Introduction to Polymer Blends and Composites

3 units

The course covers topics in multicomponent polymer systems (polymer blends and polymer composites) such as: phase separation and miscibility of polymer blends, surfaces and interfaces in composites, microstructure and mechanical behavior, rubber toughened plastics, thermoplastic elastomers, block copolymers, fiber reinforced and laminated composites, techniques of polymer processing with an emphasis on composites processing, melt processing methods such as injection molding and extrusion, solution processing of thin films, selection of suitable processing methods and materials selection criteria for specific applications. Advanced topics include: nanocomposites such as polymer/CNT composites, bioinspired nanocomposites, and current research challenges.