Free NPTEL Course: Processing of Polymers & Polymer Composites | IIT Roorkee
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 296 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering, Polymers and Colloidal Materials |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Master the Science of Polymer and Composite Manufacturing with IIT Roorkee
In the modern industrial landscape, polymers and polymer composites are foundational materials driving innovation in sectors from automotive and aerospace to consumer goods and defense. Understanding their processing is crucial for engineers and designers. To bridge the knowledge gap often found at the undergraduate level, the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee offers a comprehensive, free Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled "Processing of Polymers and Polymer Composites."
Course Overview and Instructor Profile
This meticulously structured 8-week course is led by Prof. (Dr.) Inderdeep Singh, an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at IIT Roorkee. With extensive teaching experience in industrial engineering courses like Production Planning, Product Design, and Quality Management, Prof. Singh is a seasoned educator. He has been actively involved in the Government of India's National Mission on Education Through ICT (NME-ICT) and has developed multiple video and web courses under the prestigious National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL).
The course is designed to impart a deep understanding of the manufacturing science and engineering principles specific to polymers and their composites, topics that are essential yet frequently underrepresented in standard curricula.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is tailored for a wide audience, making advanced knowledge accessible to all.
- Students: UG/PG students of Mechanical, Production, Chemical, Polymer Science, Textile Technology, and related engineering disciplines.
- Professionals: Engineers and technicians working in plastics, automotive, aerospace, defense, and composite manufacturing industries.
- Prerequisites: None. The course is designed to be accessible to any enrolled UG/PG student in the relevant fields.
Detailed 8-Week Course Layout
The course progresses from fundamental concepts to advanced processing and secondary operations, ensuring a holistic learning journey.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction, Engineering Materials, Thermoplastics & Thermosets, Polymer Processing Overview, Thermoforming. |
| Week 2 | Deep dive into core processes: Extrusion, Compression Molding, Injection Molding. |
| Week 3 | Transfer Molding, Rotational Molding, Blow Molding. Introduction to Composite Materials: Concepts & Classification. |
| Week 4 | Processing of Polymer Composites: Hand-layup, Spray-layup, Compression & Injection Molding for composites. |
| Week 5 | Advanced Composite Processes: Reaction Injection Molding, Autoclaving, Resin Transfer Molding, Filament Winding, Pultrusion. |
| Week 6 | Sheet Molding, Pre-pegging, Challenges in Primary Processing. Introduction to Secondary Processing: Joining (Adhesive). |
| Week 7 | Secondary Joining Methods: Mechanical Joining, Microwave Joining, Induction & Resistance Welding. Drilling of Composites. |
| Week 8 | Conventional vs. Ultrasonic Drilling, Reducing Drilling Damage, Research Tools, Numerical Problems, and Case Studies. |
Key Learning Objectives and Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Classify engineering materials and understand the structure-property relationship in plastics.
- Comprehend and differentiate between various primary polymer processing techniques like extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding.
- Grasp the fundamental concepts of composite materials, including their classification and properties.
- Evaluate and select appropriate manufacturing processes for polymer matrix composites (PMCs).
- Identify and address key challenges and opportunities in both primary and secondary processing of polymers and composites.
- Apply knowledge to solve numerical problems and analyze real-world case studies.
Essential Reference Books
The course curriculum is supported by authoritative texts, ensuring depth and reliability of content:
- Plastic Materials and Processing by A. Brent Strong (Prentice Hall)
- Composite Materials: Engineering and Science by F.L. Mathews and R.D. Rawlings (CRC Press)
- Handbook of Composites edited by S.T. Peters
Industry Relevance and Support
This course holds significant value for a broad spectrum of industries. Automobile, aerospace, defense, sports equipment, and consumer durable sectors, where polymer and composite products are designed, developed, and utilized, will find the skills taught directly applicable. For professionals, it serves as an excellent upskilling opportunity, and for students, it provides a strong foundation for a career in these high-growth industries.
Enroll today in this free NPTEL course to build expertise in the transformative field of polymer and composite materials processing, guided by one of IIT Roorkee's leading experts.
Enroll Now →