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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Determine possible polymer properties based on polymer type.
   • Estimate molecular weight distribution changes with polymerisation mechanisms and conditions.
   • Predict the impact of monomer and polymer structure on polymer properties.
2. Estimate polymer properties based on polymer structure.
   • Predict property changes caused by polarity and intermolecular forces.
   • Determine possible polymer properties based on chain flexibility variations caused by changes in regularity, tacticity and intermolecular forces.
   • Estimate polymer properties based on molecular weight/molecular weight distribution, degree of cross-linking.
   • Predict barrier properties based on molecular orientation and degree of crystallisation.
3. Choose a polymer compound for an application.
   • Select appropriate base polymer/polymers for an application based on the polymer properties.
   • Determine reinforcement(s)/additives required to meet product specification.
   • Predict failure mechanism for selected compound and modify selection if appropriate.
   • Determine the need for polymer compatibilisers and specify appropriate use if required.
   • Develop formulation and select appropriate production
4. Organise testing of polymer and interpret test results.
   • Select appropriate test(s) for compounded polymer based on test purpose and limitations and material being tested.
   • Test colour using colour coordinates as required.
   • Interpret test results and modify formulation/production method as required to meet product specification.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Knowledge and understanding of the polymerisation process and polymer characteristics sufficient to enable the selection of polymers with appropriate base properties

Knowledge of organization standard procedures and policies Knowledge of the relevant regulatory requirements and nationalinternational standards along with the ability to implement them within appropriate time constraints and in a manner relevant to the job

This unit assumes a knowledge of basic chemistry including atomic structure molecular weight periodic table ionic and covalent bonding intermolecular bonding hydrogen bonding structure of organic compounds functional groups and typical reactions saturated and unsaturated compounds aromatic compounds hydrolysis and addition reactions

Knowledge as a basis for solving processing and material problems including

property changes caused by different mechanisms and conditions for addition polymerisation

typical processing conditions for typical polymers such as polythene

property changes caused by using bulk suspension solution and emulsion addition polymerisation

property changes caused by different mechanisms for condensation polymerisation

the formation of crosslinked polymers

the properties of crosslinked polymers

impact of polymerisation process on polymer properties

impact of polymer structure on polymer properties

modifications to plastics

test methods

properties and applications of polymers

the impact of tacticity on addition polymer properties

the property changes caused by different copolymer structures

the influence of molecular structure on chain regularity

the difference between polymer reinforcements and polymer composites

Language literacy and numeracy requirements

This unit requires high level literacy and numeracy

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge the range statement and the assessment guidelines for this training package

Overview of assessment

A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment

Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole as defined by the Elements Performance Criteria and skills and knowledge

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

It is essential that the polymer and additive properties be understood and the chemistry behind these properties can be explained Competence must be demonstrated in the ability to predict appropriate polymers and additives from the required properties of a product

Consistent performance should be demonstrated For example look to see thatselections made can be justified

Assessment method and context

Assessment will occur using industrial polymers and typicalactual applications and will be undertaken in a worklike environment

Competence in this unit may be assessed

using appropriate industrial polymers and typicalactual applications

in a situation allowing for the generation of evidence of the ability to recognise anticipate and respond to problems

by using a suitable simulation andor a range of case studiesscenarios

through a combination of these techniques

In all cases it is expected that practical assessment will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge and theoretical assessment will be combined with appropriate practicalsimulation or similar assessment Assessors need to be aware of any cultural issues that may affect responses to questions

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the oracy language and literacy capacity of the assessee and the work being performed

Specific resources for assessment

This section should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement for this unit of competency Resources required include suitable access to an operating plant or equipment that allows for appropriate and realistic simulation A bank of case studiesscenarios and questions will also be required to the extent that they form part of the assessment method Questioning may take place either in the workplace or in an adjacent quiet facility such as an office or lunchroom No other special resources are required

Access must be provided to appropriate learning andor assessment support when required Where applicable physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities

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Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, the latest version must be used.

Context

This competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the plastics, rubber and cablemaking industry.

Procedures

All operations are performed in accordance with procedures.

Procedures include all relevant workplace procedures, work instructions, temporary instructions and relevant industry and government codes and standards.

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