XE Engineering Science

Section 1: Chemistry of High Polymers

Monomers, functionality, degree of polymerizations, classification of polymers, glass transition, melting transition, criteria for rubberiness, polymerization methods: addition and condensation; their kinetics, metallocene polymers and other newer methods of polymerization, copolymerization, monomer reactivity ratios and its significance, kinetics, different copolymers, random, alternating, azeotropic copolymerization, block and graft copolymers, techniques for polymerization-bulk, solution, suspension, emulsion. Concept of intermolecular order (morphology) – amorphous, crystalline, orientation states. Factor affecting crystallinity. Crystalline transition. Effect of morphology on polymer properties.

Section 2: Polymer Characterization

Solubility and swelling, Concept of molecular weight distribution and its significance, concept of average molecular weight, determination of number average, weight average, viscosity average and Z-average molecular weights, polymer crystallinity, analysis of polymers using IR, XRD, thermal (DSC, DMTA, TGA), microscopic (optical and electronic) techniques, Molecular wt. distribution: Broad and Narrow, GPC, Mooney viscosity.

Section 3: Synthesis, Manufacturing and Properties

Commodity and general purpose thermoplastics: PE, PP, PS, PVC, Polyesters, Acrylic, PU polymers. Engineering Plastics: Nylon, PC, PBT, PSU, PPO, ABS, Fluoropolymers Thermosetting polymers: Polyurethane, PF, MF, UF, Epoxy, Unsaturated polyester, Alkyds. Natural and synthetic rubbers: Recovery of NR hydrocarbon from latex; SBR, Nitrile, CR, CSM, EPDM, IIR, BR, Silicone, TPE, Speciality plastics: PEK, PEEK, PPS, PSU, PES, etc. Biopolymers such as PLA, PHA/PHB.

Section 4: Polymer Blends and Composites

Difference between blends and composites, their significance, choice of polymers for blending, blend miscibility-miscible and immiscible blends, thermodynamics, phase morphology, polymer alloys, polymer eutectics, plastic-plastic, rubber-plastic and rubber- rubber blends, FRP, particulate, long and short fibre reinforced composites. Polymer reinforcement, reinforcing fibres – natural and synthetic, base polymer for reinforcement (unsaturated polyester), ingredients / recipes for reinforced polymer composite.

Section 5: Polymer Technology

Polymer compounding-need and significance, different compounding ingredients for rubber and plastics (Antioxidants, Light stabilizers, UV stabilizers, Lubricants, Processing aids, Impact modifiers, Flame retardant, antistatic agents. PVC stabilizers and Plasticizers) and their function, use of carbonblack, polymer mixing equipments, cross-linking and vulcanization, vulcanization kinetics.

Section 6: Polymer Rheology

Flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, different flow equations, dependence of shear modulus on temperature, molecular/segmental deformations at different zones and transitions. Measurements of rheological parameters by capillary rotating, parallel plate, cone-plate rheometer. Visco-elasticity-creep and stress relaxations, mechanical models, control of rheological characteristics through compounding, rubber curing in parallel plate viscometer, ODR and MDR.

Section 7: Polymer Processing

Compression molding, transfer molding, injection molding, blow molding, reaction injection molding, filament winding, SMC, BMC, DMC, extrusion, pultrusion, calendaring, rotational molding, thermoforming, powder coating, rubber processing in two-roll mill, internal mixer, twin screw extruder.

Section 8: Polymer Testing

Mechanical-static and dynamic tensile, flexural, compressive, abrasion, endurance, fatigue, hardness, tear, resilience, impact, toughness. Conductivity-thermal and electrical, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, power factor, electric resistance, surface resistivity, volume resistivity, swelling, ageing resistance, environmental stress cracking resistance, limiting oxygen index. Heat deflection temperature – Vicat softening temperature, Brittleness temperature, Glass transition temperature, Co-efficient of thermal expansion, Shrinkage, Flammability, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, power factor, Optical Properties - Refractive Index, Luminous Transmittance and Haze, Melt flow index.

Section 9: Polymer Recycling and Waste management

Polymer waste, and its impact on environment, Sources, Identification and Separation techniques, recycling classification, recycling of thermoplastics, thermosets and rubbers, applications of recycled materials. Life cycle assessment of polymer products (case studies like PET bottles, packaging bags).

The previous year questions with their solutions are a part of our course material. So when you subscribe for the course material, you will get solutions for GATE XE Polymer Science questions from GATE 2011 onwards.

Preparation for GATE XE Polymer Science is a 5-step process.

1. Understand the GATE XE Polymer Science syllabus and make a study plan based on time left for exam. Plan in a way that gives you atleast 2 months just to answer tests and Mocks.
2. GATE requires you to have strong concepts. So get the best books for each subject along with GATE specific study material from Career Avenues.
3. For better clarity, you can also refer to Career Avenues videos for GATE XE Polymer Science, which have been made by one of the best GATE XE Polymer Science faculty.
4. As you study, keep making notes. Also solve previous year questions and master the concepts behind each of the question.
5. Answer a lot of GATE XE Polymer Science Mocks and Section tests. Career Avenues provides a complete series, which includes Mathematics and Aptitude.

Career Avenues can help you in 3 ways.

1. Best study material for GATE XE Polymer Science made specifically for the GATE XE Polymer Science syllabus. The study material can be purchased both in online (read access) or offline (printed) mode)
2. Excellent video lectures for GATE XE Polymer Science that helps in understanding the concepts better and faster.
3. Exhaustive test series with a combination of easy, moderate and difficult questions.

Yes, you can. A trial course is available for Rs. 100 for each of the three courses (study material, video lectures and test series). The trial course will unlock all features and content of the course for a period of 2 days.

Once you are satisfied with the quality of the course, you can then purchase for a duration appropriate to your GATE preparation.

For someone who is serious about his or her GATE preparation, the course is good and sufficient. Since 2011, when we started GATE XE Polymer Science courses, hundreds of our students have made it into top colleges like IISc, IITs and NITs.