Polymer Engineering uses the theory and knowledge of chemical engineering to solve various problems involving the production and use of polymers. Polymer engineers use the principles of plant design, process design, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena to develop new products.Polymer engineers also supervise the production process of plastics and other polymers. Under their supervision, plastic moulders and technicians carry out the shop floor manufacturing processes.
In recent times, Polymer has become the most rapidly growing sector of the materials industry. As polymer production has grown, so has the number of people who work in this field. It has been estimated that about 50 percent of the chemical engineers and chemists in the United States work in the polymer industry. Also in India the demand of polymer engineers is increasing with opening of more and more new polymer industries.
Courses & Eligibility
Individuals who have completed +2 Science with Physics, Chemistry and Maths will be eligible for pursuing B.E./BTech in Polymer Engineering/Plastic Technology or some other related fields. The selection is made on the basis of entrance examination at state and national level. After successful completion of BE/B.Tech in Polymer Engineering one can directly be absorbed as an engineer in Polymer manufacturing units and research labs.
The eligibility criteria for doing M.Tech in Polymer engineering/plastic technology is a B.Tech /BE degree in polymer engineering or plastics and rubber technology or mechanical engineering. Candidates with an MSc degree in chemistry or physics are also eligible for the M. Tech programme in polymer engineering. Candidates who have qualified in the GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) exam will find it as an advantage for admission to the M.Tech courses in most of the elite institutions.
Career Prospects
Graduates find opportunities in a variety of careers in polymer manufacturing and user industries as a production supervisor, quality control inspector, production planner, mould designer etc. They can also take up career posts in the public and private sectors in: plastics, automotive, electronic, aerospace, power transmission and other related manufacturing industries.
In the public sector, polymer engineers / technologists/scientists may find employment in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas, Oil and Natural Gas Commission, and Oil India Laboratories, petrochemicals engineering plants, Indian Institute of petroleum, polymers corporations of different states, petroleum conservation Research Association of India, Petrofiles Cooperative Limited and other such organizations.
Polymer engineers are also involved in research and development, processing, quality control, technical support and sales, design and manufacture of molds, training, management and related activities. The opportunities for polymer engineers are available both in private and public sectors.
In India, the polymer and petrochemical sectors have been identified as ‘high Priority’ sectors, owing to the fact that polymers play important roles in providing the basic necessities for everyday use, while conserving the scarce natural resources.
The industry has enormous growth potential; as of now, polymer use in India is far below the world level. With increasing competition in the world market and the constant drive to improve our living standards, the scope for use of plastics and polymers will be automatically increased.
Pay-Package
Polymer engineers are offered with high competitive salary, increment apart from other perks and benefits. The average salary of a fresh polymer engineering graduate depends on the type of employer – government or private. The starting salary of a B.Tech holder varies somewhere between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 15,000 per month excluding other allowances.
Working experience, qualifications, ability are important factors in determining the pay level. Those who are working in the private sector are paid more than the public sector. Senior Polymer engineers/scientists with more than five years of working experience can earn anywhere in between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 80,000 per month.
Institutes/Universities
These are the names of few elite institutions in India offering courses in Polymer Engineering. You can also check state-wise list of engineering colleges that may be offering courses in Polymer engineering.
• IITs
• NITs
• Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
• Hindustan College of Engineering
• Faculty Of Technology, Cochin University Of Science & Technology, Thrikkakara Campus, Cochin-682022, (Kerala)
• Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), S.No.124, Paud Road, Kothrud, Pune 411038, (Maharashtra)
• Sant Longowal Institute Of Engineering & Technology, Longowal, Sangrur-148016, (Punjab)
• Sri Jayachamarajendra College Of Engineering, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570006, (Karnataka)
• SSE (Shri Shivaji Education) Society's College Of Engineering & Technology, Near Shivaji Park, Akola-444003, (Maharashtra)
• University College Of Engineering, Thodupuzha-685584, (Kerala)
• VRS & YRN College Of Technology, Department of Oil Technology, Prakasam Dt. Chirala- 523157, (Andhra Pradesh)