Polymer Chemistry
Polymerkemi

KASN25F, 7.5 credits

Valid from: Autumn 2017
Decided by: Margareta Sandahl
Date of establishment: 2017-10-04

General Information

Division: Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS)
Course type: Course given jointly for second and third cycle
The course is also given at second-cycle level with course code: KASN25
Teaching language: English

Aim

The course shall give the necessary special knowledge required to read scientific literature in the area of polymer chemistry, and to participate in chemical research and development within industries that produce or use polymers.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• Be able to give detailed descriptions and analyses of general polymerisation reactions by chain and stepwise mechanism.
• Be able to give detailed descriptions of the principles behind the most important methods to determine molecular weights and molecular weight distributions, and asses their usefulness.
• Be able to describe and explain in a general way the solubility and solution properties of polymers using thermodynamic terms.
• Be able to explain general chemical degradation of polymers and describe different strategies to stabilise polymers.

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• Be able to evaluate simple methods for polymerisation and characterisation of polymers using the literature, apply these in a practical manner, and described the results in written reports in English.
• Be able to solve complex problems in polymer chemistry through calculations based on theory.
• Be able to understand and use concepts in polymer chemistry in spoken and written English.

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must Have insights into the chemical aspects of the activities of polymer producing and polymer using industry.

Course Contents

The course includes the following main topics: Polymerisation: stepwise polymerisation, radical polymerisation, ionic polymerisation, polymerisation by organometallic catalysis, polymer stereo chemistry, copolymerisation. Polymers in solution: polymer solubility, polymer solution thermodynamics, physical properties of polymers in solution. Characterisation of polymers: viscometry, size-exclusion chromatography, spectroscopy, osmometry, molecular weight distributions. Degradation of polymers: degradation mechanisms, measuring methods, stabilisation of polymers. The theoretical contents of the course are discussed during the lectures. The ability of the student to solve problems in polymer chemistry 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 industry the student will be introduced to modern production and development in the area.

Course Literature

J.M.G. Cowie, V. Arrighi: Polymers: Chemistry & Physics of Modern Materials, 3rd edition.. CRC Press, 2008. ISBN 9780849398131.

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Lectures, laboratory exercises, exercises, study visit

Examination Details

Examination formats: Written exam, written report, written assignments, seminars given by participants, miscellaneous. Written exam. Approved laboratory and home assignments, and participation in compulsary visits to polymer industries. The final mark of the course is given by the final score on the written exam.
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Assumed prior knowledge: KOO052 Material and Polymer Technology, or KASF05 Material and Polymer Technology, or KOO095 Functional Materials, or KASF10 Functional Materials.
Selection criteria: Priority will in the first instance be given to students enrolled in the Chemical Engineering or the Engineering Nanoscience programme at LTH, and in the second instance to students according to their ECTS credits.

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinators:
Web page: https://liveatlund.lu.se/