Course content

The course provides an introduction to polymer chemistry. Synthesis mechanisms and resultant polymer architectures are described for chain-growth and step-growth polymerization. Instruction is given in advanced synthesis methods including reversible deactivation polymerization (RDP), living polymerization, and coordination polymerization. Fundamental knowledge is provided with respect to polymerization kinetics, network formation, and gelation. Industrial polymerization processes are considered with respect to production rates as well as the form, dispersion state, and properties of the reaction mass and final product. Chain conformations, morphologies, and transitions from liquid (melt) to solid (polymer crystal or glass) states are discussed using principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and free volume. Polymer solubility, mutual miscibility, and phase diagrams are established based on Flory Huggins theory. Knowledge is conveyed of polymer molecular weight determination via osmotic pressure, viscometry, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). A cursory introduction is provided to the mechanical and rheological properties of polymers. A recurring theme in the course is polymer design pursuant to United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals.

Learning outcome

At the end of the course the students should be able to:

- Explain (1) step-growth and chain-growth polymerization, with respect to synthesis mechanisms and kinetic theory, (2) crystalline melting temperature and glass transition temperature, including the influence of thermal history and kinetics, and (3) flow properties of polymer melts and polymer solutions, with respect to temperature and molecular weight.

- Derive and define gelation conditions for step-growth polymerization with multi-functional monomers.

- Distinguish between enthalpic and entropic contributions to polymer crystallization, and interpret the role of factors such as polymer structure, molecular weight, and dilution on polymer crystallization processes.

- Interpret experimental data and determine parameters such as polymerization rates, reactivity ratios, and copolymer composition, and predict changes with time in produced polymer composition and characteristics for a given copolymerization process, based on these parameters.

- Calculate polymer solubility in solvents, and the mutual miscibility of polymer pairs.

- Analyze instrumental data for polymer molecular weight determination via viscometry, osmotic pressure and size exclusion chromatography.

- Critically review polymer research reports and assess the technical utility and implications of the documented results, also with respect to environmental considerations and sustainability.

- Recognize that polymer-related issues can be complex and incomplete and contain contradictory conditions, especially with respect to mechanical and rheological properties.

- Demonstrate an ability to acquire knowledge within new polymer-related applications in the context of innovation, entrepreneurship, and development of polymer materials and related processes, also with respect to sustainability.

- Communicate challenges, analyses, and conclusions related to polymer chemistry, both orally and in writing, also with respect to United Nations (UN) sustainable development goals.

- Design a polymer according to defined performance specifications.

Learning methods and activities

Learning Activities

• Lectures (classroom activity)
• Group-based discussions with subsequent summarizing in plenum (classroom activity)
• Digital quizzes (classroom activity)
• Group-based student-active problem solving (classroom activity)
• Group presentations (classroom activity)
• Self-study
• Group-based literature review
• Group project work

Polymer design group project (3 or 4 students per group)

• At the beginning of the course, each group creates and presents a digital poster for a given type of polymer (classroom activity)
• At the end of the course, each group gives a 2 minute "group elevator pitch" describing the group's designed polymer (classroom activity)
• Each group writes a 70-page "polymer design group report"

Expected Workload

• 4 hours of classroom activities per week
• 4 hours of self-study per week
• 4 hours of group work per week

Recommended previous knowledge

General knowledge of chemistry and physics.

Course materials

P. C. Painter and M. M. Coleman: Fundamentals of Polymer Science, 2. ed.

Credit reductions