Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• describe the general structure of polymers
• account for the concept of molecular weight.
• classify synthetic and biological polymers i respective subgroups
• explain the properties of polymers in solution
• explain the properties of polymers in solid state
• compare the mechanical properties of polymers based on their structures
• identify and explain differences between addition and stepwise polymerisation
• account for reaction mechanisms during radical, ionic and condensation polymerisation
• use methods for the characterisation polymer materials
• give examples of industrial application of polymers
• carry out a polymer synthesis based on a given protocol
• explain what preparations are needed to carry out a polymer synthesis
• choose analytical methods to characterise the polymerisation reaction and also the product
• assess risks during chemical synthesis of polymer material
• summarise and account for in writing the laboratory work that has been performed

Content

The course gives a general introduction to polymers. Focus is placed on the classification and systematics of synthetic polymers and biopolymers. Polymer chemistry: Polymerisation, kinetics, structure and decomposition. Polymers in solution: thermodynamics, phase equilibria, diffusion, viscosity, polyelectrolytes and gels. Solid state polymers: crystalline and amorphous polymers, thermodynamics, phase transitions and mechanical properties. Methods for characterising and analysing solid polymers and polymers in solution.

Laboratory: Laboratory practicals consist of polymer synthesis and characterisation.

Instruction

Lectures and laboratory practicals.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (3 credits). In addition, students are required to plan, carry out and present an assigned laboratory project. The laboratory component counts for 2 credits and must be passed for completion of the course. The final grade represents a weighted sum of the results of the written examination and the laboratory component.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.