KF2130 Polymer Chemistry 7.5 credits
In this course are different aspects of polymer chemistry discussed.
Polymer chemistry is a multidisciplinary science that deals with the chemical synthesis and chemical properties of polymers. This polymer chemistry course covers the synthetic techniques in common use in both academic and industrial laboratories for making a wide variety of polymers. The challenges and latest developments in producing established thermoplastics and elastomers from renewable sources to obtain sustainable polymeric materials are discussed.
All major synthetic methods are considered: step growth polymerization, chain polymerization including ionic polymerization, radical polymerization, copolymerization, coordination polymerization and ring-opening polymerization. Synthetic reactions on formed polymers are also presented as tools to modify the polymer properties.
Emphasis is placed on how the various synthetic methods are used to control structural features such as molecular weight, branching, crosslinking, and crystallinity.
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Application
For course offering
Autumn 2024 Start 28 Oct 2024 programme students
Application code
51220
Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
This course covers the most important polymerization reactions, focusing on their reaction mechanisms and kinetic aspects. The most common polymerizations include step growth polymerization and chain polymerization (radical, ion, and coordination polymerization). The course also includes more advanced polymerization techniques such as copolymerization, controlled radical polymerization, heterogeneous polymerization and ring-opening polymerization. Polymerization principles of bulk, solution, suspension, emulsion, and interface polymerization are discussed and compared. Each method presentation will cover the full spectrum from the theoretical understanding of detailed experimental procedures to examples of functional materials prepared by the specific method. Aside theory, the course also focus on calculations and predictions of important parameters and outcomes of polymerizations, including the degree of polymerization, average molecular weight, average functionality, gel point, kinetic chain length, rate constants, chain transfer, copolymerization composition etc.
Intended learning outcomes
After completing the course the student should
To pass the course be able to:
- Explain the general reaction course and reaction mechanism for common polymerizations
- Describe and compare the polymerization principles
- Calculate parameters and outcomes of polymerizations
- Evaluate polymerizations from a green chemistry perspective
- Practically perform different types of polymerizations
- Present and evaluate laboratory assignments in writing
To achieve higher grades than D be able to
- Explain the general reaction course and mechanisms for more advanced polymerizations
- Describe and compare the polymerization principles
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in engineering or in sciences including 50 credits in chemistry or chemical engineering. English B/6.
Recommended prerequisites
KF1010 Polymer technology with cellulose technology or KF1040 Polymer technology for the CL programme and three years of studies in chemical science and engineering at bachelor level, or equivalent
Equipment
Literature
Course literature is described in the Course information.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- LAB2 - Laboratory Course, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
- TEN2 - Written exam, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Active participation in all compulsory activities as specified in Course information.
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.
Further information
Course room in Canvas
Offered by
Main field of study
Education cycle
Add-on studies
KF2190 Polymeric Materials: Structure and Properties
KF3090 Polymer chemistry
Supplementary information
Will replace 3E1141 and the course KF2210