Polymers Course

Lesson 1 • Polymer Classification Systems

Categorises polymers by origin, structure, and thermal behaviour. Provides a classification map used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Polymer Nomenclature and Notation

Teaches systematic naming conventions and structural notation for common polymers. Enables accurate reading of technical literature.

Lesson 3 • Molecular Architecture

Examines linear, branched, crosslinked, and network architectures. Connects chain topology to bulk material behaviour.

Lesson 4 • Copolymer Structures and Sequences

Distinguishes random, alternating, block, and graft copolymers. Introduces how sequence distribution controls properties.

Lesson 1 • Molecular Weight and Material Properties

Correlates molecular weight to tensile strength, melt viscosity, and processability. Provides design rules for selecting target molecular weights.

Lesson 2 • Molecular Weight Averages

Defines number-average, weight-average, and z-average molecular weights. Establishes the statistical basis for all distribution analyses.

Lesson 3 • Interpreting GPC Data

Trains students to read chromatograms, identify artefacts, and extract averages. Directly applicable to quality control and research reporting.

Lesson 4 • Measurement Techniques

Covers gel permeation chromatography, light scattering, and osmometry. Students select appropriate methods for given polymer systems.

Lesson 1 • Copolymerisation Kinetics and Reactivity Ratios

Applies the Mayo-Lewis equation to predict copolymer composition. Students use reactivity ratios to design target sequence distributions.

Lesson 2 • Ionic and Coordination Polymerisation

Examines anionic, cationic, and Ziegler-Natta coordination mechanisms. Highlights stereocontrol and living character in ionic systems.

Lesson 3 • Step-Growth Polymerisation

Covers condensation and addition step-growth mechanisms, Carothers equation, and stoichiometry. Explains why high conversion is essential for high molecular weight.

Lesson 4 • Free Radical Chain-Growth Polymerisation

Details initiation, propagation, termination, and chain transfer steps. Students calculate rate of polymerisation and kinetic chain length.

Lesson 1 • Concentrated Solutions and Scaling Laws

Applies de Gennes scaling and reptation concepts to semidilute and concentrated regimes. Bridges solution behaviour to melt dynamics.

Lesson 2 • Dilute Solution Properties

Covers theta conditions, second virial coefficient, and hydrodynamic radius. Links solution measurements to molecular weight determination.

Lesson 3 • Chain Statistics and Random Walk Models

Introduces freely jointed chain, worm-like chain, and persistence length concepts. Provides the statistical foundation for all solution and solid-state models.

Lesson 1 • Liquid-Crystalline Polymers

Describes nematic, smectic, and cholesteric mesophases in main-chain and side-chain LCPs. Connects order parameter to optical and mechanical anisotropy.

Lesson 2 • Amorphous State and Glass Transition

Explains free volume theory, glass transition temperature (Tg), and factors controlling it. Establishes Tg as a key design parameter.

Lesson 3 • Crystalline Unit Cells and X-Ray Diffraction

Introduces unit cell geometry, Bragg's law, and WAXS/SAXS analysis. Students index diffraction patterns and extract d-spacings.

Lesson 4 • Block Copolymer Microphase Separation

Explains self-assembly into lamellae, cylinders, and spheres driven by chi-N. Connects morphology to applications in membranes and nanolithography.

Lesson 1 • Elastic and Rubber Elastic Behaviour

Covers Hookean elasticity, rubber elasticity theory, and network strand density. Explains entropic origin of rubber elasticity.

Lesson 2 • Viscoelasticity and Mechanical Models

Introduces Maxwell, Kelvin-Voigt, and standard linear solid models. Students predict creep and stress relaxation from model parameters.

Lesson 3 • Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

Explains storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan delta from DMA experiments. Identifies transitions and damping behaviour across temperature.

Lesson 4 • Time-Temperature Superposition

Develops the WLF equation and master curve construction. Enables prediction of long-time behaviour from short-time measurements.

Lesson 1 • Injection Moulding and Compression Moulding

Covers fill, pack, and cooling stages of injection moulding and compression moulding cycles. Students diagnose defects and optimise cycle time.

Lesson 2 • Rheological Measurement Methods

Introduces rotational rheometry, capillary rheometry, and melt flow index testing. Students select instruments and interpret flow curves.

Lesson 3 • Melt Rheology Fundamentals

Covers viscosity, shear thinning, and normal stress differences in polymer melts. Establishes rheological parameters used in all processing analyses.

Lesson 4 • Extrusion Processes

Analyses single-screw and twin-screw extrusion, die design, and melt pressure profiles. Connects screw geometry to output rate and melt quality.

Lesson 1 • Hydrolytic and Chemical Degradation

Examines ester, amide, and carbonate bond hydrolysis and solvent-induced cracking. Guides material selection for wet and chemical environments.

Lesson 2 • Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers

Surveys PLA, PHA, starch-based, and cellulose-derived polymers and their degradation profiles. Connects biobased content to sustainability metrics.

Lesson 3 • Thermal and Thermo-Oxidative Degradation

Analyses chain scission, depolymerisation, and oxidative mechanisms at elevated temperatures. Provides the basis for selecting thermal stabilisers.

Lesson 4 • Recycling and Circular Economy Strategies

Compares mechanical, chemical, and solvent-based recycling routes and their limitations. Students evaluate end-of-life options using sustainability frameworks.