MSE 451: Introduction to Polymer Synthesis

 

Homepage:

 

Textbook: Class Notes.

 

References: 

Recommended if you want to buy a text

Polymer Chemistry Stevens (used for MSE 457)

                        or

Polymer Chemistry: An Introduction Seymour and Carraher

 

Catalog Description, Prerequisites and Schedule:

 

Fundamentals of polymer synthesis and configuration characterization. Examines step-growth, addition, and coordination polymerization; kinetics and molecular weight distributions. Studies co-polymers; applications of IR, NMR, and ESCA to configuration characterization. Credit is not given for both MSE 451 and MSE 403. Prerequisite: Concurrent registration in MSE 450 or consent of instructor. 1 hour. 2 lecture hours/week, 8 weeks

 

Course Topics:

 

a.         Introduction to polymers, Definitions

b.         Condensation Polymerization

c.         Addition Polymerization

d.         Coordination Polymerization

e.         Copolymers

f.          Chemical Characterization

 

Course Objectives:

 

To complement MSE 450 for graduate students and undergraduates desiring a more complete introduction to polymer synthesis and for chemistry students wanting an introduction to polymer synthesis

1.   To briefly introduce students to polymers if not taking MSE 450

2.   To teach students, in greater detail than MSE 450, the mechanisms of the major types of polymer synthesis and their effect on configuration, molecular weight and properties.

3.   To teach students the effect of monomer reactivity on co-polymer configuration and composition.

4.   To teach students the basics of means of polymer composition and configuration characterization.

 

Course Outcomes:

 

1.   Be able to predict molecular weights from polymerization kinetics for condensation and addition polymerizations.

2.   Understand differences in terms of polymerization mechanism and product of a) free radical versus coordination addition polymerization and b) bulk, solution, suspension and emulsion addition polymerization.

3.   Be able to predict composition and configuration of free radical polymerized co-polymers in terms of reactivity and feed ratios and understand how to measure needed factors.

4.   Understand the basis for mass spectrometry, ESCA, UV and visible spectroscopy, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy and NMR measurements of polymer composition and configuration.

 

Assessment Tools:

 

1.   Homework problems assigned for each section

  1. One, open book, written exam.

 

Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component:

 

100%

 

Prepared by:

 

Phillip Geil, October, 2006