Polymer engineering and technology is part of the growing field of materials engineering that focuses on plastics and other polymers. Read about degrees available, job options and salaries in this field.
Polymer engineering is a sub-field of materials engineering primarily focusing on the development of new products. Polymer engineers often study plastics, although other substances are also considered polymers.
With training in polymer engineering and technology, you might work as a polymer engineer, studying plastics and other polymers at the molecular level, selecting polymers for new applications and testing or processing plastics for new products. Alternatively, you might choose less scientific and more production-based work as an engineering technician or technologist, focusing on breaking down wood, cotton, petrochemicals and other raw materials to create polymers in an industrial plant.
