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KF2130 Polymer Chemistry 7.5 credits

Polymerkemi

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.

  • Educational level

    Second cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

    D

  • Subject area

    Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

  • Grade scale

    A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Course offerings

Autumn 12 for programme students

Autumn 13 for programme students

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 step growth polymerization, chain  polymerization including radical-,  ion-, and copolymerization
  • Describe and compare the principals of bulk, solution and interface polymerization
  • Calculate the degree of polymerization, average molecular weight, average functionality, gel point, kinetic chain length, copolymerization composition etc.
  • Suggest measures to control the molecular weight and the rate of polymerization
  • Suggest characterization methods to identify polymer composition, polymer architecture, molecular weight etc.
  • Practically perform different types of polymerizations
  • Present and evaluate a laboratory assignment orally and in writing

to achieve higher grades than D be able to

  • Explain the general reaction course for ring-opening, coordination, suspension and emulsion polymerization
  • Suggest and motivate choices of a polymerization technique considering the monomer structure and describe properties of the manufactured product.
  • Compare and value different polymerization techniques
  • Compare green polymerization methods- from renewable materials to waste reduction and from biocatalysis to solvent-free methods.

Course main content

The lectures, exercises and laborations discuss polymerization mechanisms, kinetics and thermodynamics, polymerization techniques such as gas phase, bulk, solution, emulsion- and suspension polymerization. In connection with this, the use and effects of homogenous and heterogeneous catalysis, different initiation-, chain transfer- and termination reactions and polymer modification reactions are in focus. The lectures are closely related to the laboratory work and to class exercises.

Eligibility

At least 150 credits from grades 1, 2 and 3 of which at least 110 credits from years 1 and 2, and bachelor's work must be completed, within a programme that includes:
75 university credits (hp) in chemistry or chemical engineering, 20 university credits (hp) in mathematics and 6 university credits (hp) in computer science or corresponding.

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

Literature

"Introduction to Polymer Science and Chemistry: A Problem Solving Approach"av Manas Chanda

Examination

  • LAB2 - Laboratory Course, 3.0 credits, grade scale: P, F
  • TEN2 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

Passed examination (TEN2) - 4,5 credits
Completed laboratory course (LAB2) - 3,0 credits

Offered by

CHE/Fibre and Polymer Technology

Examiner

Anna Finne Wistrand <annaf@kth.se>

Supplementary information

Will replace 3E1141 and the course KF2210

Add-on studies

KF2190 Polymeric Materials: Structure and Properties
KF3090 Polymer chemistry

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 12.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 11.