Practical Rubber Technology
Short Course
General information
The Practical Rubber Technology course is presented on a one day per week (Mondays) basis for the full duration of a semester. Prospective course delegates require grade 12/Matric with Mathematics and Science or relevant industry experience. The course is presented with theory lectures scheduled for the full duration of the mornings and with laboratory practical sessions in the afternoons.
Assessment of knowledge of the courseware will be done in the form of tests and written reports will be required for the practicals performed.
After completion of the course students will be issued with certificates. Those students that achieve more that 50% for their combined assessments will receive a successful completed certificate while students with a mark of less than 50% will receive an attendance certificate.
Course content
The theory course covers the following subject areas:
History of the rubber industry
Rubber raw materials
Vulcanization
Reinforcement
Processing machinery/equipment
Basic rubber processing and processing techniques
Basic textile technology
Manufactured products
Testing/quality assurance
The practical course is set up to supplement the theory and will cover:
Mixing of rubber
Viscosity testing
Curing and cure characteristics
Polymer/rubber properties
Physical testing