Chem 421: Introduction to Polymer Chemistry

Classes:

Instructor key: R=Dr. Robello; M=Dr. Massa

• Class 1Introduction and Step Growth Polymerization (R)
  • What is a polymer?
  • Importance and history of polymers
  • Polymer architecture, molecular weights and distributions
  • Polymer synthesis mechanisms
  • Molecular weight and its control
  • Polyesters and polycarbonates

• Class 2Step Growth Polymerization (continued) (R)
  • Polyamides, polyurethanes, and polyimides
  • Other step growth polymers
  • Crosslinking

• Class 3Vinyl Free Radical Chain Polymerization (R)
  • Structures and mechanisms, kinetics
  • Initiation, propagation, and termination
  • Examples of chain polymers

• Class 4Vinyl Free Radical Chain Polymerization (continued)(R)
  • Chain transfer and inhibition
  • Polymerization conditions (bulk, solution, suspension, emulsion, etc.)
  • Copolymerization structure, kinetics, and equations

• Class 5Vinyl Ionic and Coordination Chain Polymerization(R)
  • Anionic and cationic polymerization
  • Structures and mechanisms
  • Polymerization conditions
  • Living polymerization and its implications
  • Polymer stereochemistry
  • Coordination structures and mechanisms

• Class 6Ring Opening Polymerization, and Reactions on Polymers (R)
  • Ring opening structures and mechanisms
  • Crosslinking reactions
  • Chemical modification of polymers
  • Polymeric reagents

• Midterm ExamSYNTHETIC TOPICS

• Class 7Introduction to Polymer Physical Chemistry (M)
  • Properties of single polymer molecules
  • Random coil conformations and chain statistics
  • Polymer molecular weights and sizes

• Class 8 Polymers in Solution (M)
  • Polymer solubility
  • Theory of polymer solutions
  • Molecular weight effects; polymer fractionation
  • Measurement of molecular weight by osmotic pressure

• Class 9Measurements of Molecular Weight and Size (M)
  • Intrinsic viscosity of polymers
  • Principles of size exclusion chromatography
  • Light scattering of polymer solutions

• Class 10Structure and Properties of Polymer Solids (M)
  • The polymer crystalline state
  • The polymer amorphous state
  • Polymer structure/thermal properties relatinoships

• Class 11 Polymer Flow and Relaxation (M)
  • Viscosity and elasticity
  • Viscoelasticity and relaxation
  • Effects of polymer structure and molecular weight

• Class 12Mechanical Properties and Morphology (M)
  • Crystallization kinetics and morphology of polymer crystals
  • Polymer mechanical properties
  • Effects of molecular weight and morphology on physical and mechanical properties

• Class 13Special Topics in Polymer Chemistry (R & M)
  • Modern living polymerization
  • Dendritic and hyperbranched polymers
  • Polymer blends
  • Other topics

• FINAL EXAM PHYSICAL TOPICS

Grading Policy

• 40% Midterm
• 40% Final
• 20% Homework assignments

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