Plastic technology

The world of plastics

Plastic is one of the oldest manmade products. It is also the most multipurpose product. Plastic is used for a wide variety of products, including toys, household wares, and industrial components of various shape and sizes. It is used in almost all the industries today like refrigerators, automobiles, radio and television sets, paints, synthetic textiles, aircraft and shipping, as well as defense equipment, medical and surgical products.

The plastic industry, over the decade, has grown by about 15%. With the economic liberalization, lowering of import duties and the growing consumerism in the country has added to the growth of the industry. There is not a part of life that is not touched by plastics.

The government of India has identified the petrochemicals industry as a ‘high priority’ sector, owing to the fact that plastics play an important role in providing the basic necessities for everyday use, while conserving the scarce natural resources.

The industry has enormous potential for growth; 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 is bound to increase manifold.

All kinds of professionals are needed in this field. Especially chemical engineers who are concerned in the production of raw materials, designing of the product mould, the selection of material and right processing techniques. This industry provides opportunities for both skilled and unskilled people.

Eligibility:

Candidates who have successfully completed the 10+2 examinations, with a background in science, are eligible for the B.Tech courses in plastic technology.

The eligibility criteria for the M.Tech programme in plastic technology is a B.Tech /BE degree in chemicals engineering or plastics and rubber technology or mechanical engineering or textiles technology. Candidates with an MSc degree in chemistry or physics are also eligible for the M.Tech programme in plastic technology. Candidates who have qualified in the GATE ( Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering ) exam will find it is an advantage for admission to the M.Tech courses in most of the institutions.

Job Prospect:

Plastics engineers / technologists and technicians 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. Various private companies dealing with the production and marketing of plastic commodities also offer employment to plastics technologies and engineers.

Remuneration:

The remuneration in the industry depends on the company and experience. Many beginners can start anywhere from Rs 5000 to Rs 7000.

Institutes:

Many institutes like the IIT offer courses in Chemical engineering.