Polymer Science Education
– An (Southern) African Perspective
Harald Pasch
SASOL Chair of Analytical Polymer Science
Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science
Stellenbosch – South Africa
Darmstadt
Statement
During the last 30 years the world's materials around us have changed … to
new materials ... Emphasis is on polymers, advanced materials for the
electronic and medical industries and novel ceramics, amongst others.
Yet, a school leaver often doesn't know …what a plastic bag is and how to
recycle it.
There is an urgent need to address the improved teaching of materials (and
polymer) science, especially in Africa. We are of the opinion that new courses
could do much to improve science teaching in Africa and make the matric
student much more conscious of materials around him/her.
… the same it true, of course, for science teaching at a tertiary education
level.
R.D. Sanderson, J. Makawa-Mbewe, J.J. De Kock
Macromol. Symp. 165 (2001)143–154
The African Background
The top oil producers:
2.1 Mio barrel/d
1.7 Mio barrel/d
0.7 Mio barrel/d
2.2 Mio barrel/d
1.9 Mio barrel/d
The African Background
But: very limited refining capacities
polymer/plastics production is close to zero !
2.2 Mio barrel/d
1.9 Mio barrel/d
Nigeria: Population 174 Mio (7th), GDP 316 Billion $ (38th)
Review of top 5 universities:
-
-
not a single degree in Polymer Science
Polymer Science activities part of the Science
(Chemistry) or Engineering (Chem. Eng.)
faculties
postgraduate degrees: MSc and PhD in
Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry
No. 1: Obafemi Awolowo University
Dept. of Chemistry: postgrad. degrees in chemistry and industrial chemistry
CHM 417 – Polymer Chemistry (4th year, 1st semester)
Survey, classification, and nomenclature of synthetic and naturally occurring macromolecules; their physical and chemical
properties; synthesis, particularly by addition, condensation, and ring-opening processes; comparison of synthetic methods
with biogenetic routes; characterization of polymers, particularly by molecular weight measurements; correlation of physical
and chemical properties of macromolecules with structural features, including their stereochemistry.
No. 2: University of Lagos
Dept. of Chemistry: postgrad. degrees in environmental and analytical chemistry
No polymer or materials science courses
No. 3: University of Ilorin
Dept. of Chemistry: postgrad. degrees in chemistry and industrial chemistry
No further details on course contents
Nigeria: Population 174 Mio (7th), GDP 316 Billion $ (38th)
No. 4: University of Ibadan
Dept. of Chemistry: MSc and PhD in Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry
CHE 358
Organic and Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules including Stereochemical
Principles:
Introductory symmetry, conformations and resolution of racemic mixtures, stereochemistry
and biological activities, stereo-selectivity and stereospecificity in synthesis. The structures
and brief chemistry of monosaccharides, polysaccharides, amino acids and DNA. Synthetic
polymers and detergents. Physical methods in the determination of structures and properties
of macromolecules. Bimolecular spectroscopy and interactions in biological
macromolecules and membranes
ICH 367
Petrochemicals and Utilization of Wastes and Industrial Polymers
Thermoplastics, Thermosetting plastics, Phenoplast and aminoplasts, Nature and uses of
plasticizers, extenders and fillers, crystallization of polymers. Paints, polyvinyl acetate,
acrylics and water - based paints. Alkyd, nitrocellulose and other resins; titanium dioxide
lacquers, enamels, vanishes. Paint flows. Natural and synthetic rubbers, vulcanization.
Textile fibres. Soap and detergents of all types: Phenomenology, theories and formulations,
Soap economics. Dyes and pigments of all types and methods of their application. Local
plants and raw materials. Chalking, bleeding and blooming in dyes. The pharmaceutical
industry. Aspirin, sulfa drugs, barbiturates, antibiotics, etc
Nigeria: Population 174 Mio (7th), GDP 316 Billion $ (38th)
No. 5: Federal University of Technology (Owerri)
Faculty of Engineering, Dept. of Polymer & Textile Engineering:
BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in Textile Science and Engineering & Polymer Science and Engineering
Part 5 (500 level)
1st Semester
Polymer Science 11 (PTE 501, 3 unit)
Polymer Rheology II (PTE 503, 2 unit)
Engineering Technology of Elastomers (PTE 507, 3 unit)
Complex Textile and Design (PTE 509, 3 unit)
2nd Semester
Polymer Processing Engineering Technology IV (PTE 502, 3 unit)
Modern Yarn Production (PTE 504, 3 unit)
Theory of Colouration and Finishing of Textiles (PTE 506, 3 unit)
Theory of Textile Structures (PTE 512, 2 unit)
Polymer Reactions and Degradation (PTE 534, 1 unit)
Electives
Polymer Processing Engineering Technology III (PTE 521, 3 unit)
Adhesive and Coating Engineering (PTE 522, 3 unit)
Pulp and Paper Technology (PTE 523, 3 unit)
Colour Technology (PTE 524, 3 unit)
Polymer in Medicine and Specialty uses (PTE 526, 3 unit)
Foam Technology (PTE 529, 3 unit)
Injection Mouldings (PTE 527, 3 unit)
Recycling (PTE 530, unit)
Advanced Composites (PTE 531, unit)
Conducting Polymers (PTE 533, 3 unit)
Presented by:
1 professor
1 senior lecturer
2 lecturers
6 assistant lecturers
Tanzania: Population 45 Mio, GDP 80 Billion $ (78th)
No. 1: University of Dar es Salaam
College of Engineering and Technology, Department of Chemical and Mining Engineering
College of Natural and Applied Sciences, ???? no further information
Both offer BSc degrees, no polymer activities, no information on ongoing research projects, MSc and
PhD programs – no details
No. 2: Sokoine University of Agriculture
Faculty of Science, Dept. of Physical Sciences: BSc program in chemistry
No. 3: The Hubert Kairuki Memorial University
Private medical university
Tanzania: Population 45 Mio, GDP 80 Billion $ (78th)
No. 4: Tumaini University Makumira
‘…is a Christ-Centred University focusing all its programmes through the guidance of
and obedience to the word of God…’
No science except computer science
No. 5: Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences
no science or engineering faculties, no undergrad or postgrad degrees in science
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology
new establishment, shall be similar to IITs in India,
Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering:
Master’s and PhD in Materials Science and Engineering (MaSE),
Master’s and PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering (EnSE)
Angola: Population 19 Mio, GDP 129 Billion $ (61st)
No. 1: Universidade Católica de Angola
Faculty of Engineering:
Teaching … under construction
Research … under construction
Perspectives … under construction
No. 2: Universidade Agostinho Neto
Faculty of Engineering, College of Sciences
MSc and PhD degrees in chemical engineering
No information about courses, research etc.
No. 3: Universidade Gregório Semedo
Faculty of Engineering and Technology
mainly computer science
No information about courses, research etc.
No. 5: Universidade Técnica de Angola
Departamentos ?????
Faculdades ?????
Only Portuguese, no detailed information !
Zimbabwe: Population 13 Mio, GDP 11 Billion $ (31st in Africa!)
No. 1: University of Zimbabwe (Harare)
Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
BSc Hons in Chemistry and MSc in Analytical Chemistry
Faculty of Engineering: no chemical engineering
No. 2: National University of Science and
Technology (Bulawayo)
Harare Institute of Technology
Dept. of Polymer Science & Engineering
Polymer Science
Polymer Engineering
Polymer Technology
Polymer Materials & Processing
Recycling and Environmental Protection
Research and Product Development
Polymer Science degrees (B Tech Hons)
to be introduced in 2014
Faculty of Applied Sciences, Dept. of Applied Chemistry
BSc and postgrad degrees in Applied Chemistry
Polymer Science course SCH 2107
1. Introduction to Polymers
2. Polymerization
3. Fibres
4. Polymerisation techniques
5. Rubbers
Established by Prof. L. Tichagwa
- former head of Chemistry Department of University of
Ft. Hare, South Africa
- former PhD student of Sanderson/Pasch
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
SASOL
Industries: oil, gas, chemicals
Employees: 34,000
Revenue: 32 Billion $
Plastics/polymers: > 1 Mio t/a
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
South Africa’s top
universities
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
University of Pretoria (UP)
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
University of the Free State (UFS)
University of Cape Town (UCT)
University of Stellenbosch
University of the Western Cape (UWC)
University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN)
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
South African universities with Polymer Science teaching and research
University of the Free State (UFS)
Qwaqwa Campus
Postgraduate degrees in Polymer Science: BSc Hons, MSc, PhD
BSc Hons course content:
CMP 614
CMP 634
CMP 654
CMP 674
CMP 624
CMP 644
CMP 664
CMP 684
Inorganic Chemistry (Polymers and Polymer Reactions)
(16 credits, 16 hours theory, 30 hours practicals, one examination paper of 2 hours)
Physical Chemistry (Physical Polymer Science)
(16 credits, 16 hours theory, 30 hours practicals, one examination paper of 2 hours)
Organic Chemistry (Polymers and Polymerization)
(16 credits, 15 hours theory, 30 hours practicals, one examination paper of 2 hours)
Analytical Chemistry (Polymer Testing and Characterization I)
(16 credits, 15 hours theory, 30 hours practicals, one examination paper of 2 hours)
Polymer Chemistry
(16 credits, 15 hours theory, 30 hours practicals, one examination paper of 2 hours)
Polymer Characterization
(16 credits, 15 hours theory, 30 hours practicals, one examination paper of 2 hours) –
Physical Polymer Science
(16 credits, 15 hours theory, 30 hours practicals, one examination paper of 2 hours)
Applied Polymer Science (Research Project)
(16 credits)
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
University of Pretoria (UP)
Postgraduate degrees in Applied Science: BSc Hons, MSc, PhD
Research focus on chemical product and process design including polymers and
polymer nanocomposites
BSc Hons course content:
Among other courses
CPW 732
CPP 732
CYM 732
CFT 732
Polymer Materials Science
Polymer Processing
Additive Technology (e.g. polymer fillers, stabilizers, surfactants)
Fluoro-Materials Science (e.g. fluoro-monomer polymerization, physical properties, processing)
University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
Postgraduate degrees in Chemistry and Applied Chemistry: BSc Hons, MSc, PhD
Joined degree of Schools of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, some polymer teaching embedded in organic and
physical chemistry courses, research oriented towards nanotechnology
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Faculty of Engineering
Bachelor of Technology: B Eng Tech – polymer technology and materials engineering
B Eng Tech course content:
Polymer Technology
- processing of polymers (injection moulding, extrusion, compression moulding)
- flow characteristics of polymers, rheometry, viscometry
- polymer technology practical
Polymer Science
- polymer chemistry
- polymer science practical
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
University of Stellenbosch
Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science
BSc in Chemistry: Chemistry and Polymer Science
BSc in Chemistry: Textile and Polymer Sciences
BSc in Chemistry: Chemical Biology
2nd year: textile science module
3rd year: polymer chemistry module, analytical polymer science module
BSc Hons in Polymer Science
1st semester: polymer chemistry, advanced analytical polymer science
2nd semester: physical polymer science, general polymer science and special topics
MSc in Polymer Science, PhD in Polymer Science
Only South African university with a complete
BSc, BSc Hons, MSc and PhD curriculum in Polymer Science
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
University of Stellenbosch
Annual Winter School in Polymer Science
5 days packed with lectures, pracs, own presentations, get together …..
- Morning sessions: lectures
- introduction to polymers as materials
- polymer chemistry, polymerization mechanisms
- polymer analysis
- industrial applications
- Afternoon sessions: pracs (in groups of 3-4 students)
- prepare your polymer
- analyse chemical composition (FTIR, NMR, MS)
- get molar mass (SEC)
- get properties (density, thermal properties)
- present and discuss your results
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
University of Stellenbosch
Annual Winter School in Polymer Science
2012:
26 students, 15 from UCT, 2 from WSU, 1 from NMMU, 5 from UFH, 2 from UP and 1 from NAMPAC
1) I found this course to be very enjoyable
2) I have learnt something
3) I would recommend this course to other
students
4) The course was well organized
5) I found the practical tasks enjoyable and
worthwhile
6) The mentors were very friendly and
helpful
7) I enjoyed the lectures
8) Please rate your overall impression of the
course
(1- not very good; 5 –excellent)
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
Annual Winter School in Polymer Science
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
Vocational Training in Polymer/Plastics Technology
Plastics | SA is the mouthpiece of South African plastics industry. Previously known as the Plastics Federation of
South Africa, we proudly represent polymer producers and importers, converters, machine suppliers and recyclers.
•
•
•
•
3 Training centres
• Midrand
• Cape Town
• Durban
Train more than 3 000 students per annum
Learnerships – 1 year programme
Skills Programmes; duration 3 – 10 days
Accredited Training Provider
Assessments
Learnerships
Learning Potential Assessment
TRAINING
SERVICES
Skills Programmes
Pre – Assessments (Gap Analysis)
Recognition of Prior Learning
South Africa: Population 53 Mio (25th), GDP 371 Billion $ (33rd)
Qualifications in the Plastics Industry
•
National Certificate in Plastics Manufacturing NQF 2 – 4
•
National Certificate in Polymer Composite Fabrication NQF 2 – 4
•
National Certificate in Thermoplastic Fabrication NQF 2 – 4
•
National Certificate in Polymer Composite Fabrication NQF 2 – 4
•
National Certificate in Polymer Compound Manufacturing NQF 2
•
Manufacturing and Assembly Operations Supervision NQF 4
Summary, conclusions
Africa is a rich continent, some African countries are major crude
oil or mineral producers
Nearly all crude oil is shipped overseas, very little processing/refining
capacities, plastics manufacturing is close to zero (except for SA)
Incentive for developing/establishing polymer science
teaching/research ????
Internationally competitive polymer science teaching/research
only in South Africa
- comprehensive undergrad and postgrad degrees in
polymer science
- vocational training through Plastics Federation of SA
- significant financial and logistic support through major
SA companies (Sasol, Kansai Plascon, Mondi Mpact,
plastics conversion companies)
Analytical Polymer Science in
Stellenbosch
Thank you
for your attention
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