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A list of topics by session is included in the calendar below.

Description

In this Chemical Engineering graduate level course, basic methods in the synthesis of polymers are addressed and discussed, including the various types of polymerizations and their applications toward both common and new promising polymer products. This class presents the most common synthetic methods used in polymerization, the basic differences in the kinetics of these methods, the final end-products obtained, and the synthetic processing techniques that might be used for various applications.

New and developing approaches to polymerization such as atom transfer free radical and "living" free radical methods are addressed using literature references and class discussion. Throughout the course, general materials and engineering design concepts are introduced, as well as the manipulation of polymer structure and processing to obtain desired properties. In the class, we emphasize the use of chemistry as a tool for the development of new materials or the modification of existing polymer systems. For this reason, the course covers functionalization of polymers, including polymer surface modification for applications requiring improved adhesive, frictional, or reactive properties. The use of self-assembly in the formation of macromolecular structures using hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding, and other non-covalent bonds is discussed at the end of the course by means of examples from the literature and classroom discussion. A design project is introduced at the middle of the term as a means of engaging students in their own research interests.

Prerequisites

This course assumes knowledge of organic chemistry (5.12 and 5.13) and thermodynamics and kinetics (5.60).

Texts

Odian, George. Principles of Polymerization. 4th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience, 2004. ISBN: 9780471274001.

Supplementary Handouts will be used frequently and will be handed out in lecture as needed during the course.

Grading

There will be three hour-long exams, open book and notes. Each exam will be worth 25% of the class credit. There will be occasional problem sets, which will be worth a total of 5% credit. A final design project paper will be due at the end of the term, worth 20% credit. The details of the design project can be found in projects.

Calendar