Course syllabus
Polymerfysik
Polymer Physics
KPO010, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)
Valid for: 2016/17
Decided by: Education Board C
Date of Decision: 2016-04-12
General Information
Compulsory for: K4-m
Elective for: N4-m
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English
Aim
The course shall give the necessary special knowledge required
to read scientific literature in the area of polymer physics, and
to participate in research and development within industries that
produce or use polymers.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to describe and analyse general concepts in polymer
physics.
- be able to describe and explain in general terms the molecular
mobility of polymers and polymer blends as a function of
temperature.
- be able to describe different principles and methods for the
determination of thermal, mechanical, dielectric, rheological and
free volume properties.
- be able to relate molecular structure with important polymer
properties.
- be able to describe different principles and methods for the
processing of polymers and polymer composites.
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to use and evaluate general methods for the
characterization of polymers, including dynamic mechanical
spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and the
determination of crystallization kinetics.
- be able to solve some problems through calculations from
theory including mechanical properties, time-temperature
superposition principles and crystallization kinetics.
- be able to discuss the behaviour of heterogeneous polymer
systems.
- be able to understand and use concepts in polymer physics in
spoken and written English.
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
have insight in the relevance of polymer physics in research
and development activities of polymer producing, polymer
processing and polymer using industries.
Contents
The course includes the physical properties of polymers in the
crystalline state, the amorphous state, mechanical and rheological
properties, structure-property relations and processing.
- Crystalline state: mechanisms of crystallization and melting,
morphology and kinetics.
- Amorphous state: mobility, viscoelastic behaviour, reptation
model, viscosity, glassy state and free volume.
- Mechanical and rheological properties: viscoelastic properties
and models, linear viscoelasticity, dynamic mechanical and
dielectric analysis, molecular theory of viscoelasticity.
- Structure-property relations: Melting and glass transition
temperature, copolymers, plasticizers, fillers and
crystallinity.
- Processing: injection moulding, extruding, single screw and
double screw extruders, blow moulding, calendering, vacuumforming,
thermoforming, coating, filement winding and pultrusion.
The theoretical contents of the course are discussed during the
lectures. The ability of the student to solve problems in polymer
physics 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
industries, the student will be introduced to modern production and
development activities in the area.
Examination details
Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Written exam. Approved laboratory assignments and participation in compulsory visits to polymer industries. The final mark of the course is given by the final score on the written exam.
Admission
Admission requirements:
- KOO052 Materials and Polymer Technology or KOO095 Functional Materials
Required prior knowledge: KTE080 Polymer Chemistry.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Reading list
- J.M.G. Cowie, V. Arrighi: Polymers: Chemistry & Physics of Modern Materials, 3rd edition. CRC Press, 2008, ISBN: 978-0-8493-9813-1.
- Lab compendium, exercises and other material provided by the Division.
Contact and other information
Course coordinator: Professor Patric Jannasch, patric.jannasch@chem.lu.se
Course homepage: http://www.polymat.lth.se/