MATSE 452: Polymer Characterization Laboratory
Homepage:
Textbook: Class notes.
Catalog Description, Prerequisites and Schedule:
Characterizes polymer materials experimentally to investigate molecular, microstructural, and macroscopic aspects of their mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties. A team project is an integral part of this course. Prerequisite: Materials Science and Engineering 350 or consent of instructor. 4 credits or 1 unit. 1 hour lecture, 4 hours lab, 3 hours independent project/week
Course Topics:
1. Polymer synthesis
free radical polymerization, copolymerization.
2. Characterization
dilute solution viscometry; gel permeation chromatography;
infrared spectroscopy; gel electrophoresis; differential scanning
calorimetry.
3. Processing
compression molding; influence of processing on density.
4. Mechanical behavior
dynamic mechanical spectroscopy; time-temperature superposition.
Course Objectives:
1. To teach students a hands-on acquaintance with important
modern polymer laboratory techniques of synthesis, characterization,
processing, and mechanical behavior.
2. To teach students to analyze and interpret results of laboratory
experiments; to formulate critical evaluations of both positive
results (results that were as expected) and negative results (results
that were not as expected).
3. To teach students techniques of experimental data acquisition
(manual and computer-based); techniques of plotting and analysis
of data; and effective communication of findings in the form of
a concise laboratory report.
4. To teach students to design and implement in a group setting
an open-ended team project to complement the predesigned aspect
of this laboratory; to prepare a written and oral presentation
of this project.
Course Outcomes:
1. Given an unidentified polymer sample, be able to determine
its thermal transition temperatures, solubility, and flammability.
2. Given an unidentified polymer sample, be able to determine
its molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and chemical
composition.
3. Be able to predict the influence on mechanical and processing
properties of changing the sample's molecular weight and molecular
weight distribution.
4. Given a desired range of operating temperature, be able to
predict how to select a polymer sample whose chemical makeup will
give it desirable thermal relaxation properties (melting temperature,
glass transition temperature) and whose molecular makeup will
give it desirable processability, mechanical and electrical relaxation
processes (rate dependence of relaxation functions).
5. Given an open-ended request to perform as a team of 2-3 students
a laboratory project of unspecified content during the limited
time of the semester and with the resources available to the laboratory,
design and execute this project, summarize it in written form,
and communicate it orally to the class.
Assessment Tools:
1. A laboratory report on each of the predesigned laboratory
projects, written by the laboratory team of 2-3 students.
2. An oral and written presentation of the open-ended team project.
3. Pre-lab quizzes administered from time to time just before
the laboratory begins.
Contribution of Course to Meeting the Professional Component
100%
Prepared by:
Steve Granick, February,2001