Applied Chemistry 344 - Analytical Polymer Science

 

Prof PE Mallon

Room 2012, Polymer Science Building

Tel: 021 - 808 2971

Please mail me

 

Aim of this course

This course forms part of the applied chemistry programme and aims to introduce a very important class of materials, namely polymers. The course will cover a basic introduction to polymer structure, morphology and properties and will introduce the various techniques used to analyse and characterise polymers.

Rationale for the course

Polymers are a very important class of materials.  They have a very broad range of applications. Currently the polymer industry makes a significant contribution to the chemical industry in South Africa. Polymers are of particular interest since in these materials, there is a direct correlation with the molecular structures (both chemical and physical) and the physical properties of these materials.  It is important to know the various techniques used to analyse and characterize polymers. Understanding polymer structures and the techniques used to determine these structures is an important step to understanding the unique behaviour of these important materials.

What you should know after this course

After completing this course you should:

• know the factors that make polymers different to other materials.
• have a basic understanding of the structure of polymers
• molecular weight
• tacticity
• copolymers
• molecular structure
• morphology
• know in general terms how polymers are made
• have an understanding of the issues and challenges in doing characterisation and analysis of polymers
• know what information you need in order to characterise polymers
• know and be able to describe and evaluate the various techniques used to characterise and analyse polymers
• be able to select and describe methods and procedures that could be used to solve “real” problems including what information would be need to solve the problem.
• be able to compare the various analytical techniques
• have a basic understanding of the relationship between the structure and properties of polymers.
• be able to apply your knowledge of the analytical techniques to interpret data and determine the structure and properties of polymer samples.

Resources

Class Notes will be handed out during the lectures.

The “Encyclopaedia of Polymer Science” is available in the reference area of the J.S. Gericke library (location R 668.903 ENC). This can serve as an excellent resource for addition information and background on the work we will cover in the course.

In addition there is a polymer science resource centre locatedin room 2038 in the polymer science building. The resource centre has a large collection of books on polymers. You have access to this centre during normal university hours, but may not remove books from the centre.

Class Times

Tuesday 9:00-9:50
Wednesday 11:00-11:50
Friday 12:00-12:30

Practicals/group work sessions

Monday 14:00 – 16:30

Criteria for assessment

Your answers in written tests, examinations and assignments will be considered using the following criteria:

• Explanations are accurate, valid and logical
• Material is presented in a systematic and logical way
• Subject terminology is used appropriately
• Appropriate sketches, etc. are clear and concise
• Arguments and discussion show understanding of concepts and ideas

Practical reports will be considered using the following criteria:

• Overall presentation of results
• Accuracy of data collected
• Explanation and interpretation of results
• If the results are unexpected, reasons and possible explanation for these results.

Language of the course

Some of the course material is available in both English and Afrikaans. Most of the class note etc. will be in English. REMEMBER you can chose to ask questions, write test, practicals and other assignment in either English or Afrikaans.

Policies

All pracs, tuts and other assignments must be handed in on the due date. No late submissions will be accepted and you will get 0% for that assignment.

Many of the pracs and assignments will be done in groups. This does not mean that you can rely on others to do all the work! Marks for group work tasks may be assigned on the basis of your contribution to the group effort.

Remember the best path to success in this, as in any other course, is to work consistently throughout the semester.

Web CT

It is important that you check your Web CT account for any announcements, postings of due dates for assignments etc.  There is also a discussion board on the course website.

Outline of the work we will cover in this course

1. Introduction to polymers and polymer characterisation (8 lectures)
2. Molecular weight (6 lectures)
1. Introduction and overview of techniques
2. Measurement of number average molecular weight
3. Measurement of weight average molecular weight
4. Viscometry
5. Molecular weight distributions
3. Spectroscopic methods of analysis (4 lectures)
1. Infrared
2. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)
4. Methods for measuring transitions in polymer (5 lectures)
1. Introduction
2. Thermal analysis
3. Dilatometry
5. Measurement of crystallinity in polymers (5 lectures)
1. Introduction to crystallinity in polymers
2. Volumetric methods
3. Thermal analysis
4. X-Ray diffraction
5. Vibrational spectroscopy
6. Nuclear magnetic resonance
6. Physical properties and testing of polymers (8 Lectures)
1. Introduction to rheology and the mechanical properties of polymers
2. Property requirements and polymer utilization
3. Physical testing

Outline of Practicals

(this is meant only as a guide, practical times, etc. may be different)

Week 1: Introduction to polymerization chemistry and techniques (Polymer Science lecture room)

Week 2: Molecular characterization (The string prac)(Polymer Science lecture room)

Week 3: Bulk polymerization of polystyrene (Preparation of samples for later Prac)              

Week 4: Determination of molecular weight by TLC (samples prepared in previous prac.)

Week 5: Molecular weight by dilute solution viscosity

Week 6: Size exclusion chromatography - Demonstration of chromatographic techniques for polymers and tutorial (group problems and “big picture” questions)) (Polymer Science lecture room and chromatography lab)

Week 7: NMR computer prac (Polymer Science)

Week 8: Thermal analysis of polymers – Demonstration and “hands on” work with DSC and TGA (Polymer Science Labs)

Week 9: AFM and DMA – Demonstration of equipment and techniques plus tutorial on real scenarios – Industrial and practical problems (Polymer Science Labs)

Week 10: Determination of crystallinity and crystallization kinetics in polymers. (Polymer Science Labs)

Week 11: Industrial visit