Polymer Physics
Polymerfysik

KASN20F, 7.5 credits

Valid from: Spring 2018
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: KASN20
Teaching language: English

Aim

The course shall give the necessary special knowledge required to read scientific literature in the area of polymer physics, and to participate in 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 describe and analyse general concepts in polymer physics.
• be able to describe and explain in general terms the molecular mobility of polymers and polymer blends as a function of temperature.
• be able to describe different principles and methods for the determination of thermal, mechanical, dielectric, rheological and free volume properties.
• be able to relate molecular structure with important polymer properties.
• be able to describe different principles and methods for the processing of polymers and polymer composites.

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• be able to use and evaluate general methods for the characterization of polymers, including dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and the determination of crystallization kinetics.
• be able to solve some problems through calculations from theory including mechanical properties, time-temperature superposition principles and crystallization kinetics.
• be able to discuss the behaviour of heterogeneous polymer systems.
• be able to understand and use concepts in polymer physics in spoken and written English.

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must have insight in the relevance of polymer physics in research and development activities of polymer producing, polymer processing and polymer using industries.

Course Contents

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.

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
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

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

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

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