Course detail

Laboratory Classes in Macromolecular Chemistry

FCH-BC_MCH_PAcad. year: 2025/2026

Laboratory course of "Macromolecular Chemistry" is focused to synthesis, processing and simple characterization of following categories of polymers: polyamides, polyurethanes, polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyvinyl acetate, phenol-formaldehyde and melamine-formaldehyde resins, unsaturated polyester resin, poly(styrene-co-maleianhydride), poly(styrene-co-maleic acid), polyvinylalcohole, cellulose triacetate etc. Synthesis of polymers mentioned above are based on radical and polycondenzation reactions and consider a technological point of preparation - in block, suspension, emulsion, precipitation techniques. Modifications of prepared polymers are curried out by polymeranalogous reactions. Course includes simple technological testing such as determination of acid value, measurement of gel point of unsaturated polyester, crosslinking time of polyurethanes etc. Determination of polymeric rate versus concentration of initiator is arranged for kinetics observation. Working experience in laboratory techniques of preparation and processing of polymer obtained from this practical course are advantageous in master study and also in standing in industry. Course gives attention to safety of work; work with chemical information sources and literature and to environmental protection.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

2

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Mgr. František Kučera, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Materials Science (ÚCHM)

Entry knowledge

Macromolecular Chemistry
Practise of Organic Chemistry

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Requirement to obtain course-unit credit is sucessfull participation all laboratory practice with yield more than 50 % of average values and acceptance of all laboratory protocol (until 14 days from the date of laboratory work). Agreement of responsibility to laboratory practice is enable for ready prepared students, what is checked in laboratory workbooks or with short test when practise class is starting.
Participation on each laboratory practice is necessary. In the case of illness confirmed with a doctor is substitution in other students group possible.

Aims

Using of theoretical knowledges obtained in the course of "Macromolecular Chemistry" for practical synthesis of several engineering polymers using radical polymerization, polycondensation, additional polymerization and polymeranalogous reactions. From the technological poin of view students get acquainted with polymerization in solution, suspension, emulsion, in bulk and precipitation polymerization. Course assist to evaluation on the field of safety work and environment protection.
Practical knowledge of each polymerization techniques, methods of isolation and simple methods for processing of prepared polymers. Students acquire knowledges about polymerisation reactions and techniques, chemical compositions, structure and properties of polymeric materials and about reactivity of polymers.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Basic literature

Braun D., Cherdron H., Ritter H., Polymer Synthesis: Theory and Practice, Springer 2001, ISBN:3-540-41697 (EN)

Recommended reading

Sandler R.S. et. al., Polymer Synthesis and Characterization: Laboratory manual, AP 1998, ISBN: 0-12-618-240-X (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BKCP_CHTM Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory
  • Programme BPCP_CHTM Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Laboratory exercise

52 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Mgr. František Kučera, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1.a) Emulsion polymerization of vinylacetate
b) Isolation of polyvinylacetate
2.a) Preparation of polyvinlylcohole using hydrolysis of PVAc
b) Preparation of polymeric thin film, determination of solubility
3.a) Preparation and precipitation of polyvinylbutyrale
b) Using of polyvinylbutyrale as glue for glass
4.a) Suspension polymerization of styrene
b) Block polymerization of styrene
5.a) Emulsion polymerization of styrene
b) Preparation of nylon 66 (610)
6.a) Block polymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA)
b) Preparation of PMMA using set Dentacryl
7.a) Preparation of melamine-formaldehyde resin
b) Thermal hardening of resin in mould
8.a) Preparation of phenol-formaldehyde resin - resole
b) Preparation of resite
9.a) Preparation of polyurethane
b) Preparation polyurethane foam
10.a) Preparation of unsaturated polyester (UP)
b) Determination of acid number of UP
11.a) Precipitation polymerization of acrylic acid
b) Crosslinking of UP
12.a) Alternating radical copolymerisation of styrne with maleic anhydride
b) Hydrolysis of poly(styrene-co-maleinanhydride)