Polymer Blends and Composites

Code

Course teacher

Associate teachers

Status of the course

Course objectives

Gaining of the basic theoretical and practical knowledge on multi-component systems, ie. polymer blends and composites. Correlation of composition, structure and properties of material.

Course enrolment requirements and entry competences required for the course

Learning outcomes expected at the level of the course (4 to 10 learning outcomes)

- distinguish deformational states of polymers and describe thermomechanical curve
- describe phase diagrams of polymer blends
- be able to recognize miscible and immiscible polymer blends based on Tg measurements
- be acquainted with methods for polymer blends preparation
- distinguish the components of polymer blends and polymer composites
- be able to explain the differences between microcomposites and nanocomposites
- explain the role of fillers and reinforcements in polymer composites

Course content broken down in detail by weekly class schedule (syllabus)

1st week: Historical overview and world consumption of polymeric materials. Basic terms and classification of polymers.
2nd week: Molecular and supermolecular structure of polymers. Physical and deformational states of polymers. Thermomechanical curve.
3rd week: Reasons for preparing blends and composites. Design of polymer blends. Thermodinamic aspect of miscibility.
4th week: Phase diagrams. Prediction of thermodynamic properties (theories of mixing). Influence of molecular weight on polymers miscibility.
5th week: Determination (estimation) of polymers miscibility (methods). Properties and morphology of miscible polymer blends.
6th week: Properties and morphology of immiscible polymer blends. Compatibilization methods. Preparation of polymer blends.
7th week: Commercial polymer blends. Blends with LCP.
Ponavljanje. First test.
8th week: Polymer composites, classification. Fillers and reinforcements in polymer composites.
9th week: Particle reinforced polymer composites.
10th week: Fibre reinforced composites. Types of fibre orientation.
11th week: Types of fibres and mechanical properties. Prepregs.
12th week: Matrix-reinforcement boundary surface and compatibilization of matrix and reinforcement/filler.
13th week: Polymer nanocomposites. Composites with biodegradable components.
14th week: Structural composites: basic components and adhesives. Preparation methods of structural composites.
15th week: An Overview. Second test.
Laboratory exercises:
1. TG analysis of composite materials
2. DSC analysis of polymer blends
3. Identification of polymers using FT-IR spectroscopy
4. Separation and identification of additives in polymeric material
5. Modification of PVC and material preparation on an extruder

Format of instruction:

Student responsibilities

Optional literature (at the time of submission of study programme proposal)

M.J. Folkes, P.S. Hope, Polymer Blends and Alloys, Blackie Academic & Professional, London, 1995;
S. Datta, D.J. Lohse, Polymeric Compatibilizers, Hanser Publ., Munich,1996.

Quality assurance methods that ensure the acquisition of exit competences

Quality of the teaching and learning, monitored at the level of the (1) teachers, accepting suggestions of students and colleagues, and (2) faculty, conducting surveys of students on teaching quality.
Quality assurance will be performed at three levels:
(1) University Level;
(2) Faculty Level by Quality Control Committee;
(3) Lecturer’s Level.

Other (as the proposer wishes to add)