MEGR 3232 – Plastics Design – Exam 1 Review Notes

MEGR 3232 – Plastics Design Exam 1 Review Notes These notes provide a complete, structured review of the Polymers & Properties unit from MEGR 3232 at UNC Charlotte. Topics include polymer history, chain structure, thermoset vs. thermoplastic behavior, resin families, additives, material properties, and fluid behavior. The document includes clear diagrams, simplified explanations, and exam‑focused highlights directly aligned with Dr. Raquet’s lectures. Key concepts covered: - Why plastics are used (advantages & disadvantages) - Polymer history and early development - Definition of polymers and polymerization - Chain length, molecular structure, and flow behavior - Thermoset vs. thermoplastic processing - Amorphous vs. semi‑crystalline polymers - Resin families (commodity, engineering, high‑performance) - Polymer additives (glass fiber, mineral fillers, lubricants, antioxidants, UV stabilizers) - Material properties (Young’s modulus, secant modulus, tangent modulus) - Fluid behavior (Newtonian, pseudoplastic, dilatant, Bingham) - Recycling codes and common applications These notes are ideal for students preparing for Exam 1, quizzes, or needing a clear understanding of polymer fundamentals, structure–property relationships, and plastics behavior in manufacturing.