Polymer science + TP
MSE-360 / 5 credits
Teacher: Görl Daniel
Language: English
Remark: Ce cours est réservé aux étudiants de SMX en raison des TP associés. Le cours seul peut être suivi par d'autres sections en sélectionnant MSE-362 Science des polymères.
Summary
Introduction to polymer physics and the link between chemical structure and macroscopic properties, with emphasis on morphology and thermomechanical behaviour, polymer technology and manufacturing techniques, providing a basis for the rational selection of polymers in an industrial context.
Content
1. Physics and Mechanical Properties of Polymers
- Introduction: chain architecture and chemical structures of the most common synthetic polymers, synthetic methods, molar mass distribution, characterization methods.
- Single Chain Properties: ideal versus real polymer chains.
- Polymer Mixtures: solutions, polymer blends, block copolymers.
- Structures of Polymers in the Condensed State: cohesive energy, intermolecular interactions, amorphous, glassy, and semi-crystalline polymers.
- Mechanical Properties: rubber elasticity, viscoelasticity, entanglement, fracture, fatigue, impact resistance, plasticity, rubber toughening.
2. Polymer Technology and Processing
- Major Polymer Classes: commodity, engineered, and performance plastics, their syntheses and basic properties.
- Introduction to Plastics and Additives: processing rheology, solidification kinetics, structure-property relationships, degradation, biodegradation, recycling, production economics, environmental impact, and materials selection.
- Thermoplastic and Thermoset Processing Techniques: extrusion, injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, coatings, foams, processing of "difficult" polymers, rubbers, and elastomers, part design.
3. Practical Work on Various Aspects of Polymer Properties and Processing
- 5 practical lab sessions focusing on different polymer systems, properties, and processing techniques.
- Report preparation for each practical work session.
Keywords
polymers, molar mass distribution, ideal chain, polymer blends, glass transition, melting temperature, microstructure and morphology, rubber elasticity, entanglement, viscoelasticity, rheology, orientation, yield, crazing, processing, materials selection.
Learning Prerequisites
Recommended courses
- general physics and analysis courses.
- Organic Chemistry (MSE-211)
Important concepts to start the course
Basics of calculus, organic chemistry, classical and statistical thermodynamics, mechanical properties.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- Solve simple problems in polymer physics.
- Predict polymer properties from their structures.
- Interpret polymer properties in terms of their structure.
- Explain the physical phenomena associated with polymers using fundamental concepts.
- Identify the most common commodity and engineering polymers.
- Describe the main plastic processing techniques and their applications.
- Propose materials and processing methods for specific applications.
- Assess / Evaluate the environmental impact and economic viability of different materials and processes.
Transversal skills
- Write a scientific or technical report.
- Evaluate one's own performance in the team, receive and respond appropriately to feedback.
- Communicate effectively, being understood, including across different languages and cultures.
- Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.
Teaching methods
Ex cathedra, slides and blackboard, interactive exercises.
Hands-on laboratory sessions for practical applications.
Expected student activities
Participation in lectures and labs, completion of exercises, reading handouts and lab protocols, writing lab reports, engaging in discussions with teacher and assistants.
Assessment methods
Written examination.
Laboratory Reports.
Resources
Ressources en bibliothèque
Moodle Link
Prerequisite for
Courses related to Soft Matter and Polymers.
In the programs
- Semester: Fall
- Exam form: Written (winter session)
- Subject examined: Polymer science + TP
- Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- TP: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
- Type: mandatory