17 Polymer Chemist Interview Questions and Answers

Polymer chemists are the masterminds behind the development of new plastics and polymers. They work in a variety of industries, from automotive and aerospace to healthcare and packaging. If you want to become a polymer chemist, you’ll need to be prepared to answer some tough interview questions.

In this guide, you’ll find several polymer chemist interview questions and answers, including questions about your experience with polymers, plastics, and laboratory equipment. You’ll also need to be able to talk about your research and development experience, as well as your knowledge of chemical engineering principles.

Are you familiar with the process of polymerization?

Polymerization is a chemical process that creates long chains of molecules. Polymerization can be used to create plastics, rubber and other materials. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary knowledge for the job. In your answer, explain what polymerization is and how it’s done. If you have experience with polymerization, share an example of a time when you did it.

Example: “Polymerization is the process of creating long chains of molecules. It’s usually done by mixing two or more chemicals together in a solution. I’ve performed polymerization many times during my career as a chemist. For instance, at my last job, I was tasked with making a new type of plastic. To do so, I mixed two different types of polymers together.”

What are some of the most common types of polymerization?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of polymerization and how it relates to different types of polymers. You can answer this question by naming several common types of polymerization, such as free radical polymerization, cationic polymerization and anionic polymerization.

Example: “There are three main types of polymerization that I have worked with in my previous roles. Free radical polymerization is a process where monomers combine together through a chemical reaction to form a chain. Cationic polymerization involves the use of positively charged compounds to create polymers. Anionic polymerization uses negatively charged compounds to create polymers.”

How do you determine the type of polymerization that’s occurred in a sample?

This question is a continuation of the previous one, and it’s another opportunity to show your knowledge of polymerization. Your answer should include an example of how you would test for each type of polymerization.

Example: “There are two ways I can determine if there was free radical polymerization or cationic polymerization in a sample. The first way is by using a peroxide-based method that tests for the presence of carbonyl groups. If there aren’t any carbonyl groups present, then there was no free radical polymerization. Another way I can tell is by testing for the presence of amine groups. If there are amine groups present, then there was cationic polymerization.”

What is the difference between a condensation polymer and an addition polymer?

This question tests your knowledge of polymer chemistry. It also shows the interviewer that you can apply this knowledge to solve problems and make decisions in a work environment. Use examples from your previous experience to show how you use your understanding of polymers to complete tasks.

Example: “Condensation polymers are formed when two molecules join together by removing water, while addition polymers form when monomers combine with each other. Condensation polymers tend to be more stable than addition polymers because they have fewer bonds between chains. In my last role, I used both types of polymers to create different products for customers.”

Provide an example of a naturally occurring polymer.

Polymers are a common topic in chemistry, and employers may ask this question to see if you have experience with them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a polymer that is easy to understand or one that has practical applications.

Example: “Naturally occurring polymers include DNA and proteins. These molecules are made up of long chains of smaller units called monomers. The way these molecules work is by folding into complex shapes that allow them to perform different functions. For example, the shape of a protein allows it to bind to other molecules.”

If you were to design a new polymer, what would its primary purpose be?

This question allows you to show your creativity and problem-solving skills. It also gives the interviewer insight into how you would use your knowledge of polymer chemistry to create something new or improve an existing product.

Example: “If I were to design a new polymer, my primary purpose would be to make it more durable than current polymers on the market. Polymer durability is important because it determines how long a product will last before needing replacement. If I could develop a polymer that was more durable than what’s currently available, it would save companies money in production costs and consumers money in replacement costs.”

What would you do if you noticed that a batch of polymer samples was degrading?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you respond to challenges and make decisions. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, ability to collaborate with others and commitment to quality work.

Example: “If I noticed that a batch of polymer samples was degrading, I would first try to figure out why this happened. If it was due to an error in my calculations or measurements, I would repeat the process to ensure accuracy. If there were no errors, I would look at other factors that could have contributed to the degradation, such as temperature or humidity. Then, I would adjust these conditions for future batches.”

How well do you understand the properties of different polymers?

This question can help the interviewer assess your knowledge of polymers and how you apply that knowledge to your work. Use examples from your experience to show the interviewer that you have a strong understanding of polymer properties and how they relate to different applications.

Example: “Polymer properties are important for determining which materials are best suited for specific uses. In my previous role, I helped develop new polymers with improved strength and durability by identifying the right material combinations based on the desired properties. For example, I once worked with a client who wanted to create a more flexible material than what was currently available. By researching the properties of different polymers, I determined that combining two types of polyethylene would result in a stronger but flexible material.”

Do you have experience creating polymer blends?

Polymer blends are a common task for polymer chemists. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary experience to do your job well. In your answer, share an example of how you would create a blend. Explain what steps you would take and why those steps are important.

Example: “I’ve created many different types of polymer blends in my previous role as a polymer chemist. One type of blend I’m familiar with is a block copolymer. This blend involves mixing two polymers together to form one material. The process of creating a block copolymer starts by dissolving both polymers in a solvent. Then, I add initiator molecules to start the reaction between the polymers. After that, I cool the solution so it solidifies into a gel. Finally, I remove the solvent from the gel to leave behind the final product.”

When testing a polymer sample, how do you determine if it’s in a solution or in the solid state?

This question can help the interviewer determine your technical skills and how you apply them to solve problems. Use examples from your experience that show your ability to use scientific methods to test samples, analyze data and make decisions based on results.

Example: “In my last position, I was tasked with testing a polymer sample in order to determine its solution or solid state. To do this, I used a technique called differential scanning calorimetry, which measures the heat released by a substance as it changes states. In this case, I placed the sample into a device that measured the amount of heat given off when the sample changed states. The result showed that the sample was in the solid state.”

We want to improve the strength of our polymer products. What types of polymer additives would you add to enhance strength?

This question can help the interviewer understand your knowledge of polymer additives and how you would apply them to improve strength in a product. Use examples from your experience to highlight your ability to use different types of additives to strengthen products.

Example: “I have worked with several types of polymer additives that increase strength, including cross-linking agents, chain extenders and toughening agents. Cross-linking agents are one of my favorite ways to improve strength because they create chemical bonds between polymers, which makes them more durable. Chain extenders also make polymers stronger by extending their chains so they’re longer and more flexible. Toughening agents add toughness to polymers by making them less brittle.”

Describe your process for determining the molecular weight of a polymer sample.

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you can apply your knowledge of polymer chemistry and use it to solve problems. Your answer should include a step-by-step process for determining the molecular weight of a sample, along with any additional information about how this process helps you in your role as a polymer chemist.

Example: “I start by measuring the mass of the sample using a balance scale. I then dissolve the sample in a solvent like chloroform or carbon tetrachloride. Next, I measure the mass of the solution after adding iodine. The difference between these two measurements gives me the molecular weight of the sample.”

What makes polymers so useful?

Polymers are a unique type of chemical compound that can be used in many different ways. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the value of polymers and how they can be applied to various industries. In your answer, try to explain why polymers are so useful while also mentioning some specific applications.

Example: “Polymers have several properties that make them very useful for both commercial and industrial purposes. For example, they’re lightweight but strong, which makes them perfect for manufacturing things like plastic bags or containers. They’re also resistant to heat and cold, making them great for use in food packaging. Polymers are also biodegradable, which is helpful when it comes to recycling.”

Which types of polymers are most commonly used in the electronics industry?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of polymers and how they are used in various industries. Use examples from your experience to highlight your expertise with this material.

Example: “The most common types of polymers that I worked with in my previous role were epoxy, silicone and urethane. Epoxy is a polymer that’s commonly used for coating circuit boards because it’s non-conductive and waterproof. Silicone is also non-conductive but has better heat resistance than epoxy. Urethane is conductive and often used as an insulator on circuit boards.”

What do you think the future of polymer chemistry holds?

This question can help the interviewer get a sense of your passion for this career and how you might fit in with their company. Your answer should show that you are excited about polymer chemistry and its future applications.

Example: “Polymers have so many uses, and I think we will continue to find new ways to use them. For example, I read an article recently about scientists who created a plastic material that could be used as a blood substitute. This would allow surgeons to perform surgeries without having to worry about finding a suitable blood supply. It’s exciting to see what we can do with polymers.”

How often do you perform quality control tests on polymer samples?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your experience with quality control tests. They want to know how often you perform these tests and what types of tests you conduct. Use your answer to highlight the specific types of tests you’ve performed in previous roles, such as visual inspections or chemical analyses.

Example: “I perform quality control tests on polymer samples at least once a week. I use both visual inspection and chemical analysis methods for my quality control tests. For instance, when performing a visual inspection test, I look for any discoloration, changes in color or other signs that the sample is defective. Chemical analysis involves testing the sample’s molecular weight, which helps me ensure it meets company standards.”

There is a discrepancy between the molecular weight you determined and the molecular weight our supplier reported. How would you handle this?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would respond to a challenging situation at work. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate with others.

Example: “I would first try to figure out why there is a discrepancy between the two molecular weights. I would then contact our supplier to find out what they think caused this difference. If we are using their product in production, it’s important that we understand why the numbers don’t match so we can make sure we’re producing the right products.

If we aren’t using their product, I would ask them if they have any suggestions for other suppliers who might be able to provide us with accurate information about their product. This way, we can continue to use their product while finding another supplier who can give us more reliable data.”