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.

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

·      Lectures

Mentimeters will be used during many lectures to provide instant feedback on the student comprehension of discussed topics. It is very important that all course participants read the theory according to the reading instructions BEFORE the lecture. In class, we will discuss the theory and questions will be given where students are actively discussing and considering the answers before voting with mentimeters.

·       Exercises

You will during the exercises work alone and/or together with the teacher and classmates. We will solve/discuss problems together when needed, on-demand.

·      Laboratory exercises

There are 4 scheduled laboratory exercises per student group. All laboratory exercises are closely connected to the lecture topics and will give you important practical skills. Before starting the laboratory work, each student must carefully read the safety regulations available on Canvas.

·      Laboratory reports

Each student writes a report after each lab. The laboratory report should be uploaded on Canvas (assignments) no later than one week after the laboration. The reports should be written individually. The laboratory reports will be graded, more information is given on Canvas.

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

All laboratory course participants must register for the lab course by taking the quiz ‘Sign up for a lab group’ on Canvas.

‘Introduction to Polymer Science and Chemistry: A Problem Solving Approach’ by Manas Chanda (Taylor & Francis group publishing, U.K.) ISBN: 0849373840

The course book is available for purchase at the KTH campus bookstore ‘THS Kårbokhandeln’.

Additional documents are available on Canvas.

Students at KTH with a permanent disability can get support during studies from Funka:

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

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

• 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.

Laboratory Course ( LAB2 )

Requirements to pass: Mandatory presence at all laboratory exercises and approved reports for each laboratory exercise.

Written exam ( TEN2 )

The written exam will consist of two parts: A and B. Each part gives maximum 24 points. Part A will be similar to the small test and Part B will include more complex questions.

The course grade scale is A, B, C, D, E, Fx, F and the grades will be given as follows:

F <22 points

Fx – 22-23 points

E - 50% correct answers (24 points)

D- 60% correct answers (28 points)

C- 70% correct answers (33 points)

B - 80% correct answers (38 points)

A - 90% correct answers (43 points)

At least 24 points is needed at the final exam to pass. Points from the small exam can claimed at the final exam provided that the student has passed the small exam (≥16 points).

Active participation in all compulsory activities as specified in Course information.

Students who do not pass the exam but, according to the grading table above, are close to passing the exam will be given the opportunity to do a supplementary examination. These persons will get the grade Fx. The supplementary examination is optional. Students who pass the supplementary examination will pass the course with a grade E.

Students who get the grade Fx at the exam and would like to do a supplementary exam should contact the examiner of this course no later than three weeks after the results have been published.

• 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.