MATSE 450: Introduction to Polymer Science and Engineering

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Optional Textbooks: "Introduction to Polymers", 2nd Ed. R. J. Young and P. A. Lovell and "Polymer Science & Technology", 2nd Ed., J. R. Fried.

References:

Catalog Description, Prerequisites and Schedule:

Fundamentals of polymer science and engineering. Polymer solution properties, conformation and molecular weight characterization. Rheological and viscoelastic behavior: relaxations and transitions, rubber elasticity. Crystallinity, morphology and deformation of crystalline polymers. Blends and composites. Methods of fabrication. Prerequisite: Advanced undergraduate or graduate standing. Students in the polymer area in materials science and engineering may not receive graduate credit for this course without the permission of the instructor. 3 hours (undergraduate students), or 3 or 4 hours (graduate students). 3 lecture hours/week.

Course Topics:

1. polymer nomenclature
2. polymerization

chain growth (mechanism and systems)
step growth (mechanism and chain size distribution)

3. molecular weight distributions (definition and measurement)
4. polymer solutions (Flory-Huggins model and application to polymer blends)
5. polymer chain conformations

calculation of end-to-end distribution function W(r) for short range interaction chains
calculation of rms end-to-end distance <r2>
flexibly-jointed chain, freely rotating chain, hindered rotation chain
rotational isomeric state scheme and temperature dependence
chain with long range interactions (excluded volume effect)
radius of gyration

6. the amorphous state of polymers
7. the glass transition (configurational entropy model)

effect of polymer structure
effect of additives such as plasticizers

8. polymer crystallization (measurement, unit cell, morphology and kinetics)

9. mechanical properties of amorphous polymers

rubber elasticity (theory and experiment)
bulk viscosity
temperature dependence (WLF equation, time-temperature equivalence)
molecular weight dependence (reptation model)

10. viscoelasticity

creep, stress relaxation, dynamic mechanical response
engineering (springs and dashpot models (Maxwell, Voigt, 4-Parameter model))

molecular (Rouse model)

Course Objectives:

To introduce students to the science and engineering of polymers, including:
1. To have students be able to read trade literature knowledgeably
2. To teach students the mechanisms of polymer synthesis and its effect on configuration, molecular weight and properties.
3. To derive, from a physical (statistical) model the effect of polymer ­solvent and polymer-polymer interactions on the phase structure.
4. To teach students the effect of interactions on the conformation of a polymer molecule in solution and the melt.
5.To teach students the meaning and effect on properties of the glass transition (Tg).
6. To have the students develop an understanding of the basis for the ability of a polymer to crystallize, the resulting conformation, crystal structures and morphology. Including means of characterization thereof, and the effect on properties.
7. To have the students develop an understanding of the molecular basis of the mechanical properties of an amorphous polymer above and below Tg and of a semi-crystalline polymer above and below the melting point.

Course Outcomes:

1. Given the chemical structure of a monomer(s) and a polymerization mechanism, be able to predict the resulting configuration and potential for crystallization.
2. Given a mixture of 2 or more polymers of known molecular weight, be able to calculate the Mn, Mw and polydispersity of the mixture.
3. For a given value of c be able to predict the miscibility of a polymer and a potential solvent.
4. Be able to use solvent parameter tables to predict the solubility of any polymer in various solvents.
5. Be able to predict the size (end to end distance and radius of gyration) of a polymers molecule in a solution under various molecular constraints and interactions
6. Be able to describe the effect of Tg on the mechanical properties of a polymer as a function of temperature.
7. Be able to measure the crystallinity of a polymer and predict its effect on mechanical properties.
8. Be able to predict the long time behavior of a polymer on the basis of short time measurements.
9. Be able to calculate the restoring force of an elastomer as a function of extension.

Assessment Tools:

1. Homework problems assigned weekly
2. 3 closed book, written exams.

Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component:

100%

Prepared by:

Paul Braun, April, 2006