Standard syllabus
Polymer chemistry · Graduate · Chemistry
Topics
Controlled polymerization methods
- Anionic polymerization: living chains and block copolymers
- Cationic polymerization of vinyl ethers and isobutylene
- RAFT polymerization: mechanism and chain transfer agents
- ATRP: activators, deactivators, and ARGET/ICAR variants
- NMP and nitroxide-mediated polymerization
- ROMP: Grubbs and Schrock catalysts
- Living chain-growth vs living step-growth distinctions
- Sequence-controlled polymers and precision synthesis
- Photoinitiated controlled polymerizations
- Industrial scale-up of controlled radical polymerizations
Polymer physics and morphology
- Flory–Huggins theory and chi parameter
- Phase separation in polymer blends and block copolymers
- Order–disorder transition in block copolymers
- Crystallization kinetics: Avrami equation
- Semicrystalline morphology: spherulites, lamellae
- Glass transition: WLF equation and free volume theory
- Rubber elasticity: statistical mechanical derivation
- Viscoelastic models: Maxwell, Kelvin–Voigt, generalized models
- Dynamic mechanical analysis and time–temperature superposition
- Polymer solutions: theta conditions and coil dimensions
Functional and advanced polymers
- Conducting polymers: polyaniline, PEDOT, polypyrrole
- Photoresponsive and thermoresponsive polymers
- Biodegradable polymers: PLA, PGA, PCL, PHA
- Hydrogels: cross-linking strategies and swelling theory
- Supramolecular polymers and H-bonding motifs
- Polymer brushes and surface-grafted architectures
- Dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers
- Polymer nanocomposites: dispersion and interfacial adhesion
- Self-healing and shape-memory polymers
- Polymer electrolytes for batteries and fuel cells
Characterization at advanced level
- GPC/SEC with multi-angle light scattering (MALS)
- Rheology of polymer melts and concentrated solutions
- Small-angle X-ray/neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS)
- Solid-state NMR of polymers
- AFM of polymer surfaces and thin films
- Tensile, impact, and fracture mechanics testing
- Thermal analysis under modulated conditions (MDSC)
- MALDI-MS for polymer end-group analysis
- Spectroscopic identification of degradation products
- Molecular weight distribution effects on properties
What each unit includes
Open a unit below for full materials. Typical resources:
- Study guide
- Exam Strategy
- Common Mistakes
- Worksheets
- Word problems
- Mixed Practice
- Multi-Unit Problems
- Review
- Practice test
- Answer key
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Controlled polymerization methods
Anionic polymerization: living chains and block copolymers
Coming soon - Polymer physics and morphology
Flory–Huggins theory and chi parameter
Coming soon - Functional and advanced polymers
Conducting polymers: polyaniline, PEDOT, polypyrrole
Coming soon - Characterization at advanced level
GPC/SEC with multi-angle light scattering (MALS)
Coming soon - Research and industry applications
Polymer process engineering: extrusion, molding, spinning
Coming soon - Applied polymer chemistry
Commodity and engineering plastics market dynamics
Coming soon
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$1,162 · Polymer chemistry · 18 tutoring hrs
Study guides, worksheets, reviews, practice tests, and answer keys for 1 class. 18 tutoring hours (1 hr / week · semester). Bundle discount applied vs buying separately. Pay in full via Zelle.