Polymer Physics

Uitgebreide vaknaam	Polymer Physics
Leerdoelen	At the end of the course, the student is able to: 1. Explain, summarize and compare the different models used to describe the chain conformation of polymers in solutions (ideal, good and bad solvents). 2. Calculate the size of a polymer chain in solutions given its average molecular weight and viceversa. 3. Explain and derive fundamental equations of the thermodynamics of polymer mixtures (polymer/solvent solutions and polymer/polymer blends) 4. Draw and discuss typical phase diagrams of polymer mixtures and estimate when a polymer mixture phase separates or not. 5. Describe and differentiate between the macroscopic properties and the structure of amorphous (i.e. elastomers) and semicrystalline polymers (i.e. thermoplastic polymer). 6. Explain the phase behaviour and discuss the phase diagram of diblock-copolymers and judge what structure forms at a given volume fraction. 7. Discuss, select and judge the main methods to characterize polymers (determination of the average polymer molecular weight and measurement of the interaction parameters, thermal properties and structure at the micro and nanoscale level). 8. Summarize and debate the output of the literature research project chosen during the course in a presentation using the correct wording for polymers and relating the findings to the course contents.
Omschrijving	Central to this course is the discussion of the effect of the chain nature of flexible polymers on the spatial extension of polymers and on the phase behaviour of polymers in solution, in polymer mixtures and in the solid state. This knowledge is then used to discuss the self-assembly of block copolymers and the polymer crystallization process and to discuss the role that polymers play in real file and advanced applications such as solar cells, membranes, fibres etc. Program in brief: -) Introduction to polymers -) Single chain conformation (ideal vs real chain) -) Phase behaviour and thermodynamics of polymer mixtures (in solution and blends) -) Amorphous polymers, glass transition and rubber elasticity -) Polymers in solid state (phase transition, self-assembly of block-copolymers and polymer crystallization) -) Main characterization techniques used in polymer science
Uren per week
Onderwijsvorm	Hoorcollege (LC), Opdracht (ASM), Werkcollege (T) (Total hours of lectures: 20 hours, tutorials: 4 hours, self study: 60 hours, assignments: 56 hours)
Toetsvorm	Presentatie (P), Schriftelijk tentamen (WE), Verslag (R) (Final mark: Written exam 85%, Report 10%, Presentation 5%)
Vaksoort	master
Coördinator	Prof. Dr. G. Portale
Docent(en)	Prof. Dr. G. Portale
Verplichte literatuur	Titel Auteur ISBN Prijs (not mandatory) Introduction to Polymers R. J. Young, P. A. Lovell 978-0-8493-3929-5 (not mandatory) Polymer Physics M. Rubinstein, R. H. Colby 019852059X, 97801985 Slides and other notes from the course will be uploaded on Nestor before every lecture.
Entreevoorwaarden	The course unit assumes prior knowledge acquired from general courses (bachelor level) in physical chemistry and chemistry.
Opmerkingen	The course unit prepares the students for other courses dealing with polymer properties and applications. The course prepares the student for master projects and PhD thesis in the groups dealing with Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Processing and Polymer Physics. Moreover, many of the course contents are relevant to problems typically encountered every day in polymer industry. Pass mark: The assessment is composed by a written exam and a literature research project. The written exam contributes up to 85% of the total grade. Written exam will consist of 4-5 open problems (regarding LO from LO1 to LO7). The written literature research report contributes up to 10% and the presentation up to 5%. It is necessary to score more than 55/100 at the written examination to pass the exam. The minimum grade to pass the exam is 6.0 with over 50% correct answers
Opgenomen in	Opleiding Jaar Periode Type MSc Applied Physics  ( Keuzevakken in Mechanics of Materials) - semester II b keuze: MOM MSc Chemistry  (Courses available for specializations) - semester II b verplicht MSc Chemistry: Erasmus Mundus Theoretical Chemistry and Computing Modelling  (Electives) - semester II b keuze MSc Chemistry: Science, Business and Policy  (Electives) - semester II b keuze MSc Mechanical Engineering: Smart Factories  (General track electives (not specialisation related)) 1 semester II b keuze MSc Nanoscience  (Optional Courses) - semester II b keuze