Prerequisites by Topic:

• General Chemistry.
• Organic Chemistry.
• Reaction engineering and reactor design.

Textbook(s):

Introduction to Physical Polymer Science, Fourth Edition, L.H. Sperling, 2006.

Reference(s):

Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials, Third Edition, Cowie and Arrighi, 2007.

Topics Covered:

• Basic concepts of polymer science (2 hours)
• Polymer chain structure: coformation and configuration (3 hours)
• Step reaction (condensation) polymerization (3 hours)
• Radical chain (addition) polymerization (3 hours)
• Polymer Thermodynamics (3 hours).
• Measurement of molecular weight and size (3 hours)
• The Amorphous phase, crystalline phase and glass transition temperature (3 hours).
• Cross-linked polymers and Rubber elasticity (3 hours)
• Polymer Viscoelasticity and Rheology (3 hours)
• Polymer Processing (3 hours)

Assessment Criteria:

1. Homeworks and Quizzes
2. Midterm Exams
3. Final Exam
4. Presentation

Course Objectives:

1. To teach the fundamentals of polymer science [1,2]
2. To introduce the industrial applications and use of polymers [1,2,3]

Performance Criteria:

Objective 1:

1. Assess the students\' understanding of polymerization processes, polymer chemistry and polymer kinetics and reactions (1, 2, 4).
2. Measure the students\' understanding of polymer structure and properties (1, 3, 7).

Objective 2:

2.1 Familiarize the students with methods of fabrication and industrial processes (1, 2, 3, 7)

2.2 Allow the students to explore Polymer degradation and environmental issues (3, 4, 7)

ABET Category requirement:

Engineering Science: 2 Credits or 67%

Engineering Design: 1 Credit or 33%

Course Classification