CHEMENG 3Q03

Introduction to Polymer Science

Undergraduate

Winter 2026 · C01

Topics

Introduction and Definitions - Polymer definitions, polymer nomenclature
Classification of Polymers - Polymer chain architectures, polymerization mechanisms, polymer compositions, thermal properties, polymer sourcing, polymer degradation
Characterizing Polymer Properties – Molecular weight, dispersity, glass transition, crystallinity, viscoelasticity, rheology, solubility/miscibility
Polymer Chain Dynamics – Polymer conformations, solvent-polymer interactions
Polymer Synthesis – Step versus chain growth polymerization, chemistry, mechanisms, and kinetics of polymer synthesis, free radical polymerization/co-polymerization, ionic polymerization, coordination polymerization
Methods of Polymerization – Bulk, solution, precipitation, suspension, emulsion, interfacial, step-by-step
(Time permitting) Emerging Trends in Polymer Science

Introduction to Polymer Science and Chemistry: A Problem-Solving Approach
Manas Chanda · 2013 · 2nd Edition · Recommended / optional
CRC Press · ISBN 978-1-4665-5384-2
(2) George Odian, “Principles of Polymerization”, 4th Ed., Wiley-Interscience, 2004
See source
(5) P.J. Flory, "Principles of Polymer Chemistry", Cornell University Press, 1953
See source

Winter 2026

Paul Hiemenz, Timothy Lodge, "Polymer Chemistry, The Basic Concepts”, 2nd Ed., Marcel Dekker, 2007
2nd Ed · unspecified
George Odian, “Principles of Polymerization”, 4th Ed., Wiley-Interscience, 2004
4th Ed · unspecified
A. Rudin, “The Elements of Polymer Science and Engineering”, 2nd Ed., Academic Press, 1998
2nd Ed · unspecified
H.R. Allcock, F.W. Lampe, J.E. Mark, "Contemporary Polymer Chemistry”, 3rd Ed., Prentice Hall, 2003.
3rd Ed · unspecified
P.J. Flory, "Principles of Polymer Chemistry", Cornell University Press, 1953
unspecified

Sources