Course detail

Polymer physics

FCH-MCO_FYPAcad. year: 2022/2023

Introduction to polymer physics, commercially important polymers, structural factors controlling behavior of polymer solids, inter- and intra-molecular interactions in polymers, glass transition, phenomenology of glass transition, theories of glass transition, thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of glass transition, molecular parameters afecting glass transition temperature, Rubber elasticity, phenomenological and statistical theories of rubber elasticity, relaxation spectra, creep, physical ageing. Polymer networks, gel point, network density, swelling behavior, mechanical response of cross-linked polymers. Introduction to polymer blends and alloys, molecular weight dependence of polymer miscibility, phase transitions in polymer blends, models of mechanical response of polymer blends.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. RNDr. Josef Jančář, CSc.

Department

Institute of Materials Science (ÚCHM)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Principles of glass state and glass transition, rubber elasticity, crystallizations kinetics, supermolecular structure, viscoealsticity of solid polymers, mechanical response of polymer networks, swelling, morphology and properties of polymer blends

Prerequisites

physical chemistry I and II, macromolecular chemistry, physical chemistry of macromolecules

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course uses teaching methods in form of Lecture - 2 teaching hours per week. The e-learning system (LMS Moodle) is available to teachers and students.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

oral exam 30 minutes, 2 written tests during semester, project

Course curriculum

1. Introduction to polymer physics,
2. Glassy state
3. Rubber elasticity
4. Crystallization
5. Polymer viscoelasticity
6. Polymer surfaces
7. Polymer networks
8. Polymer blends and alloys

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The main goal of this graduate course for materials science majors is to provide introductory level of the theoretical foundations of structure-property relationships in solid polymers and polymer blends, to provide explanations of how the various structural levels and parameters affect both supermolecular structure and resulting properties polymeric solids with main focus on the glass transition behavior, rubber elasticity, crystallization, polymer surfaces and interfaces, polymer mixing and interactions of long chain molecules with solid surfaces. Based on the growing application field of polymers in electronics, electrical properties of polymers are also discussed.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

none

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Birley A. W., Haworth B., Batchelor J.: Physics of Plastics. Hanser Publishers, Munich 1991. (CS)
Doi M.: Introduction to Polymer Physics. Oxford Univ. Press, New York 1996. (CS)
Mark J. E., Nagai K., Graessley W. W. et al: Physical properties of polymers. Univ. Press, Cambridge, Cambridge 2003. (CS)
Sperling L. H.: Introduction to physical polymer science. John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York 2001. (CS)
Strobl G.: The Physics of Polymers. Springer, Berlin 1997. (CS)

Type of course unit

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Josef Jančář, CSc.

Guided consultation in combined form of studies

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Josef Jančář, CSc.