Ask an expert: Polymer chemist

Polymer chemist Sharon Ingram was our resident expert for a month. Below are her answers to questions from mentors and mentees.

Can you tell me what polymer chemistry is all about? And can you give me some details about your experiences during your studies of chemistry in France?

Polymer chemistry is a very wide area of chemistry; I am personally interested in what chemistry changes can be made to directly affect the properties of the material (materials/physical chemistry).

This can range from adding something extra to the mixture, to changing how much you add of the current ingredients (e.g. to make aeroplane wings more robust or the foam in your sofa more flame resistant).

Polymer chemistry can also involve synthesis and modifications of the polymer structure to modify its application (organic chemistry), for example developing medicinal patches.

I spent one year studying in the south of France - this replaced the third year of my five year degree (Scotland-based Masters). I studied along side the French students and had lectures and teaching labs with them.

It was a very challenging year, but great way to improve language skills and have new experiences (as well as travel round France).

How did you decide polymer chemistry is what you wanted to do?

The draw of chemistry for me has always been the application of science to real life. As an integrated part of my degree I did a placement year (highly recommended), and during this year I was involved in examining polymeric systems which are used in the oil industry. I found polymers were the perfect way to look at ‘applied chemistry’.

During my final year (back at university) I considered what I would like to do once I graduated and the most exciting option was phd research in to materials/polymers and it has all led on from there.

What did you find most challenging about studying chemistry, and how did you overcome it?

You have to be stubborn to some level for chemistry, there are often times when experiments won't work or instruments fail and this can be frustrating – you have to be able to deal with times like this (especially in research/development) but often the most difficult tasks prove to be the most rewarding in the long run! You have to keep trying!

What do you think is needed to become a good chemist?

I think logical thinking and an inquisitive mind are a must! I have always been interested in ‘why things happen’ and science always seemed commonsense and (fairly) clear cut. That’s why I have always been more attracted to science rather than art-based subjects.

Although, now to contradict myself slightly, you also need to have a little creative flair – coming up with the odd new idea to tackle problems which have not previously been solved or adopting another angle to make an experiment work!

Qualification wise – chemistry and maths from school is an excellent basis (and I have found biology and physics knowledge often help with the understanding, although not an absolute must). Speaking with people at university/in industry was invaluable for helping me to decide which area of chemistry to specialize in/which university is best/what career path to follow. E.g. industrial placement or not? Be able to develop languages? Flexibility to change/modify course choices after first year? Have a specialty chemistry degree (pharmaceutical /forensic) – and what are the job prospects at the end? Often contacting universities directly is an excellent way to look departments/speak with students. I also managed to have a weeks work experience in chemistry (while at school) and spoke to people about what the day to day job involved, what qualifications they had (I asked my school if it was possible or not – it was!)

You have accomplished a lot already so what is your next goal?

At the moment I am learning a huge deal about industry, which is quite a different environment to my PhD research. I am also working towards chartered chemist status and developing my business skills by doing a managerial qualification. I am hoping these will help me expand my skills as an industrial chemist – enhancing my abilities as a chemist as well as learning to effectively manage projects.

Your shout!

Would you like to study polymer chemistry? Share your thoughts by posting a comment using the link below.

that was interesting. so if you were asked at an interview, maybe Phd, why do you study polymer chemistry, what will you say?

Alex 26-5-11

Is it possible to hydroxylate the plam kernel oil into polyol by adding polycaprolactone diol?

Wanie 22-9-11