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 students’ comprehension of the 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.

·         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

All laboratory course participants must register for the lab course by taking the quiz ‘Sign up for a lab group’ on Canvas. The class will be divided into 3 lab groups based on the replies to the quiz.

• Each group does 1 lab/week.
• There are in total 4 scheduled laboratory exercises per 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. It is very important that you are on time. 

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 must be uploaded to 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 You will co-write the report together with the small group of students who performed the laboration together. One report/group is required.

·         Course literature

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

2. Publications on Canvas

3. Lecture slides

The course examination includes:

LAB2 - Laboratory Course, 3.0 ECTS credits, grade scale: P, F

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

TEN2 – Written examination, 4.5, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements to pass: Pass the written exam.

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

Funka - compensatory support for students with disabilities

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• TEN2 - Written exam, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• LAB2 - Laboratory Course, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, 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.

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

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.