Smart Polymers

Smart polymers have the ability to undergo a dramatic reversible physical or chemical change when an external stimulus is applied. For this reason, smart polymers are also called as stimuli-responsive polymers. The change can be in conductivity, physical state, solvent interaction, shape, solubility, etc.

After completing Smart Polymers students will be equipped with a basic understanding of the following:

• environmentally responsive polymers (i.e. chemical temperature, pH, light, electroactive)
• self healing polymers
• color changing polymers
• processing these polymers
• commercial applications
• outlook for the future

A basic understanding of polymer science is recommended.

Students will be assigned 5 homework assignments, and 1 final exam.

Module 1- Introduction

Module 2- Chemical responding polymers

Module 3- Temperature responding polymers

Module 4- pH responding polymers

Module 5- Electroactive polymers

Module 6- Light responding polymers

Module 7- Color changing polymers

Module 8- Magnetic field responding polymers

Module 9- Self healing polymers

Module 10- Multiple stimuli responding polymers

Module 11- Outlook for the future

This course is Instructor-led and delivered through our award-winning online Learning Management System.