Polymers are materials that are around us, so in this course the focus of learning includes the scientific principles and basic techniques used in making polymers. The purpose of this course is to provide an integrated view of polymer science and engineering, including the chemical structure of various polymers, molecular weight measurement methods, polymerization kinetics, rheological behavior, polymer processing technology, and the various physical characteristics exhibited by polymers. In this course, students will also learn about the use of polymers and how polymer properties are controlled by their molecular structure, as well as various polymerization techniques that can control polymer structure. The learning method used is Problem Based Learning (PBL). Students will learn in small groups and learning will begin with the provision of problems that must be solved in groups. Several research results show that students who work in groups will have a deeper understanding than if they work alone. In a group, someone can exchange ideas, find solutions, and even practice convincing others of their opinions. The ability to strategize in solving problems, communicating with others and experience working in groups will be very useful for students when they work later as graduates of the Department of Chemical Engineering.

• The Concept of Polymers

  • Introduction to polymers: definitions, types, and significance
  • Basic concepts of polymerization, monomers, and polymer chains
  • Natural vs synthetic polymers and their applications in various industries

• Synthesis and Kinetics of Polymerization

  • Overview of polymerization methods: addition (chain-growth) and condensation (step-growth) polymerization
  • Kinetics of polymerization: reaction rates, mechanisms, and factors affecting polymerization
  • Control of polymer molecular weight and distribution

• Polymer Solutions

  • Behavior of polymers in solution: viscoelasticity, solubility, and phase behavior
  • The role of solvents in polymer solution formation
  • Characterization of polymer solutions using rheological and spectroscopic techniques

• Characterization of Polymers

  • Techniques for characterizing polymers:
    • Molecular weight distribution (GPC, light scattering)
    • Thermal properties (DSC, TGA)
    • Morphology and structure (X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy)
  • Mechanical properties: tensile testing, impact resistance, and hardness testing

• Plastic Manufacturing Processes

  • Overview of plastic manufacturing techniques:
    • Injection molding
    • Extrusion
    • Blow molding
    • Thermoforming
  • Process optimization, quality control, and waste reduction in plastic manufacturing

1. Billmeyer, F. W., Textbook of Polymer Science, 3rd ed., John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2011.
2. Young, R. J., & Lovell, P. A., Introduction to Polymers, 3rd ed., CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742, 2011.
3. Seymour, R. B., Polymers for Engineering Applications, ASM International, 1989.
4. Crawford, R. J., Plastic Engineering, 3rd ed., Butterworth-Heinemann, Woburn, MA 01901-2041, 1998.
5. Woods, D. R., Problem Based Learning: How to Gain the Most from PBL, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, 1994.