English

Every autumn semester

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.

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.

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.

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.

Have insights into the chemical aspects of the activities of polymer producing and polymer using industry.

Lectures

Laboratory exercises

Exercises

Study visit

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.

Failed, pass

KOO052 Material and Polymer Technology, or KASF05 Material and Polymer Technology, or KOO095 Functional Materials, or KASF10 Functional Materials.

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.

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

KASN25F

 -10-04

Margareta Sandahl