Course detail

Structure and Properties of Polymer Materials

FCH-MCO_SVPAcad. year: 2022/2023

The subject builds on basic knowledge obtained in previous terms regarding the field of macromolecular chemistry and structure of materials including polymers. It targets more thorough explanation and understanding of polymer structure from molecular one to supramolecular one and its reflection on final polymer properties. Since the structure of material controls its properties, the measurement of the polymer properties serves as the feedback to its structure and understanding of the structure can lead to the “polymer tailoring”. Lectured are selected direct and indirect methods for imaging and deduction of supramolecular structure together with basic methods to measure the polymer composition. Explained are principles of selected methods, suitable process of specimen preparation, proper choice of measuring conditions, and correct interpretation of the obtained data.
Since the subject simultaneously runs with Practices of instrumental and structure analysis targeted on direct imaging and indirect deduction of supramolecular structure, the sequence of particular themes is a little disordered in order to found theoretical basis for selected themes. Knowledge obtained in this subject is the basis for Practices from structure and polymer properties in next term.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Radka Bálková, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Materials Science (ÚCHM)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The ability of student to interpret supramolecular structure of polymers imaged by microscopy methods commonly used in a field of science, to deduce supramolecular structure from indirect methods, to determine the degree of crystallinity of semicrystalline polymers, to understand the principle of measurement of visco-elastic properties of polymers in solid state.

Prerequisites

Macromolecular chemistry, Structure of materials, Physical chemistry of macromolecules, Polymeric materials

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

Realization of two written tests or “homework” during the term.
Oral examination, which follows successful written test (at least 60 %).

Course curriculum

1. 1. Morphology of polymers – the separate discipline. Supramolecular structure of polymers and its imaging by Polarizing optical microscopy.
2. Methods of supramolecular structure uncovering and its imaging by Confocal laser scanning microscopy.
3. Polymers and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
4. Polymers and Fourier-transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
5. Polymers and Raman spectroscopy.
6. Molecular structure of polymers.
7. Molecular weight of polymers.
8. Polymers a thermogravimetry (TGA), polymers and thermomechanical analysis (TMA).
9. Polymers and dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA).
10. Polymers and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
11. UV-VIS of polymers, elastic and dynamic light scattering.
12. Morphology of liquid crystals, polymer blends, copolymers and composites.
13. Morphology of deformed and fractured polymer surfaces, morphological effects on polymer properties.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim is to understand that ordering of macromolecules is influenced by many factors especially the type of macromolecules/chains and processing conditions and to learn direct and indirect methods for determination of structure and basic properties of polymer materials because final structure of polymers reflects their properties. The main goal is to understand what supramolecular structure is, how to image it directly and how to deduce it from indirect measurements.

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

It is not but the attendance is recommended.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Ehrenstein, GW. Polymeric Materials : Structure – Properties – Applications. Munich : Carl Hanser Verlag, 2001. 279 p. ISBN 3-446-21461-5. (CS)
Ehrenstein, GW, Riedel, G, Trawiel, P: Thermal Analysis of Plastics: Theory and Practice. Hanser Gardner Publications, Cincinnati 2004. (CS)
Characterization and analysis of polymers. 1. Edition. Canada, New Jersey : Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated, 2008. 977 p. ISBN: 978-0-470-23300-9. (CS)
Lednický, František. Mikroskopie a morfologie polymerů : Díl 1. Mikroskopie polymerů a preparační techniky. 1. vyd. Liberec : Fastr typo-tisk, 2009. 71 s. ISBN 978-80-7372-486-3. (CS)
Lednický, František. Mikroskopie a morfologie polymerů : Díl 2. Morfologie polymerů. 1. vyd. Liberec : Fastr typo-tisk, 2009. 97 s. ISBN 978-80-7372-486-3.3. (CS)
Menard, KP: Dynamic Mechanical Analysis: A Practical Introduction to Techniques and Applications. CRC Press, Boca Raton 1999. (CS)
Woodward, AE. Atlas of Polymer Morphology. USA : Oxford University Press, 1989. 544 p. ISBN 978-0195207583. (CS)
Woodward, AE. Understanding Polymer Morphology. USA, New Yourk : Hanser Gardner Publications, 1995. 130 p. ISBN 978-1569901410. (CS)

Type of course unit

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Radka Bálková, Ph.D.

Guided consultation in combined form of studies

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Radka Bálková, Ph.D.