5 ECTS credits
150 u studietijd
Aanbieding 1 met studiegidsnummer 4020569ENR voor alle studenten in het 1e semester met een verdiepend master niveau.
This course includes theoretical sessions, theoretical exercises and laboratory work regarding polymer chemistry.
Polymer chemistry concerns the chemistry of the synthesis of macromolecules. These molecules with long chain lengths are the basic constituents of plastics, coatings, adhesives, and rubbers. The detailed control of chemical composition and chain architecture of these macromolecules determines their morphology after processing. This also determines the properties of the final material and the applications for which the various polymers can be used. In this course, the student wil learn how polymers can be synthesized. Among others, it will be discussed how changing the polymerisation mechanism affects the formation of different molecular microstructures, and thus different material properties, starting from the same constituents (the ‘monomers’). This course aims at bringing students knowledge and understanding in relation to (1) polymer synthesis, (2) the molecular characterization of polymers, and (3) their most important solid state properties, both from a theoretical and practical view point.
The theoretical part is thaught by G. Verniest (ca. 2/3) and B. Van Mele (1/3) and starts with the classification of polymers, basic principles and definitions. Subsequently, a comprehensive overview of the synthesis of polymers according to different polymerization mechanisms and using different polymerization techniques is discussed, moving from classical routes to state-of-the-art methods. In each case, also the kinetics of different polymerization mechanisms is discussed. In this course, step growth polymerization, chain growth polymerization and copolymerization is discussed in depth. The thermodynamics of polymers in solution and the conformation of polymers in solution and in the amorphous state are discussed in relation to analytical techniques for measuring the molecular weight (distribution) of polymers. The course ends with an overview of the most important solid state properties, which are discussed in more detail in another course “Polymer Materials“ by Prof. B. Van Mele. The theory taught is applied to solve both theoretical and practical problems.
The practical part is coordinated by Profs. B. Van Mele and G. Van Assche (2/3) and Prof. G. Verniest (1/3). During the practical sessions, polymers will be synthesized using the taught polymerization mechanisms and techniques. The preparation for the polymer synthesis includes a limited analysis of modern scientific literature. The polymers synthesized will be molecularly characterized and their most important solid state properties, such as thermal stability, the glass transition, and the melting point, will be determined using modern thermal analysis techniques. The practical session will be performed in small groups. For each type of polymer and per group, a concise written report is expected (max. 5 p. + figures) .
* This course cannot be chosen in combination with 'Applied Physicochemistry' (Dutch: Toegepaste Fysicochemie) and 'Polymers: synthesis and molecular chracterization' (Dutch: polymeren: synthese en moleculaire karaterisering)
* copies of slides will be made available on-line (a part is available via VUBtiek)
* handbook is available at the VUBtiek
The envisaged learning outcomes include the ability of the student to analyze, comprehend, solve and communicate on practical and theoretical problems or aspects related to polymer chemistry both in the framework of the future education at Master level, as well as in an industrial context. After completion of this course, the student is able to:
1) reproduce a number of knowledge elements in polymer chemistry.
2) apply the most important molecular characterization mechanisms and techniques for polymers in solution.
3) make choices regarding the type of polymerization mechanisms and techniques in relation to the wanted macromolecular microstructure and properties and application of the resulting polymer. The student is able to think and work in a problem solving way, can select and apply methods, and can perform a literature search and critically analyze the obtained data.
4) can apply above mentioned knowledge in new problem settings.
5) can report on the choice of polymerization techniques and analysis methods, on the obtained results and can formulate conclusions from gathered information. The student is able to work precisely and can verify obtained results. The student can communicate at an advanced level on information, ideas, problems and results in the domain.
De beoordeling bestaat uit volgende opdrachtcategorieën:
Examen Mondeling bepaalt 75% van het eindcijfer
WPO Labowerk bepaalt 25% van het eindcijfer
Binnen de categorie Examen Mondeling dient men volgende opdrachten af te werken:
Binnen de categorie WPO Labowerk dient men volgende opdrachten af te werken:
Oral evaluation with possibility for a short written preparation.
The WPO (exercises) is compulsory and necessary to pass the exam. Students who are illegitimately absent cannot retake the practical exercises and are quoted pro rata the amount of missed exercises. Students who were illegitimately absent on two practical sessions are excluded from the exam. There is no possibility to redo the practical exercises in the 2nd examination session (August/September).
The evaluation of the lab sessions (attitude in the lab, adherence to safety protocols, practical skills and efficiency, written reports) is counted for 25% of the final score. A concise presentation of the lab sessions needs to performed during the oral exam.
Deze aanbieding maakt deel uit van de volgende studieplannen:
Master in de bio-ingenieurswetenschappen: cel- en genbiotechnologie: medische biotechnologie
Master in de bio-ingenieurswetenschappen: cel- en genbiotechnologie: moleculaire biotechnologie
Master in de bio-ingenieurswetenschappen: cel- en genbiotechnologie: agrobiotechnologie
Master in de bio-ingenieurswetenschappen: chemie en bioprocestechnologie: voedingsbiotechnologie
Master in de bio-ingenieurswetenschappen: chemie en bioprocestechnologie: biochemische biotechnologie
Educatieve master in de wetenschappen en technologie: chemie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek)