Polymers

3 credit hours · Undergraduate

Students explore the physical chemistry of long‐chain polymer molecules. Course material integrates and builds on foundation concepts in thermodynamics, kinetics, bonding and structure, as well as synthesis, and analytical methods. Topics include chain conformations; molecular weight averages, distributions and measurement; survey of different types of polymerization and polymerization kinetics; polymer solutions; phase behaviour; physical properties of glass and crystalline states; structure and morphology; survey of natural polymers, biopolymers and degradation; structure‐property relationships and end-use applications.