MATSE 426: Glass Chemistry and Technology
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Textbook: Werner Vogel, "Glass Chemistry," 2nd ed, Springer Verlag, Berlin 1992
Catalog Description, Prerequisites and Schedule:
Introduces the fundamentals of glass science and technology. Provides a comprehensive overview of the ubiquitous phenomena associated with the amorphous state of matter, including glass transition and viscous relaxation, as well as the mechanical, optical, and dielectric properties of glasses. These behaviors are discussed in the context of different thermodynamic, structural, and kinetic models. The use of various characterization techniques to understand the glassy state, are reviewed. Different methods for processing, forming, and treatment of glasses are contrasted, using examples of conventional and new high-technology applications. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor or senior undergraduate or graduate standing in Engineering, Chemistry or Geology. 3 hours, or 3/4 unit. 3 lecture-discussion hours/week
Course Topics:
Course Objectives:
1. Impart the basic knowledge about the distinctive features
of the amorphous state of matter.
2. Instruct students on issues of glass formation, processing,
and various chemical and thermal treatments.
3. Convey the relationships between processing, structure, and
physical properties of glasses.
4. Provide students with an overview of novel technological applications
of glasses.
5. Give students an appreciation of the importance that materials
design has for technological advancement, and the great flexibility
that glassy materials posses in this context.
Course Outcomes:
1. Students know how to synthesize, process, and heat-treat
glasses.
2. Students know the methods for structural characterization of
amorphous materials.
3. Students understand the ubiquitous features of the structure
in glasses and liquids, and how these relate to their properties.
4. Students have learned how to select materials for a wide range
of optical, electrical, structural, and other functional applications.
5. Students have learned strategies to achieve desired materials
properties by altering chemistry and processing conditions.
Assessment Tools:
1. Three take home exams, requiring the review of all course
subjects covered in class. Exams are composed of knowledge-based
questions and problems requiring numerical calculations.
2. Term paper consisting of researching a particular subject in
glass science and technology. Papers are to be based on the review
of the pertinent literature. Students give a short presentation
on their papers towards the end of the semester. After addressing
editorial comments by the instructor, the collected papers are
bound and distributed to all students. Evaluation is based on:
a. Communication skill exhibited during the presentation as well
as in the written document.
b. The detail, extent, and completeness to which the subject is
covered in the paper.
Prepared by: John Kieffer, April, 2001