- DPRIM (RUBBER)

DIPLOMA OF THE PLASTICS AND RUBBER INSTITUTE MALAYSIA

(D P R I M)

Background

The Plastics and Rubber Institute Malaysia organises a part-time, one year course, leading to the award of the Diploma of the Plastics and Rubber Institute of Malaysia (DPRIM). The course is designed for those already in the rubber industry but with no formal training on subjects related to polymer science and technology. It is intended that the theoretical study and insight given by the Institute’s lecturers are related to viable activity and need of the local industries and thus a bridge is established between academic activities and technology as it is practised in the industries.

The course provides valuable training and leads to a useful additional qualifications for successful candidates. Although the PRIM Diploma is not recognized by the Government or any Higher Institutional Bodies, it is recognized as a qualification suitable for a technical position of some responsibility in the rubber industry.

The candidate has to undergo the complete course of 16 modules as well as the mid-year practical session. Upon successful completion and passing the 3 examination papers, a certificate of DPRIM will be awarded by the Institute.

Course Structure

The course commences in January 2010. The examination will be set in December of the same year.

Evening lectures of 3 hours duration will be held once a week at the Lee Foundation Hall, PRIM Building, 20 Jalan U5/28 Mah Sing Integrated Industrial Park, 40150 Shah Alam. A total of 161 hours will be spent on the lectures and practical.

A one-week duration practical session which illustrates the laboratory topics covered in the lectures will be held at the Rubber Technology Centre, Malaysian Rubber Board. The candidates will also work with factory size rubber processing machinery and laboratory testing equipment.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for the entrance of the Diploma Course are:

a. Credits in English, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics or General Science at the SPM level or equivalent, and

b. One year working experience in the rubber industry.

Course Contents

The course is divided into 3 sections. The topics covered are as follows:

a. Polymer Science

i. Polymerisation

ii Nature and structure of polymers

iii. Properties of polymers

iv. Introduction to flow behaviour

v. Physics of vulcanized rubber

vi. Testing of polymers and vulcanisates

b. Rubber Processing

i. Selection, storage and handling of materials

ii. Processing and processability

iii. Mixing

iv. Extrusion

v. Calendering

vi. Moulding

vii. Other vulcanisation techniques

viii Recycling and Reclaim

ix Quality Control, TQM, SPC

c. Rubber Materials

i. Rubbers – grades, types, characteristics and applications

ii. Main characteristics and application of speciality rubbers

iii. Compounding ingredients - sources, manufacture (in outline), grades, types and characteristics.

iv. Formulation / Mix design

v. Thermoplastic rubbers

vi. Polymer blends

vii Rubber-to-metal bonding

viii. Fabrication of rubber products, e.g., Tyre, Hose, Footwear

ix. Latex technology

Assessment for award of DPRIM

Award of the DPRIM will be dependent on satisfactory performance in the written examination taken at the end of the course, i.e., in December, and assessment of practical reports. Internal and external examiners will jointly assess standards.

Fees

The Course fee is RM2200.00. If the applicant is not a member of PRIM, an application for the membership of the Institute should accompany the application for enrolment. The application fee is RM15.00 for a Student Membership.

The examination entry fee is RM180.00 comprising three papers at RM60.00 each.

Applications for Enrolment

Applications for enrolment to the Course must be made on the attached application form, (copies may be reproduced if there are more than one applicant from an organisation). The closing date for enrolment for the 2010 Course is 8th January 2010.