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

This course is divided into lectures (L), class exercises (E), laboratory exercises (Lab).

The design of these activities will support you to work actively and continuously during the course.  

Lectures

The subject of each lecture is presented in the schedule.

This course provides question-based learning. Mentimeters will be used during many lectures to provide instant feedback on the student’s 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. Please go to www.menti.com and enter the passcode provided by the lecturer.  

You can download the lecture handouts from Canvas. A detailed list of reading instructions is available on Canvas. In a few cases, review papers are also included in the recommended literature, these papers are available on Canvas. 

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. You will perform each laboration in a small group of students.

The course laboratory is located at Teknikringen 48, level 6, room 628. It is very important that you are on time. The laboratory exercise starts at 1 pm or 2 pm sharp. You will have to do the lab another day if you are late.

All laboratory course participants must register for the lab course by taking the quiz ‘Sign up for a lab group’ on Canvas, deadline October 31.

Before you start the first laboratory exercise you must carefully read the safety regulations available on Canvas, for your own safety! You will be requested to sign a confirmation that you have read and understood the safety instructions. The confirmation form should be uploaded on Canvas as an assignment before the start of the first lab.

Laboratory reports

You will be requested to write a report after each lab, using the template available on Canvas (Laboration report template KF2130). You will co-write the report together with the small group of students who performed the laboration together. One report/group is required. You will be asked to answer questions before and after each lab. The questions before each lab will only be used as a tool for you to know that you have understood what you will do during the lab before you start the practical work.

The laboratory report should be uploaded on Canvas (assignments) no later than one week after the laboratory exercise. The reports should be written individually. Each report will be automatically checked for plagiarism via the system. Please note that plagiarism in any form is not allowed. For more information regarding plagiarism, the Policy for handling plagiarism in KTH education is available via this link: https://www.kth.se/social/upload/529e4900f27654016...iarism%20in%20KTH%20education.pdf

Half-time quiz

The half-time quiz includes the topics of step-growth polymerization, radical polymerization, and ionic polymerization.

To pass, ≥16 points are needed. Students who pass the small test have automatically passed Part A on the final exam with an equal amount of credits as the result of the small test (16-24 p) and do not have to answer Part A questions. If aiming for a higher score, the student may also choose to do Part A on the exam and the best score (Part A or the quiz result) will be used to calculate the total credits for the final exam. 

The possibility to include small exam results at the final exam is only possible for the immediate upcoming exam and re-exam.

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

‘Introduction to Polymer Science and Chemistry: A Problem Solving Approach’ 2^nd Edition, by Manas Chanda (Taylor & Francis Group publishing, U.K.) ISBN: 0849373840

Hand-outs

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.

LAB2 - Laboratory Course, 3.0 credits

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

TEN2 - Written exam, 4.5 credits

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

• 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.