Polymer Physics & Physical Properties

MATS68602 Polymer Physics & Physical Properties 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 The unit builds on prior knowledge of polymer physics and properties and introduces some new advanced physical properties to characterise elastomers and new polymers. The principles underpinning the physical properties of polymeric materials underpin many of the technologies used by society. The unit builds on prior knowledge of polymer and introduces some new advanced physical properties of new polymer. Key topics include:<ul> <li>Elastomer: Definition and types of elastomer, thermodynamics and statistical theory of network deformation; entropy of network chain and entropy change on deformation; stress-strain behaviour; effects of network defects; swelling of elastomers.</li> <li>Advanced Polymer Characterisation: X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; advanced thermomechanical characterisation (DMA, DSC, rheology) and advance data interpretation, sub-Tg transition; relaxation enthalpy; amplitude sweep; frequency sweep, rheology interpretation (G’/G”, viscosity, etc.).</li> <li>Polymer Processing: flow, heat transfer, Shaping/forming, shear.</li> <li>“New” Polymer: Conducting polymers, Advanced Viscoelasticity, electrical conductivity; electroluminescent polymer systems – polymer based photonic, photonic crystals; acoustic properties; vitrimer, liquid crystal elastomer, shape morphing; self-healing</li> <li>Small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering for characterising polymers.</li> <li>Polymer solar cells: from their construction through to their properties and performance.</li></ul>  The unit aims to:<ul> <li>Provide an understanding of the principles underlying the structure property relationship of polymers and illustrate their applications as multifunctional materials.</li> <li>Show how basic physical principles can be used to explain the behaviour of industrial materials and how they are processed and tailored to optimise their performance</li> <li>Introduce state-of-the-art light harvesting polymers as solar energy materials.</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 style="margin-top: 1px; margin-right: 71px;">Identify the origin and nature of rubbery network elasticity and its mechanical description.</li> <li>Apply the principles and underlying theories of common techniques for molecular and thermal characterisation of polymers.</li> <li>Interpret and evaluate the results of various advanced polymer characterisation techniques and processing.</li> <li>Design strategies for materials characterisation for specific applications</li> <li>Design multi-functional polymers for specific applications including polymer solar cells</li></ul> <ul> <li style="margin-top:1px; margin-right:27px">Apply knowledge of polymer structure and properties to explain the outcomes of polymer processing</li> <li>Predict the mechanical properties of network polymers.</li> <li>Explain the multi-functionality of “new” polymers.</li> <li>Predict performance of polymer solar cell based on the structures of the polymer components used for construction.</li></ul> <ul> <li>Develop the ability to manipulate equations to calculate material properties</li></ul> <ul> <li>Demonstrate improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics</li></ul> <div>Lectures, online learning resources (Blackboard), group and small-group tutorials, non-assessed problems/quizzes, assessed coursework, recommended textbooks, web resources, past exam papers, electronic supporting information (Blackboard), feedback sessions, revision sessions. Formative feedback will be available during synchronous sessions and model solutions to problems/quizzes. Non-assessed questions will form the basis of group tutorials in which the answers will be discussed. Feedback will also be given on the outcomes of assessments.</div>  1 Written exam 70% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 30% Feedback given (Written and verbal) N <ul> <li> “Introduction to Polymers”, R.J. Young and P.A. Lovell, 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2011 (or 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 1991) </li> <li>Other books, chapters or articles as indicated by lecturers  </li></ul> Lectures 30 Practical classes & workshops 6 0 114