Syllabus 2007/2008 KTE080

Syllabus academic year 2007/2008

POLYMER CHEMISTRY

KTE080

Higher education credits: 7,5. Grading scale: TH. Level: A (Second level). Language of instruction: The course will be given in English on demand. Optional for: K4m, N4. Course coordinator: Associate Professor Patric Jannasch, patric.jannasch@polymat.lth.se, Polymerteknologi. Prerequisites: KOO052 Material and Polymer Technology or KOO095 Functional Materials. The number of participants is limited to 20 Selection criteria: Priority will in the first instance be given to students enrolled in the Chemical Engineering programme, and in the second instance to students according to their ECTS credits. Assessment: Written exam. Approved laboratory and home assignments, and participation in compulsary visits to polymer industries. The final mark of the course is given by the final score on the written exam. Home page: http://www.polymer.lth.se.

Aim
The course shall give the necessary special knowledge required to read scientific literature in the area of polymer chemistry, and to participate in chemical research and development within industries that produce or use polymers.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Be able to give detailed descriptions and analyses of general polymerisation reactions by chain and stepwise mechanism.
Be able to give detailed descriptions of the principles behind the most important methods to determine molecular weights and molecular weight distributions, and asses their usefulness.
Be able to describe and explain in a general way the solubility and solution properties of polymers using thermodynamic terms.
Be able to explain general chemical degradation of polymers and describe different strategies to stabilise polymers.

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

Be able to evaluate simple methods for polymerisation and characterisation of polymers using the literature, apply these in a practical manner, and described the results in written reports in English.
Be able to solve complex problems in polymer chemistry through calculations based on theory.
Be able to understand and use concepts in polymer chemistry in spoken and written English.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Have insights into the chemical aspects of the activities of polymer producing and polymer using industry.

Contents
The course includes the following main topics:

Polymerisation: stepwise polymerisation, radical polymerisation, ionic polymerisation, polymerisation by organometallic catalysis, polymer stereo chemistry, copolymerisation.
Polymers in solution: polymer solubility, polymer solution thermodynamics, physical properties of polymers in solution.
Characterisation of polymers: viscometry, size-exclusion chromatography, spectroscopy, osmometry, molecular weight distributions.
Degradation of polymers: degradation mechanisms, measuring methods, stabilisation of polymers.

The theoretical contents of the course are discussed during the lectures. The ability of the student to solve problems in polymer chemistry 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 industry the student will be introduced to modern production and development in the area.

Literature
Cowie, J. M.G.: Polymers: Chemistry & Physics of Modern Materials, 2nd edition. Stanley Thornes, UK 1991. ISBN: 0-216-92980-6.
Lab compendium, exercises and other material provided by the Division.