6 ECTS credits
168 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4015821ENR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.

Semester
2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Partnership Agreement
Under interuniversity agreement for degree program
Faculty
Faculteit Ingenieurswetenschappen
Department
Materials and Chemistry
Educational team
Niko Van den Brande (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
24 contact hours Lecture
48 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
Course Content

Basic course in polymer science. The properties of polymeric materials are studied, with the molecular properties of the polymer chains as a starting point. The relations between microstructure and macroscopic properties are focused. The most important analytical techniques for the characterization of ‘structure-property relations’ are treated. The course contains three major parts: macromolecular structure, supramolecular structure, and macroscopic polymer properties. (i) Chain constitution and architecture, molar mass and molar mass distribution, chain conformations and chain statistics, influence of polymerisation on the macromolecular structure. (ii) Link between microstructure and material properties: amorphous and crystalline phases, phase separation, crystallinity, morphology, networks, chain mobility, temperature-time superposition principle. (iii) Material properties of important polymer classes (thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers, polymer blends and (nano)composites): thermal behaviour, energy-elasticity and entropy-elasticity, mechanical, electrical and optical properties. The most important characterization methods are: molar mass determination, thermal analysis, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, optical and electron microscopy, NMR spectroscopy, X-ray analysis, and mechanical testing.
In the practicals, the theoretical content of the course is illustrated by means of the experimental characterization of both pre-defined as well as unknown polymer materials.

Course material
Course text (Required) : Polymer Materials, Handouts of course slides
Handbook (Required) : Introduction to Polymers, R.J. Young and P.A. Lovell, 3de, CRC Press, 9780849339295, 2011
Handbook (Recommended) : Introduction to physical polymer science, Sperling, 4de, Wiley, 9780471706069, 2005
Handbook (Recommended) : Polymers: chemistry and physics of modern materials, Cowie - Arrighi, 3de, CRC Press, 9780849398131, 2007
Handbook (Recommended) : Macromolecules, 4 volume set, H.G. Elias, Wiley-VCH, 9783527311750, 2009
Additional info

Examples of exam questions:
- properties and significance of glass transition of polymers
- crystallisation and melting behaviour
- morphology
- entropy-elasticity, energy-elasticity and difference between both
- visco-elasticity and temperature-time superposition principle
- chain statistics
- thermoplastic elastomers
- differences in thermomechanical behaviour between (SBR, SBS), (LDPE, HDPE), (at-PP, it-PP), etc.
Handouts of course slides

Recommended literature:
R.J. Young and P.A. Lovell, Introduction to Polymers, Chapman&Hall, 2nd ed. (1991)
Additional literature:
J.M.G. Cowie, Polymers: chemistry and physics of modern materials, Chapman&Hall, 2nd ed. (1991)
L.H. Sperling, Introduction to physical polymer science, Wiley, 4th ed. (2005)
H.G. Elias, Macromolecules 1-4, Wiley-VCH, ISBN: 978-3-527-31171-2 (2009)

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

  • The student can explain and predict properties of polymeric materials using general ‘structure-property relations’ as a theoretical framework.
    •  The student knows the chemical structure of the repeat units present in commodity thermoplastics (PE, PP, PS, PVC), common engineering thermoplastics (PET, PA's), and other important examples used to illustrate core concepts (PBu, natural rubber, SBS, SBR).
    • The student can give a first estimation of which macroconformations (T-chains, helices, random coils) are present in several widespread polymers, can explain how these are theoretically described, and can explain the practical consequences of this regarding applications.
    • The student knows the main classes of polymer materials (amorphous or semi-crystalline thermoplastics, thermosets, rubbers), how they are distinguished in terms of architecture, and their thermomechanical behaviour.
    • The student has an in-depth knowledge of the amorphous and crystalline phase present in polymers, and their associated thermal transitions.
    • The student can predict trends in glass transitions or melting points based on the chemical structure of given polymers.
    • The student can explain the Flory-Huggins theory regarding polymer solutions and blends, and the practical consequences of these materials.
  • The student can use his knowledge to solve practical material problems by appropriate experimental characterization, and to motivate their interpretation and conclusion in written and oral form.
  • The student can understand theory and practicals lectured in English. The student communicates in English, improving his/her familiarization with an international context.
  • In the ‘Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering’ this course is a contribution to the integrated philosophy of chemical technology and material science via amolecular approach, in this case from macromolecular synthesis and chain structure to macroscopic polymer properties. The acquired competences are recommended knowledge for research activities concerning polymer materials in the frame of the Master thesis in the 2nd Master year.

This course contributes to reaching the following learning objectives for the general master in Chemical and Materials Engineering:

  • The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has in-depth knowledge and understanding of:
    • MA_1 exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering
    • MA_2 integrated structural design methods in the framework of a global design strategy
    • MA_17 an integrated insight in chemical process and materials' technology
    • MA_18 insight in chemistry as a link between process and materials technology
  • The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering can:
    • MA_8 collaborate in a (multidiciplinary) team
  • The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has:
    • MA_12 a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society
    • MA_15 the flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 70% of the final mark.
PRAC Lab Work determines 30% of the final mark.

Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • oral exam with a relative weight of 14 which comprises 70% of the final mark.

    Note: Theory: oral examination

Within the PRAC Lab Work category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • oral presentation of lab work with a relative weight of 6 which comprises 30% of the final mark.

    Note: Practicals: written report of laboratory work, and an oral presentation (during theoretical exam) on the characterization of unknown polymer of practicals (including a motivated interpretation; ca 10 min).

Additional info regarding evaluation

Theory: oral examination
Practicals: evaluation during the lab sessions, and an oral presentation during theoretical exam on the characterization of unknown polymers of practicals (including a motivated interpretation; ca. 10 min).

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Process Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: PR Profile Materials (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Materials
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Process Technology
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: chemie (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Teaching in Science and Technology: ingenieurswetenschappen (120 ECTS, Etterbeek) (only offered in Dutch)