Core Competencies - Basic Foundations > Nonmetals in the Plant

Nonmetals in the Plant

Course Number: 716

The Nonmetals in the Plant textbook provides an overview of a wide variety of important nonmetallic materials used in commerce and industry. It describes the properties and characteristics of both natural and synthetic materials, including those used as structural materials and those used for protection, treatment, modification, and assembly. The textbook also includes information on safety precautions and the proper use of protective equipment.

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Recommended Contact Hours – 15

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Chapter 1: Introduction to Nonmetals

Topics: Properties and behavior of solids, liquids, and gases; Boyle's Law; Laminar and turbulent flow; Mixed-phase systems

Learning Objectives:

State the definition of a solid, a liquid, and a gas.
Demonstrate how to change a liquid to a solid.
Demonstrate buoyancy.
Identify an object less dense than water, and an object more dense than water.
List six possible combinations of matter.

Chapter 2: Plastics

Topics: Characteristics; Processing; Molding; Casting; Extruding; Reinforcing; Machining; Welding; Patching

Learning Objectives:

State the definition of a thermoplastic and a thermoset.
Describe injection molding, foam molding, and extrusion.
Select the best bonding agent for joining polyethylene parts.
Describe the steps in patching a damaged area with glass-plastic material.

Chapter 3: Rubber

Topics: Properties; Processing; Kinds and uses; Vulcanizing; Foam rubber; Hose and tubing; Tank linings; Reclaiming rubber

Learning Objectives:

Name four properties of rubber.
Explain the vulcanizing process.
Select the best hose for handling oils or gasoline.
Describe how to use a pinhole locator.
List the kinds of sheet rubber that should be kept on hand in the storeroom of an industrial maintenance department.

Chapter 4: Wood

Topics: Properties; Grades and defects; Measuring lumber; Plywood; Choosing wood; Joints; Preservation; Industrial uses; Fasteners

Learning Objectives:

State the definition of hardwood and softwood.
Name the grades of softwoods and hardwoods.
Describe a radial cut, a crosscut, and a tangential cut.
Demonstrate how to calculate the number of board feet in a piece of 2 x 8 lumber 10 ft long.

Chapter 5: Construction Materials

Topics: Concrete; Masonry units; Brick; Mortar; Patching and repairing; Wallboard; Plaster; Glass

Learning Objectives:

List the ingredients in concrete.
State the definition of spalling, crazing, and dusting.
Explain how to remove an oil stain from concrete.
Demonstrate how to mix a small batch of mortar.
List the steps in repairing a hole in wallboard.

Chapter 6: Insulating Materials

Topics: Heat flow; Thermal, loose-fill, blanket, low-density, and acoustic insulation; Vapor barriers; Electrical insulation; Fire prevention

Learning Objectives:

Name the ways by which heat can be transferred.
State the formula for determining the thermal conductivity coefficient (k value) of a thermal insulator.
Demonstrate how to install blanket insulation.
Select the best materials for use an electrical insulation where resistance to flame and high temperature is important.
List the safety rules that should be followed when working with insulating materials.

Chapter 7: Paints and Coatings

Topics: Protective materials; Substrates; Paint; Primer; Choosing a coating; Surface preparation; Application; Using colors; Special coatings

Learning Objectives:

List the factors to consider in selecting a protective coating.
Name the qualities and characteristics of pigments and vehicles.
List the safety precautions to follow when using paints containing solvent thinners.
State the definition of primer.
Demonstrate how to prepare a metal substrate for coating.

Chapter 8: Industrial Chemicals

Topics: Safety; Soaps and detergents; Solvents; Acids; Aerosols; Oils; Refrigerants; Water-treatment chemicals; Fuels; Fire-fighting chemicals

Learning Objectives:

List the safety precautions to follow when working with liquid and solid chemicals.
Name the general classifications of cleaning agents.
Select the best acid for cleaning stainless steel and aluminum.
State the reasons why aerosol spray cans are potentially dangerous.
List considerations in selecting an oil for a particular use.

Chapter 9: Adhesives

Topics: Kinds of adhesives; Glues; Plastic welding; Acrylic-based adhesives; Other adhesives; Strength of adhesives; Tapes

Learning Objectives:

State the definitions of adhesiveness, curing, drying, joint, pot, life, and tack.
List the characteristics of thermosetting and themoplastic adhesives.
Demonstrate the plastic-welding process.
Select the best tapes for insulating and protecting electrical connections and wires.

Chapter 10: Carbon

Topics: Forms and properties; Electrodes and resistors; Carbon brushes; Industrial diamonds; Carbon seals; Graphite packing; Chemical resistivity

Learning Objectives:

List four uses of carbon and fabricated carbon products in industry.
List three properties of carbon that make it useful in electrical and mechanical applications.
Describe the carbon-arc welding process.
List the most common causes of brush noise.
Demonstrate the correct method of cutting individual rings from a continuous length of braided packing.

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