MSE412

Course Objectives

1. To provide students with an elementary understanding of the synthesis and characterization of polymers


2. To teach students current knowledge of the relationship between polymer solid structure and properties.


3. To teach students basic knowledge about polymeric behavior so that they can make informed decisions on how to choose an appropriate material in an application.


4. To teach viscoelastic behavior and their temperature dependence, and concepts of time-temperature equivalence in various viscoelastic regimes.


5. To provide students with basic knowledge about the mechanical behavior of polymers so that they can make simple predictions for design.


6. To teach students current knowledge about processing techniques and how they influence the properties of polymers.

Course Outcomes

1. To provide students with an elementary understanding of the synthesis and characterization of polymers


2. To teach students current knowledge of the relationship between polymer solid structure and properties.


3. To teach students basic knowledge about polymeric behavior so that they can make informed decisions on how to choose an appropriate material in an application.


4. To teach viscoelastic behavior and their temperature dependence, and concepts of time-temperature equivalence in various viscoelastic regimes.


5. To provide students with basic knowledge about the mechanical behavior of polymers so that they can make simple predictions for design.


6. To teach students current knowledge about processing techniques and how they influence the properties of polymers.

Assessment Tools

1. In-class closed book exams test all objectives for individual students.


2. Weekly problem sets test all objectives under less time pressure and with the possibility of student collaboration.

Course Topics

1. Polymer synthesis: including addition, chain growth, network formation, and copolymers.


2. Molecular structure and architecture: tacticity, branching, networks, copolymers.


3. Molecular weight distribution.


4. Rotational isomeric states, chain configuration in dilute solutions and condensed states.


5. Characterization of molecular wt. and distribution: light scattering, osmometry, intrinsic viscosity, gel permeation chromatography.


6. Solidification: glass formation, crystallization, changes in thermal, physical, and mechanical properties.


7. Structure and morphology of the condensed states: melt, liquid crystalline, glass, spherulites, alloys, multicomponent materials, processing effects. Thermal effects of rheological behavior. Time temperature equivalence, WLF equation, Arrhenius behavior.


8. Mechanical behavior of solids: viscoelasticity, Boltzman superposition principle, failure behavior and criteria, design considerations.


9. Multicomponent systems: strengthening, toughening, alloys and blends, other additives.


10. Forming and shaping: injection molding, blow molding, sheet forming, film forming. Effect of processing on structure and properties.


11. Material selection and design considerations.