Polymer Science Fundamentals

Polymers are all around us– from medical products, to paper products, to polyvinyl chloride blood pressure cuffs, to polyester and nylon clothing materials. “Polymer Science” is a course that investigates these natural and man-made materials. We explore how these materials are synthesized, evaluated, and their commercial applications. We also review important properties that these materials possess, including their molecular, physical, chemical, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties.

After completing Polymer Science Fundamentals, students will be equipped with a basic understanding of the following:

• polymers and materials
• polymer mechanical properties
• analytical methods for material characterization

his course is designed for students who possess a basic understanding of chemistry, and an interest in learning about polymer and material science. Professionals are also encouraged to register for this course, either as a means of professional development or as a broadening experience.

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

Polymer reactions
Step-reaction
Chain-reaction
Addition
Condensation

Molecular weight
Number average
Weight average
Measurement systems- Gel Permeation Chromotagraphy (GPC), Solution and Melt (Intrinsic) Viscosity
Molecular weight distribution- polydispersity index 

Polymer morphology
Intermolecular forces
Stereochemistry
Amorphous phase
Crystalline phase
Chemical cross linking
Physical cross linking
Copolymers- homopolymer, random copolymer, alternating copolymer, and graft copolymers 

Polymer properties
Density
Thermal properties- glass transition temperature (Tg), melting point (Tm), crystallization, degradation
Mechanical properties- stress, strain, modulus, toughness
Chemical resistance- hydrophobic, hydrophilic properties
Electrical properties

Characterization techniques
Surface and identification analyses- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Infrared (FTIR)
Thermal properties- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), and DTA
Mechanical properties- Thermo mechanical analysis (TMA), Instron (tensile strength)
Chemical resistance
Electrical- insulation, volume and surface resistivity, dielectric strength 

Adhesives
Case study

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