Course Objectives:
1. To provide students with an elementary understanding of the reaction mechanisms involved in polymer synthesis and the kinetics of these reactions.
2. To teach students basic concepts of polymer chain architecture, structure and morphology, with particular emphasis on the relationship between chemical structure (chain architecture) and the morphology of the solid state (semi-crystalline vs. amorphous polymers)
3. To provide students with a basic knowledge of the thermal properties of polymers, particularly the crystallization temperature and elementary aspects of crystallization kinetics, the melting temperature and the glass transition; to teach how these properties depend on structure.
4. To teach students basic aspects of the solution properties of polymers, interactions and the relationship to chemical structure, including phase behavior and the measurement of molecular weight.
5. To teach students how the above material is related, the fundamentals of polymer structure/property relationships, so that they can make simple predictions for design.
Grading Assessment:
• Exam: 75%
• Term Paper/Presentation: 25%.
• The exam format will be closed book
• Term Paper/Presentation: Papers can be done by 1 or 2 students, with varying lengths required depending on group size. Topics for the term papers are to be chosen by the students. Some topics for consideration include: structure of polymers, polymer blends, recycling of plastics, polymer in electronic material, biomaterials, fiber reinforced thermoplastics, nanocomposites, plastics in the automotive industry. Many other topics are possible. A short outline, ~ 1/2 page, is necessary for approval. Topic selection will be due May 1st. Term papers will be due June 1st.
• Presentations should be in power point, no more than 15 slides. We'll take 15 minutes for individual presenters, and 20 minutes for team presenters, including discussion. We will have student presentations, individually or in teams of two, during the last two weeks of the semester.
• Write-up: no more than 5 pages including pictures