The scope of polymer engg.

Updated on: Monday, June 21, 2010

Compared to other engineering disciplines, polymer engineering has limited higher study options at the postgraduate level. Usually, graduates in this branch with a valid GATE score can opt for postgraduate programmes in polymer engineering, polymer science, chemical technology or polymer technology.

Polymer engineering uses the theory and knowledge of chemistry to handle production and use of polymers. In India, the demand for polymer engineers is on the rise.

Those who have obtained a B.E. or B.Tech. degree in polymer engineering, polymer science and rubber technology with high marks can opt for M.E. or M.Tech. in polymer engineering. The selection is based on the marks scored in GATE.

Study facilities

The Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology, Thrikakara, Kochi-682022, functioning under the Cochin University of Science and Technology, is one of the pioneers in the area of higher education and research in polymer technology.

The department functions in collaboration with the Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam. It offers M.Tech. in polymer technology. Entry qualification for this programme is a B.E./ B.Tech. degree in polymer science and rubber technology, chemical engineering, technology, M.Sc. polymer chemistry, M.Sc. chemistry with polymer chemistry as a specialisation with at least 60 per cent and a valid GATE score.

Those who do not possess a valid GATE score can also apply. But their applications will be considered only if applicants with the GATE score are not available. In such cases, admission will be based on the departmental admission test. Details about admission can be had from the website www.cusat.nic.in.

Students who complete this four-semester course undergo campus selection for jobs in major tyre companies, polymer manufacturing and processing industries and research institutions.

Research facilities

The department also provides research facilities leading to a doctorate degree.

Some other institutes and colleges that offer M.Tech./ M.E. courses in polymer science and technology are:

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur, offers M.Tech. degree in rubber technology.

IIT Delhi offers M.Tech. in polymer science and technology.

Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, offers M.Tech. in polymer science and technology.

Sant Longwal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, Sangrur, offers M.Tech. in polymer engineering.

The Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi College of Engineering, Delhi, offers M.E. degree in polymer technology.

National Institute of Technology, Calicut, offers M.Sc. (technology) degree in polymer science and technology. Website: www.nitc.ac.in.

Alagappa College of Technology, Guindy, Chennai, offers M.Tech. degree in polymer science.

The Central Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology under the Government of India offers M.Tech. degree in plastics engineering or technology and M.Tech. degree in polymer nanotechnology. B.E./ B.Tech. degree holders in polymer engineering with valid GATE score are also eligible for admission. Website: www.cipet.gov.in.

The above mentioned list is only indicative. Information of more institutes or colleges that offer this course can be collected from the Engineering Handbook published by the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi.

Job prospects

The plastic and polymer industry has emerged as a major growth sector. Those who obtain higher qualifications in polymer engineering and technology can find jobs with polymer manufacturing industries as production engineers or technologists, quality control inspectors, polymer specialists, marketing executives and so on.

In the public sector, polymer engineers/ technologists and scientists may find job opportunities in the petroleum and natural gas sector such as in the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), petrochemicals, and engineering plants.

The scope of polymer engg.

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