Modern methods in polymer chemistry and sustainability

ChE-431 / 3 credits

Teacher: Nguyen Suong

Language: English

Summary

This course provides an overview of modern developments in polymer chemistry, building on fundamental concepts introduced in MSE-437. Emphasis is placed on recycling and upcycling strategies for the polymer classes discussed.

Content

  • Polymer structures, molecular weights, and properties
  • Step-growth and chain-growth polymerization
  • Industrially relevant cross-link materials
  • Ionic and radical ring opening polymerization
  • Ring opening metathesis polymerization
  • Light-controlled polymerization
  • Polymer stereochemistry
  • Polymer sustainability

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

MSE-437: Polymer chemistry and macromolecular engineering

Recommended courses

Organic chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Organometallics

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Discuss the mechanism and characteristics of different types of polymerization techniques
  • Design molecular strategies to tailor macroscopic properties of polymers
  • Propose appropriate methods for the synthesis and recycling/upcycling of polymers of interest

Assessment methods

Problem sets (60%), Final project (40%)

Resources

Notes/Handbook

Useful resources (not required):

Odian, G. Principles of Polymerization. Wiley 4th edition. 2004.

Timothy P. Lodge, Paul C. Hiemenz. Polymer Chemistry. 3rd edition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Modern methods in polymer chemistry and sustainability
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Modern methods in polymer chemistry and sustainability
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 1 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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