everything.study
3.063

Polymer Physics

3-0-9 units · Undergraduate

The mechanical, optical, electrical, and transport properties of polymers and other types of "soft matter" are presented with respect to the underlying physics and physical chemistry of polymers and colloids in solution, and solid states. Topics include how enthalpy and entropy determine conformation, molecular dimensions and packing of polymer chains and colloids and supramolecular materials. Examination of the structure of glassy, crystalline, and rubbery elastic states of polymers; thermodynamics of solutions, blends, crystallization; liquid crystallinity, microphase separation, and self-assembled organic-inorganic nanocomposites. Case studies of relationships between structure and function in technologically important polymeric systems. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.

Spring 2007

This course presents the mechanical, optical, and transport properties of polymers with respect to the underlying physics and physical chemistry of polymers in melt, solution, and solid state. Topics include conformation and molecular dimensions of polymer chains in solutions, melts, blends, and block copolymers; an examination of the structure of glassy, crystalline, and rubbery elastic states of polymers; thermodynamics of polymer solutions, blends, crystallization; liquid crystallinity, microphase separation, and self-assembled organic-inorganic nanocomposites. Case studies include relationships between structure and function in technologically important polymeric systems.

Readings

  • There is no required textbook for this course. A suggested reference is:
    Listed reading
  • Young, R. J., and P. A. Lovell. Introduction to Polymers . 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2000. ISBN: 9780748757404.
    Listed reading

Prerequisites & course information

Subject meets with 3.942 , 10.568 Prereq: 3.010 U (Fall) 3-0-9 units

Sources