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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Predict the impact of processing conditions on polymer properties
   • Predict property changes due to molecular weight and temperature
   • Identify the glass transition temperature and melting point relative to ambient temperature
   • Describe the morphological changes occurring to polymers as the temperature is raised to typical moulding conditions
   • Describe the effect of cooling rate on polymer morphology
   • Predict potential product dimension/shape changes due to internal stresses resulting from molecular orientation
   • Determine the affect of post-mould annealing on the degree of crystallisation and crystal
2. Predict physical properties of polymers from their morphology
   • Predict the effects temperature, crystal size, degree of crystallisation, molecular orientation on physical properties
   • Predict shrinkage from morphology
3. Determine likely physical failures of polymers
   • Determine impact of physical use conditions on physical failure
   • Determine impact of polymer characteristics on physical failure
4. Organise and interpret polymer tests
   • Describe melt flow properties from flow data
   • Choose appropriate test type to measure desired criteria
   • Specify relevant standard test method
   • Interpret test result, making allowance for possible variations in test

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Regulatory framework	The latest version of all legislation, regulations, industry codes of practice and Australian/international standards, or the version specified by the local regulatory authority, must be used. Applicable legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice include: health, safety and environmental (HSE) legislation, regulations and codes of practice relevant to the workplace, manual handling and hazardous materials Australian/international standards relevant to the materials being used and products being made any relevant licence and certification requirements. All operations to which this unit applies are subject to stringent HSE requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation, and these must not be compromised at any time. Where there is an apparent conflict between performance criteria and such requirements the legislative requirements take precedence.
Procedures	All operations must be performed in accordance with relevant procedures. Procedures are written, verbal, visual, computer-based or in some other form, and include one or any combination of: technical specifications technical drawings emergency procedures work instructions standard operating procedures (SOPs) safe work method statements (SWMS) formulas/recipes batch sheets temporary instructions any similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant.
Hazards	Hazards must be identified and controlled. Identifying hazards requires consideration of: hazardous products and materials vapours or other atmospheric hazards interaction of polymers, additives and other materials with process variables other hazards that might arise.

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Performance Evidence

relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and demonstrate the ability to:

read and interpret technical reports and specifications, phase diagrams and standard test methods

predict polymer properties in relation to:

polymer morphology

polymer phase change

processing conditions

predict the impact of use conditions and polymer characteristics on physical failure of polymers

organise tests

record and interpret test results.

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job sufficient to fulfil their job role, including knowledge of:

function of equipment and stages of manufacturing process in at least one (1) method/field of polymer manufacturing

polymer morphology using phase diagrams

properties of polymers in relation to their morphology

physical failure in polymers

polymer materials test methods and property data

changes in properties and variations in test data

changes in physical properties due to compounding, processing or environmental conditions

organisation procedures relevant to the work environment/job role

hierarchy of control

hazards that may arise in the job/work environment and:

their possible causes

potential consequences

appropriate risk controls.

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