The course includes the physical properties of polymers in the crystalline state, the amorphous state, mechanical and rheological properties, structure-property relations and processing.
Crystalline state: mechanisms of crystallization and melting, morphology and kinetics.
Amorphous state: mobility, viscoelastic behaviour, reptation model, viscosity, glassy state and free volume.
Mechanical and rheological properties: viscoelastic properties and models, linear viscoelasticity, dynamic mechanical and dielectric analysis, molecular theory of viscoelasticity.
Structure-property relations: Melting and glass transition temperature, copolymers, plasticizers, fillers and crystallinity.
Processing: injection moulding, extruding, single screw and double screw extruders, blow moulding, calendering, vacuumforming, thermoforming, coating, filement winding and pultrusion.
The theoretical contents of the course are discussed during the lectures. The ability of the student to solve problems in polymer physics is practised during the exercises. Through home assignments, the student will practise his or her ability to independently solve problems. Selected main topics are treated during practical laboratory exercises. During visits to local industries, the student will be introduced to modern production and development activities in the area.
