Polymer chemistry
Undergraduate · Chemistry
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Polymer fundamentals
- Definitions: monomer, oligomer, polymer, macromolecule
- Average molecular weights: Mn, Mw, polydispersity index
- Polymer architecture: linear, branched, cross-linked, network
- Tacticity: isotactic, syndiotactic, atactic
- Copolymers: random, alternating, block, graft
- Thermodynamics of polymer solutions
- Flory–Huggins theory (introduction)
- Theta conditions and coil dimensions
- Rubber elasticity and entropic elasticity
- Viscoelasticity: creep, stress relaxation, dynamic mechanical analysis
Polymerization mechanisms
- Step-growth (condensation) polymerization
- Carothers equation and gel point
- Chain-growth (addition) polymerization
- Free-radical polymerization: initiation, propagation, termination
- Radical inhibitors and retarders
- Ionic polymerization: anionic and cationic
- Living polymerizations: ATRP, RAFT, NMP (overview)
- Ring-opening polymerization
- Coordination polymerization: Ziegler–Natta, metallocene catalysts
- Copolymerization: reactivity ratios and Mayo–Lewis equation
Polymer properties and transitions
- Glass transition temperature: factors affecting Tg
- Crystallinity and melting temperature
- Factors affecting crystallization rate
- Amorphous vs semicrystalline morphology
- Polymer blends and compatibilization
- Plasticizers and additives
- Degradation: thermal, oxidative, photolytic, hydrolytic
- Mechanical properties: tensile, impact, fatigue
- Rheology of polymer melts and solutions
- Structure–property design principles
Characterization methods
- Size-exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC)
- Light scattering for molecular weight
- Viscometry and intrinsic viscosity
- Differential scanning calorimetry for Tg and Tm
- Thermogravimetric analysis for thermal stability
- IR and NMR spectroscopy of polymers
- X-ray diffraction for crystallinity
- Microscopy: optical and electron microscopy of morphology
- Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)
- Spectroscopic identification of polymer types
STEM / applied
Laboratory synthesis
- Free-radical polymerization of styrene or MMA
- Emulsion polymerization techniques
- Cross-linking with divinyl monomers
- Determination of molecular weight by GPC
- DSC analysis of glass transition
- Tensile testing of polymer films
- Safe handling of monomers and initiators
- Polymer film casting and molding
- Green polymerization solvents and catalysts
- Writing polymer lab reports with characterization data
Industrial and applied polymers
- Commodity plastics: PE, PP, PVC, PS, PET
- Engineering plastics: nylon, polycarbonate, PEEK
- Elastomers: natural rubber, SBR, silicone
- Adhesives and coatings chemistry
- Biodegradable and bio-based polymers
- Polymer recycling and circular economy
- Polymer composites in automotive and aerospace
- Biomedical polymers: sutures, implants, drug delivery
- Conducting polymers in electronics
- Career paths in polymer science and plastics engineering
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Polymer fundamentals
Definitions: monomer, oligomer, polymer, macromolecule
Coming soon - Polymerization mechanisms
Step-growth (condensation) polymerization
Coming soon - Polymer properties and transitions
Glass transition temperature: factors affecting Tg
Coming soon - Characterization methods
Size-exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC)
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common polymer chemistry syllabi at US colleges and universities. Prior organic chemistry background is essential. Overlap with materials science courses is common.