L-3ff-2/MME Date: 18/1012023

BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, DHAKA

L-3/T-2 B. Sc. Engineering Examinations 2021-2022

Sub: MME 307 (Polymeric Materials and Composites)

Full Marks: 210 Time: 3 Hours
The figures in the margin indicate full marks.

-- ------_._ .•.
, , __
USE SEPARATE SCRIPTS FOR EACH SECTION
----, .. .._._"---_ ..._._._._._._._._--~--,. ._-----,.-_._._----._---. __ .•..._-_ .._-------
SECTION -A
There are FOUR questions in this section. Answer any THREE.

I. (a) Bengal plastic limited wants to produce simultaneous multiple boxes from high

viscosity polymer. Design a suitable processing technique for them with technical detail. (23)
(b) Among common polymerization processes, which one produces higher molecular
weight of polymer? Explain how this increased molecular weight affects mechanical
properties of the final product. (12)

2. (a) Ramim plastic industry requires a polymer with high elasticity, moderate strength and
multiple formability. As a materia! engineer, suggest them a polymer with proper
justi fication. (14)
(b) Differentiate between branched polymer and cross-linked polymer, with appropriate
examples. (12)
(c) The density of two polypropylene materials are 0.904 g/cmJ and 0.895 g/cmJ
respectively, while the associated percent crystallinity of those two materials are 62.8 and
54.4 respectively. Calculate (i) densities of totally crystalline and totally amorphous

polypropylene and (ii) density of a specimen having 74.6% crystallinity. (9)

3. (a) Outline the main features of extrusion process with an aid ofa schematic diagram. (14)
(b) Why is creep, impact and fatigue testing important to polymer? (12)
(c) Two monomers of same proportion are polymerized to form a block co-polymer and a
graft co-polymer separately. Among these two co-polymers, which one has higher
density? Justify your answer. (9)

4. (a) Describe a suitable manufacturing process for nylon fiber production. (15)
(b) What is dual sheet thermoforming? Why is dual sheet thermoforming preferred for
plastic production?
(12)
(c) Mention the roles of filler and plasticize in enhancing properties of polymer. (8)

Contd P/2
 =2=
MME307

SECTION -8

There are FOUR questions in this section. Answer any THREE.

5. (a) Why Composite's Transverse tensile strength is found almost regularly below what is
expected from iso-strain model? (4)
(b) Explain in simpler words, Poisson contraction effect (along both directions
separately) on tiber composites. How does that affect real-life mechanical properties and
usability of tiber composites? (4+4=8)
(c) (i) How does tinite Weibull modulus bring notion of probabilistic failure of tibers?
Explain with help of graph. (7)
(ii) Suppose, you are carrying bundles of bamboos from farmers to your factory for
processing. These bamboos have shape of cross-section unchanged as they grow, but
their cross-section size does increase. What kind of composites are they in terms of

Matrix and Reinforcement? Justify your answer. (6)

(iii) Your handheld machine can tear 90% of bamboo sticks (2 meter long, 2 mm
diameter) with 5 kg-force axially applied. You tested in factory that, to tear 2 meter-
long 100 mm diameter bamboos with 40% certainty, you need 5 ton-force axially
applied. Then you took a small sample of 20 cm long 5 mm diameter stick, and for
95% cases, such sticks fail under 25 kg-force. What are Wei bull parameters Lo, an, m
for these bamboos? You may assume inner-to-outer radius ratio of bamboos, denoted
as k. remains constant. (10)

6. (a) What is the physical-mechanical reason for inter!aminar and intralaminar shear force
in laminar composites? What techniques are applied to circumvent problems with testing
interfacial shear strength of composites? (5+6= 11)
(b) What Styrene does to (unsaturated) polyester is similar to what di-amine does to
epoxy-do you agree? Why or why not? But their mode of action is a bit subtly different in
terms of new bond formation. Can you illustrate and explain that subtle ditference with
proper reaction steps? (5+7=12)
(c) What limitations you may face iso-stress, iso-strain (e.g. Basic Slab) or iso-work
model for composites deformation? What are the actual factors for strain tields in real
composites that complicates up this issue? How Halpin-Tsai model helps to estimate

mechanical properties to design composites better? (4+3+5=12)

7. (a) How Pole Figures and Strereographic projections help to visualize Fiber textures in
composite that can be useful for composite design/production? How can shearing of

composites align the tiber? (8+7=15)

•

(b) What are the assumptions on which shear-lag model (along with stress transfer) is
built? How we can sense need for a minimum length in Fiber-reinforced Composites
from these equations? How average stiffness variation with length links to differential
equations as well as material properties? How can you interpret failure modes, stress
ranges, n-values and s-values as provided in the figure below? You need NOT to provide
any derivation of equations. (4+4+4+2x4=20)
p,,!~l"WI m:l!f!\.) I\'!.lrllr
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pl,I.\ '1Il'J 1lI.11l1\ d.'b"jlthllL
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Figure for question 7(b)

8. (a) Considering strength of Boron fiber against glass fiber, yet chemistry of interfacial
compatibility (or lack thereof) between Boron, Glass and epoxy due to their chemical

properties and bonding, how would you explain these fatigue - cycle curves? (12)

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Figure for question 8(a)

(b) What are important thermodynamic and fluid-mechanical factors related to processing

and properties of MMC through Rheocasting and Squeeze casting routes? (4x2=8)
(c) How controlled metal oxidation and polymer pyrolysis can lead to CMCs and why is
this possible? Is it also possible that burning Metal/Ceramic lead to PMCs or burning
Ceramic/Polymer lead to MMC? Why or why not? (8+7=15)
L-4rr-1IMME Date: 08/10/2023
BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, DHAKA
L-4/T -1 B. Sc. Engineering Examinations 2021-2022

Sub: MME 475 (Polymers and Composites)

Full Marks: 210 Time: 3 Hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks.
USE SEPARATE SCRIPTS FOR EACH SECTION

SECTION -A
There are FOUR questions in this section. Answer any THREE.

1. (a) Why are special polymer processing techniques essential to overcome the challenges
of modern PVC tire applications? Design various process parameters suitable for

producing multiple PVC tires. (25)

(b) Explain strengthening techniques of load-bearing polymeric components. (10)

2. (a) Cross-linked polymers, in general, show higher strength and better thermal stability

with reduced density. Explain the underlying reasons. (22)

(b) List and analyse various parameters that control thermal properties of a polymeric

components. (13)

3. (a) Hyundai Bangladesh wants to produce dashboard for their cars. As a material
engineer, select a suitable polymer for them to manufacture car dashboard. Place

arguments favour of your selection. (15)

(b) How does crazing control fracture of a plastic? (10)

(c) Explain how creep behaviour polymeric material is different from that of metallic

materia!. (10)

4. (a) ABC polymer industry is interested to produce polyamide fiber. Describe a suitable

manufacturing process for them. (15)

(b) What is sandwich moulding? Why IS sandwich moulding preferred for plastic

production? (10)
(c) "Joining of polymer is not always essential" - Justify. (10)

Contd P/2
 •
•

=2=

MME475

SECTION-B
There are FOUR questions in this section. Answer any THREE.
Symbols and notations used in Section B carry their conventional meanings.

5. (a) 'PMCs are more widely being used compared to MMCs and CMSc.' - Justify with
suitable examples. Which important properties of PMC make them describe for future

applications. (12)

(b) Following Wei bull approach 'most reinforcements are brittle and fracture is
statistically linked to flaws in the materials and thus fibers are the weakest link.'
Considering small element length, C,Li containing n flaws, develop equation expressing

probability of survival of the reinforcement (use conventional notations). (18)

(c) How and when do voids appear in composite materials? (5)

6. (a) Assess Young's modulus of composite considering transverse stiffness of long fibre-
reinforced composites using Reuss model. Does the theoretical assessment well match

with that of experimental result? Explain why or why not. (20)

(b) In general, Sol gel is a useful technique to produce ceramic nanopowders. Discuss

how this technique can be used to make CMCs. (15)

7. (a) Draw the geometry of crack penetration and crack deflection inside a composite. Also

write the equation expressing the criterion for crack deflection. (15)
(b) How defects in PMCs be identified by NOT techniques? With clear diagram(s), detect

the length and depth of an internal void of a PMC. (20)

8. (a) Which property of composite is measured by fiber pullout test? With schematic

geometry, show how the test is conducted. (10)

(b) As a material design engineer which characteristics will you consider during

designing a composite? Include safety factors in your discussion. (15)

(c) Compare fatigue property of a good designed composite with that of aluminium alloys

and steel. (10)

L-4/T-l/MME Date: 26/10/2022
BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, DHAKA
L-4/T -1 B. Sc. Engineering Examinations 2020-2021
Sub: MME 475 (Polymers and Composites)
Full Marks: 210 Time: 3 Hours
The figures in the margin indicate full marks.
USE SEPARATE SCRIPTS FOR EACH SECTION
SECTION-A
There are FOUR questions in this section. Answer any THREE.

I. (a) Design a suitable polymer processing technique for producing multiple polypropylene
boxes. (25)
(b) Addition polymerization increases density. Explain how this increased density affect
mechanical properties of the final product. (10)

2. (a) Differentiate between branched polymer and linear polymer. (12)

(b) An industry requires a polymer with high strength and stiffness, excellent thermal
stability and good chemical inertness. Suggest a polymer with proper justification. (14)
(c) The density of two polypropylene materials are 0.904 g/cm3 and 0.895 g/cm3
respectively, while the associated percent crystallinity of those two materials are 62.8 and
54.4 respectively. Calculate (i) densities of totally crystalline and totally amorphous
polypropylene and (ii) density of a specimen having 74.6% crystallinity. (9)

3. (a) Select a suitable polymer for manufacturing aero plane dashboard. Place argument in
favour of your selection. (14)
(b) Explain how creep behaviour of polymeric material is different from that of metallic
materia!. (12)
(c) Two monomers of same proportion are polymerized to form a block co-polymer and a
graft co-polymer separately. Among these two co-polymers, which one has higher
density? Justify your answer. (9)

4. (a) Select and outline a suitable manufacturing process for plastic bottle production. (17)
(b) What is dual sheet thermoforming? Why is dual sheet thermoforming preferred for
plastic production? (10)
(c) Mention the roles of flame retardant and plasticizer In enhancing properties of
polymer. (8)
SECTION-B
There are FOUR questions in this section. Answer any THREE.

5. (a) Development of ceramic matrix composite is not moving forward as fast as polymer
matrix composite" - discuss. (15)

Contd P/2
',-

=2=
MME475
Contd ... Q. NO.5

(b) Prescribe a characterization process to reveal the interfacial shear strength of a

composite. (l0)
(c) It is well known that ceramics are brittle and polymers are ductile. However, SiC and
Nylon 6.6 have the same fracture toughness.(Ke) value of 3 MPa~m - Explain why. (10)

6. (a) Composite synthesized by spray-up method should be followed by rolling - Validate

the statement. (10)
(b) Describe a suitable metal matrix composite manufacturing technique with controlled
fiber alignment. (10)
(c) In general, Sol gel is a useful technique to produce ceramic nanopowders. Discuss
how this technique can be utilized to make ceramic matrix composites. (15)

7. (a) Discuss the importance of critical fiber length on the load bearing capacity of a
composite material. (10)
(b) Design a structural component with fiber reinforced polymer composite only for
uniaxial loading. (10)
(c) Discuss how high-strength brittle fiber increases the overall toughness of a reinforced
composite. (15)

8. (a) To develop a light weight high strength high temperature sustainable fiber reinforced
composite, the choice of fiber material is limited. Suggest a possible candidate of fiber
material with reasoning. (18)
(b) Among the materials listed in Table 1, recommend a possible combination of matrix
and reinforcement to produce a composite for the application in high temperature cycling
condition. Give reasoning behind your answer. (17)
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.; Table ~Selected properties for different. types of l~il!l'Jj Mo..+ ••..r i",17
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• Matrix Density Young's Poisson's Tensile . Failure Thermal . Thermal
modulus ratio strength' strain expansivity . coriductivity
,.: \.;P ". E l/ CT. t
• 0- f(
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(Mg m-'3) (GPa) (GPa) (%) . (10-6 K-1) (W m-:,:.K -I)
I. . -" . .
/ ...
'Thermosets' I.
.: .::'::'=:;"~-:'::"'=:. -'.-':': :;::

;'epoxy resins . 1.1-1.4 3-6 0.38-0.40 0.035-0.1 . 1-6 60 0.1

polyesters .i.2.,.1.5 2;0-4.5 0.37-0.39 0.04-0.09 2 100--200 0.2
/I . Thermoplastics
C'<) '. Nylon 6.6 . 1.14 104-2.8 0.3 0.06-Q.07 40--80. 90. 0.2.
Ii 'polypropylene 1.0--1.4
0.90 0.3 0.02-0.04 300 110 0.2
PEEK.> 1.26-1.32 3.6 0.3 0.17 50 . 47
. 0.2
,.
"-
. ,
..'''Metals :1

. Al 2.70 70 0.33 .0.2-0.6 6-20 24 130--230

Mg 1.80 45 0:35 0.1-0.3 3-10 27 100
Ti 4.5 110 0.36 0.3-1.0 4-12 9 6-22
C;ramics
borosilicate glass ,2:3 64 0.21 0.10 0.2. 3. 12
:SiC;3.4 . 400' 0.20 0.4 0.1 4 50
/\h03 3.8 380 0.25 0.5 0.1 • 8 30
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-.,_.l

L-4ff-lIMME Date: 29/1012019

BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, DHAKA

L-4fT-I [Link]. Engineering Examinations 2018-2019

Sub: MME 475 (Polymers and Composites)

Full Marks: 210 .Time : 3 Hours
USE SEPARATE SCRlPTS FOR EACH SECTION

SECTION-A
There are FOUR questions in this Scction. Answer any THREE.
The figures in the margin indicate full marks.

1. (a) Outline thc main features of extrusion process with an aid of a schematic diagram. (13)
(b) Design and describc an injcction molding process suitable for simultaneous PVC tyres production. (22)

2. (a) Compare and contrast thermoplastic polymcr and thennoset polymer. (14)
(b) Two monomers of same proportions are polymerized to form a block co-polymer and a graft co-
polymer separately. Among these two co-polymers, which one has higher density? Justify your

answer. (7)
(c) Discuss the factors that influence mechanical properties of polymer. (14)

3. (a) Differentiate between liquid crystal polymer and thennoplastic elastomer. (14)
(d) Why are creep, impact and fatigue testing important for polymer? (12)
(c) The density of two polypropylene materials are 0.904 g/cm' and 0.895 g/cm' respectively, while
the associated percent crystallinity of those two materials are 62.8 and 54.4 respectively. Calculate
(i) dcnsity of totally crystalline and totally amorphous polypropylene and (ii) density of a specimen

having 74.6% crystallinity. (9)

4. (a) Selecl and outlinc a manufacturing process suitable for plastic film production. (17)
(b) What is dual sheet thermoforming? Why is dual sheet thermoforming preferred for plastic

production? (10) ,,

(cl Mention the roles offlamc relardant and plasticizer in enhancing properties of polymer. (8)

SECTION -B
Thcre arc EIGHT questions in this Section. Answer any SIX.
The questions are of equal value.

5. Mention various secondary effccts due to incorporation of reinforcement in matrix during making
composites. Discuss the purposes of treatment of glass fibers with size.

6. How does aspect ratio affect the compressive strength of a fibre? Explain why the compressive
strength of a Kevlar™ fibre is only twenty percent of its tensile strength while it is almost I00% for
glass fibre.
Contd P/2
 i~,/~

MME475

7. What are various reasons of void formation in making composites? Discuss the scopes and challenges
of void characterization in composites by density measurement.

8. What do you understand by the term "stress transfer length" and "Stress transfer aspect ratio" for
composites? The 11 values for polymer matrix composite and metal matrix composite, respectively-arc
0.1 and 0.4. Find out the stress transfer aspect ratios for them.

9. Mention vanous wet forming process for composite fabrication. With neat sketches discuss the
complete composite fabrication process by resin transfer moulding.

10. What arc the purposes of development of ceramic matrix composites? Discuss the main advantages
and disadvantages of CMC products produced by reaction bonding process.

11. Discuss the underlying reasons why the composite made from glass fibres and epoxy resin matrix has
a fracture energy comparable to those of metals or their alloys?

12. What arc the critical factors to be considered by an design to get quality composite products? Discuss
at least two of these factors with necessary diagrams and sketches.

. .
-~
•

,
L-4/T -l/MME Date: 27/02/2018
BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, DHAKA
L-4/T-1 B. Sc. Engineering Examinations 2016-2017

Sub: MME 475 (Polymers and Composites)

Full Marks: 210 Time: 3 Hours

The figures in the margin indicate full marks.
USE SEPARATE SCRIPTS FOR EACH SECTION

SECTION-A
There are FOUR questions in this section. Answer any THREE.

1. (a) Outline the main features of extrusion process with an aid of a schematic diagram. (13)
(b) Design and describe an injection molding process suitable for simultaneous PVC

box production. (22)

2. (a) Differentiate between thermoplastic polymer and thermoset polymer. (14)

(b) "Localized str~ngthening is important during tensile loading of a polymer" -

explain. (5)
(c) Discuss the factors that influence mechanical properties of polymer. (16)

3. (a) Compare and contrast addition polymerization with condensation polymerization. (16)
(b) Why impact and fatigue testing are important to polymer? (10)
(c) The density of two polypropylene materials are 0.904 g/cm3 and 0.895 g/cm3
respectively, while the associated percent crystallinity of those two materials are 62.8
and 54.4 respectively. Calculate (i). densities of totally crystalline and totally

amorphous polypropylene and (ii) density of a specimen having 74.6% crystallinity. (9)

.4. (a) Select and outline a mati~facturing process suitable for plastic sheet production. (17)
(b) What is reaction inject{o~'~olding? Why is reaction injection molding preferred for

plastic production? (10)

(c) Mention the roles of filler and stabilizer in enhancing properties of polymer. (8)

SECTION -B
There are FOUR questions in this section. Answer any THREE.

5. (a) What is a hybrid composite? (5)

(b) Why do PMCs enjoy a preeminent position in the field of composites? (15)

(c) Why is melt stirring not a preferred route for MMCs? (15)
Contd P/2
•

=2=
MME475

6. (a) Compare the similarities and dissimilarities of hand and moulding methods. (10)
(b) Draw the sketches for bag moulding methods and explain. (15)
(c) Explain matrix transfer moulding with a sketch. (10)

7. (a) Why a coating is required for CCCs to be used at high temperatures? (5)
(b) Describe chemical vapour deposition of CCCs. (25)
(c) N arne a few thermal insulation applications of CCCs. (5)

8. (a) Discuss the stress vis strain curve for CMCs, PMCs and MMCs. (10)
(b) Explain the processing techniques used for production of dispersion strengthened

composites. (18)
(c) What is a cermet? What are the advantages of cermets? (7)