GATE Polymer Science and Engineering Syllabus 2027 (Out) - Download PDF

Section 1: Polymer Chemistry

Monomers; Degree of polymerization; Classification of polymers; Polymerization reactions: addition and condensation, their kinetics; Metallocene polymers and other newer methods of polymerization; Copolymerization; Monomer reactivity ratios and its significance; Kinetics; Different copolymers; Random, alternating, azeotropic copolymerization; Block and graft copolymers; Techniques for polymerization-bulk, solution, suspension, emulsion.

Section 2: Polymer Characterization

Solubility and swelling, Concept of molecular weight distribution and its significance, concept of average molecular weight, determination of number average, weight average, viscosity average and Z-average molecular weights, polymer crystallinity, analysis of polymers using IR, XRD, thermal (DSC, DMTA, TGA), microscopic (optical and electronic) techniques, Molecular wt. distribution: Broad and Narrow, GPC, Mooney viscosity.

Section 3: Synthesis, Manufacturing and Properties

Commodity and general purpose thermoplastics: PE, PP, PS, PVC, Polyesters, Acrylic, PU polymers. Engineering Plastics: Nylon, PC, PBT, PSU, PPO, ABS, Fluoropolymers Thermosetting polymers: Polyurethane, PF, MF, UF, Epoxy, Unsaturated polyester, Alkyds. Natural and synthetic rubbers: Recovery of NR hydrocarbon from latex; SBR, Nitrile, CR, CSM, EPDM, IIR, BR, Silicone, TPE, Speciality plastics: PEK, PEEK, PPS, PSU, PES, etc. Biopolymers such as PLA, PHA/PHB.

Section 4: Polymer Blends and Composites

Difference between blends and composites, their significance, choice of polymers for blending, blend miscibility-miscible and immiscible blends, thermodynamics, phase morphology, polymer alloys, polymer eutectics, plastic-plastic, rubber-plastic and rubber-rubber blends, FRP, particulate, long and short fibre reinforced composites. Polymer reinforcement, reinforcing fibres – natural and synthetic, base polymer for reinforcement (unsaturated polyester), ingredients/recipes for reinforced polymer composite.

Section 5: Additives, Compounding and Formulations

Polymer compounding-need and significance; Different compounding ingredients for rubber and plastics (crosslinkers, antioxidants, heat stabilizers, UV stabilizers, lubricants, processing aids, impact modifiers, flame retardant, antistatic agents. PVC stabilizers and plasticizers) and their function; Use of carbon black; Polymer mixing equipment; Vulcanization and kinetics.

Section 6: Polymer Rheology

Flow of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, different flow equations, dependence of shear modulus on temperature, molecular/segmental deformations at different zones and transitions. Measurements of rheological parameters by capillary, rotating, parallel plate, cone-plate rheometer. Visco-elasticity-creep and stress relaxations, mechanical models, control of rheological characteristics through compounding, rubber curing in parallel plate viscometer, ODR and MDR.

Section 7: Polymer Processing

Compression molding, transfer molding, injection molding, blow molding, reaction injection molding, filament winding, SMC, BMC, DMC, extrusion, pultrusion, calendaring, rotational molding, thermoforming, powder coating, rubber processing in two-roll mill, internal mixer, twin screw extruder.

Section 8: Polymer Testing.

Mechanical-static and dynamic tensile, flexural, compressive, abrasion, endurance, fatigue, hardness, tear, resilience, impact, toughness. Conductivity-thermal and electrical, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, power factor, electric resistance, surface resistivity, volume resistivity, swelling, ageing resistance, environmental stress cracking resistance, limiting oxygen index. Heat deflection temperature – Vicat softening temperature, Brittleness temperature, Glass transition temperature, Co-efficient of thermal expansion, Shrinkage, Flammability, dielectric constant, dissipation factor, power factor, Optical Properties - Refractive Index, Luminous Transmittance and Haze, Melt flow index

Section 9: Polymer Recycling, Waste Management and Sustainability

Polymer waste and its impact on environment; Sources, identification and separation techniques; Recycling classification: mechanical and chemical recycling, recycling of thermoplastics, thermosets and rubbers, applications of recycled materials; Life cycle assessment of polymer products (case studies like PET bottles, packaging bags); Recycling, segregation and disposal strategies of biodegradable and bio-compostable polymers, microplastics.

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Examination Mode

Computer-Based Test (Online)

Duration

3 Hours

Section

General Aptitude (GA)

Candidate Selected Subject

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Multiple Select Questions (MSQs)

Numerical Answer Type (NAT) Questions

Total Marks

100 Marks

Marking Scheme

All of the questions will be worth 1 or 2 marks

GATE Negative Marking

• MCQs - 1 mark for each correct answer; 1/3 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.

• MCQs - 2 marks for each correct answer; 2/3 marks will be deducted for every incorrect response.

• No negative marking for MSQ & NAT.

• No partial marking for MSQ-type questions.