Soft Matter

MATS65602 Soft Matter 15 Semester 2 Postgraduate Taught Level 7 Brian Saunders Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 Polymer materials that are “soft” play an important role in modern technology ranging from energy generation to biomaterials. This unit covers a number of ‘soft’ polymer systems, providing an understanding of the underlying principles. Lecture topics include:<ul> <li>Introduction: Overview of soft matter systems and their applications.</li> <li>Hydrogels: definition and properties, chemical and physical gel concepts, polymeric and self-assembled systems, characterisation rheological and structural (shear rheometry, SAXS/SAXS, thermal properties), application of hydrogels in the food, biomedical and other industries.</li> <li>Swelling of Elastomers: Swelling vs. Crosslinking density of elastomers; Reptation Theory; Physical & Swelling Properties of Elastomer blends; Swelling in Biomaterials.</li> <li>Polymer colloid systems: Colloids and interfaces in biomaterial science; polymers in solution and at interfaces; acid-base behaviour - drug delivery and proteins; DLVO theory; biomaterial-biologic interactions; adsorption of proteins on biomaterial surfaces; non-fouling surfaces: principles and experiments.</li></ul> Polymer materials that are “soft” play an important role in modern technology ranging from energy generation to biomaterials. This unit covers a number of ‘soft’ polymer systems, providing an understanding of the underlying principles. Lecture topics include:<ul> <li>Introduction: Overview of soft matter systems and their applications.</li> <li>Hydrogels: definition and properties, chemical and physical gel concepts, polymeric and self-assembled systems, characterisation rheological and structural (shear rheometry, SAXS/SAXS, thermal properties), application of hydrogels in the food, biomedical and other industries.</li> <li>Swelling of Elastomers: Swelling vs. Crosslinking density of elastomers; Reptation Theory; Physical & Swelling Properties of Elastomer blends; Swelling in Biomaterials.</li> <li>Polymer colloid systems: Colloids and interfaces in biomaterial science; polymers in solution and at interfaces; acid-base behaviour - drug delivery and proteins; DLVO theory; biomaterial-biologic interactions; adsorption of proteins on biomaterial surfaces; non-fouling surfaces: principles and experiments.</li></ul> The unit aims to:<ul> <li>Primarily, to provide an understanding of the principles underlying the behaviour of soft matter: polymer biomaterials, colloids and elastomers.</li> <li>Provide an overview of the properties and applications of polymer biomaterials, colloids and elastomers.</li></ul>  A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections: <ul> <li> Knowledge and understanding</li> <li> Intellectual skills</li> <li> Practical skills</li> <li> Transferable skills and personal qualities</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Understand the underlying physics and chemistry in a range of polymer soft matter systems. </li> <li>Demonstrate a broad knowledge of polymer soft matter systems.</li> <li>Describe the types and the classifications of liquid and Polymer crystals.</li> <li>Understand the thermodynamics of elastic chains and be familiar with the methods for the characterisation of networks.</li> <li>Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of colloids and surfaces in biomaterials science.</li> <li>Describe DLVO theory and use this to predict conditions where adsorption of proteins and bacteria by biomaterial surfaces will occur.</li> <li>Demonstrate a broad knowledge of how polymeric materials are used</li> <li>Knowledge of the applications and commercial limitations of soft polymer systems.</li> <li>Describe the structure of liquid and polymer foams.</li> <li>Describe the structure of biological cell membranes</li></ul> <ul> <li>Show improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics. </li> <li>Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of polymeric network.</li> <li>Explain the three mechanisms for the transport of substances through cell membranes.</li> <li>Explain the difference between Wet and Dry liquid foams.</li> <li>Explain the factors that influence the order parameters in polymer liquid crystals.</li> <li>Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of self-assembly</li> <li>Explain the relationships between the structure and properties of hydrogels.</li> <li>Knowledge of the applications and commercial limitations of hydrogel systems.</li></ul> <ul> <li> Solve problems utilising appropriate methods.</li> <li> Assess results critically.</li> <li> Communicate results reliably and effectively.</li> <li> Compose simple technical reports on laboratory tests. </li></ul> <div> Lectures, group tutorials (problem sessions), recommended textbooks, web resources, past exam papers, electronic supporting information (Blackboard). </div>  1 Written exam 70% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 30% Feedback given (Written and verbal). N <ul> <li> Principles of Tissue Engineering 3rd Edition, R Lanza, R Langer and J Vacanti.</li> <li> Biomaterials: an introduction, 3rd Edition, J Park and RS Lakes; Springer 2007.</li> <li> Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, 3 editions, BD Ratner et al.</li></ul>Additional items will be provided through Blackboard  Lectures 30 0 120