:

Penelope Pinkston
330-972-8303
penelo1@uakron.edu

TO REGISTER

Online Registration

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Registration Form

Registration information: Registration shall remain open until posted as closed on the course listing on this site.

Registrations must be guaranteed by check, a purchase order number or a credit card, otherwise the registration will not be processed. Checks should be made payable to "The Akron Polymer Technology Services Training Center" and must include a copy of your completed registration form. Course fees are due before attending.

All registrations—whether by online, phone, fax or mail—will be confirmed and considered binding and subject to all cancellation policies. If you do not receive a confirmation prior to the class, please call The Akron Polymer Technology Services Training Center to verify your registration.

Course fee includes classroom instruction, instructional materials, parking permits, continental breakfast, lunch, beverages and refreshment breaks. Travel and hotel accommodations are not included.

ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED AND ON A FIRST-COME BASIS. EARLY REGISTRATION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Visit our registration webpage to view our cancellation/withdrawal policy.