Learning outcomes expected at the level of the course (4 to 10 learning outcomes) |
- be able to explain temperature dependent behaviour of polymers
- distinguish dissolving of polymers vs. low molecular substances
- be acquainted with common thermoplastics and thermoset materials
- distinguish synthetic and natural polymers
- be able to prepare simple polymer blend or composite
- explain the factors influencing degradation of polymers |
Course content broken down in detail by weekly class schedule (syllabus) |
1st week: Introduction. World consumption of plastics. Historical development of plastic materials. Basic terms and classification of polymers.
2nd week: Molecular and supermolecular structure of polymers: configuration and conformations of polymers. Supermolecular structure and morphology.
3rd week: Physical and deformational states of polymers. Thermomechanical curve.
Mechanical properties of polymers. Stress-elongation curves. Temperature dependence of elongation.
4th week: Dissolving of polymers. Swelling of polymers. Polyelectrolytes and ionomers.
5th week: Classification of polymers based on origin. Synthetic organic polymers: application based classification, abbreviations, pyramid of thermoplastic materials.
6th week: PE, PP, EVA, PVC: properties and application.
7th week: PS and copolymers (HIPS, ABS, SAN, MBS): properties and application. First test.
8th week: Principles of impact strength modification by styrene copolymers and terpolymers. PET, PA: properties and application. Thermosets: epoxide resins, unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl-ester resins).
9th week: Phenol-formaldehide resins. Curing reaction of thermosets. Elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers. Naturally occurring polymers. Cellulose and derivates.
10th week: Starch and other polysaccharides. Protein structure. Natural caoutchouc and derivates. Vulcanization and mastication. Rubber.
11th week: Inorganic polymeric materials. Liquid crystalline polymers. Biodegradable polymers. High temperature polymers.
12th week: Cellulose fibres. Protein fibres. Synthetic fibres. Behaviour of fibres on burning. Adhesives. Polymer coatings.
13th week: Additives for polymers. Degradation of polymers: heat and UV stabilizers. Antioxidants. Plasticizers. Anti-static agents.
14th week: Polymer blends. Composites with polymer matrix. Recycling and reuse of plastics and rubber.
15th week: An overview. Second test. |
