Learning outcomes expected at the level of the course (4 to 10 learning outcomes) |
After the successfully passed exam student is able to:
- explain the temperature dependent behaviour of polymers
- differentiate the solubility of polymers vs. low-molecular substances
- identify conventional plastics on the base of their physical properties
- place the certain polymer in the pyramid of polymeric materials
- recognize the resources and application of naturally occurring polymers
- be acquainted with basic components of polymer blends and composites in order to prepare blends and composites
- explain the causes of polymer degradation. |
Course content broken down in detail by weekly class schedule (syllabus) |
1st week: Introduction to polymers. Plastics in modern world. History of polymers development. General terms in polymers chemistry.
2nd week: Molecular structure of polymers: configuration and conformations. Supermolecular structure of polymers.
3rd week: Physical properties and deformations of polymers. Thermomechanical curve. Mechanical properties. Stress-strain curves.
4th week: Solubility of polymers. Swelling of polymers. Polyelectrolytes and ionomers.
5th week: Resource based classification of polymers. Synthetic polymers based polymeric materials: manufacture, application, pyramid of polymers.
6th week: E, EVA, PP, PVC: properties and application.
7th week: PS: homopolymers, copolymers and terpolymers, cellular PS, properties and application.
First test.
8th week: Principles of impact strength modification using styrene terpolymers. PET, PAs and other polymers. Thermosets: epoxide resins, unsaturated polyester resins, vinyl-ester resins.
9th week: Phenol-formaldehyde resins. Thermosets hardening reactions. Elastomers. Thermoplastic elastomers. Naturally occurring polymers. Cellulose and its derivatives.
10th week: Starch and other polysaccharides. Proteins: structure and conformations. Natural rubber and its derivatives. Vulcanization. Rubber products (tyres, expanded rubber etc.)
11th week: Inorganic polymers. Liquid crystalline polymers. Biodegradable polymers. High-temperature polymers. Fibers: cellulose fibers.
12th week: Modified cellulose fibers. Protein fibers. Synthetic fibers. Behavior of fibers on burning. Adhesives. Surface coatings.
13th week: Additives in polymeric materials. Degradation of polymers. Heat and photo stabilizers. Antioxidants. Plasticizers. Antistatic agents.
14th week: Polymer blends. Composites with polymer matrix. Plastic and rubber recycling.
15th week: Second test.
Laboratory exercises: Solvents and non-solvents for polymers. Swelling of polymers. Density determination. PVC modification. Separation and identification of components in polymeric materials. Identification of natural and synthetic polymers by burning tests. Preparation of casein glue. |
