As part of the discipline "Chemistry and Polymer Technology", students of the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University took part in a field lecture and laboratory classes at the Dorplast-Invest Manufacturing Company LLP, located in the village of Zarechnoye, Almaty region.
The topic of the classes was "Polymer processing methods". The event was aimed at deepening students' knowledge of modern technologies for processing and reuse of polymer materials, as well as developing practical skills in working with industrial equipment.
During the lecture part, the company's specialists told about the history of the company, the directions of its activities and the technological features of production. Arkady Mikhailov, Director of Production, answered all the students' questions in detail and clearly, concerning not only the technological, but also the economic aspects of the company's work. He spoke about the cost structure of polymer products, pricing features, profitability of recycling and factors affecting the profitability of production.
"We try to show students that modern manufacturing is not only about technology, but also about economics: each technological step has its own impact on the cost and efficiency of the enterprise",- said Arkady Mikhailov.
The practical part included conducting laboratory observations of extrusion and injection molding processes, studying the structure and properties of processed polymers, as well as analyzing finished products. The students were able to see the work of injection molding machines, polymer raw material preparation lines and product quality control systems.
The Dorplast-Invest plant, founded in 2005, is one of the leading enterprises in Kazakhstan for the production of plastic products used in construction and railway infrastructure. The company produces a wide range of products: track linings, insulating liners, stops and other elements of the upper structure of the track. The production process includes a full cycle — from the preparation of raw materials to the finished product, with an emphasis on environmental recycling and reuse of polymers.
Teachers of the department Urkimbayeva P.I., Kenesova Z.A., Agibayeva L.E. noted that conducting classes on an industrial site contributes to the formation of a practice-oriented approach to learning.
"Such trips allow students to see the full technological cycle, understand the features of modern equipment and evaluate the real application of knowledge gained in lectures",- said Kenesova Z.A.
Following the event, the parties expressed their willingness to continue cooperation by developing joint educational, scientific and practical projects in the field of polymer materials processing.
Perizat URKIMBAYEVA,
Professor of the Department Chemistry and technology organic substances,
natural compounds and polymers
