What are coatings and polymeric materials?
They are more commonly referred to as plastics, paints, or other man-made materials that serve us every day. Everybody is familiar with the many ways plastics are used–from unbreakable dishes to unbreakable lenses to medical implants and other devices. Coatings, or paints, are almost taken for granted, but from an economic standpoint, they are an important part of our lives. They are used to decorate and protect cars, bridges, houses, furniture, pop cans, and most other manufactured items. In the accelerating high tech fields, coatings play a key role in magnetic tapes and disks, fiber optics, biotechnology, and in very light, strong parts for aircraft, space suites and space vehicles. Demand for coatings scientists at all degree levels exceeds the supply, and NDSU graduates are especially sought after by the coatings industry. Coatings and Polymeric Materials’ alumni are now employed in professional and managerial positions at most of the major coatings producers and many other compa
