FCK3107 Polymer Physics including Polyelectrolytes I 6.0 credits

Lectures, textbook reading with exercises (solutions), written exam.

• An introductory overview of polymer science: fundamental concepts in polymer science, primary and secondary bonds including potential functions, the molar mass concept in polymer science, an overview of structures and phase transitions in polymers, and the history of polymer science and engineering (Chapter 1).
• Chain conformations: theta-state, conformations of polymers in crystals, conformations including scaling laws of polymers in different solvents (good, theta and poor) and in the molten state (the Flory theorem), models describing global dimensions of polymer coils, and finally the random-flight analysis (Chapter 2)
• Rubber elasticity: thermodynamic relationships including a simple description of entropy and enthalpy forces, statistical mechanical models (affine network and phantom network), real polymer networks – loose chain ends, trapped entanglements (Langley model), Flory-Rehner model, and finally an overview of then more novel models (Chapter 3).
• Polymer solutions: the regular solution model, definition of different phase separation mechanisms including nucleation-controlled growth and spinodal decomposition, the Flory-Huggins theory, concentration-regimes according to de Gennes, the solubility parameter concept, and an overview of the equation-of-state models (Chapter 4).
• Polyelectrolytes: theories, solutions and gels (Chapter 2, Section 2.12; text by Wågberg)
• Glassy state of polymers: The glass transition temperature and its dependence on molecular structure and architecture, the free volume concept, plasticisation, physical ageing – phenomenology, models and theory, sub-glass processes, molecular interpretation of the glass transition, and the structure of glassy polymers (Chapter 5).
• Semicrystalline polymers: polymer crystallography, the crystal lamella – sectors, chain folding and lateral habit, superstructures (spherulites, axialtites and oriented superstructures) and how they are related to the lamellar structure including the segregated structures, crystallinity, melting point and how it is related to crystal thickness (Thomson-Gibbs equation), crystallization kinetics – different classes of theories (overview), kinetics growth theories, and finally an overview of the theories including a critical metastable phase (Chapters 7 and 8).

• An introductory overview of polymer science
• Chain conformations
• Rubber elasticity
• Polymer solutions
• Polyelectrolytes
• Glassy state of polymers
• Semicrystalline polymers

After completion of the course the doctoral student should have the knowledge and ability to

• demonstrate for the level of the course adequate acquired knowledge in the specialized topics of the course.
• design, plan and carry out a project to address a scientific problem by experiments and, if necessary, a simulation/modeling study within the frame of the scientific field.
• present and interpret the results of own research on the basis of the fundamental knowledge provided in the course.

Eligible for studies at the third-cycle level but with the further requirement of passed fundamental courses in polymer science.

Introductory polymer science and engineering and thermodynamics.

Fundamental Polymer Science,  Ulf W. Gedde and Mikael S. Hedenqvist, Springer Nature, New York (2019).

Lars Wågberg: Compendium and material from a few other sources.

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

• TEN1 - Written exam, 6.0 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.

In addition to the written exam, individual project tasks are performed and presented.

Lars Wågberg

• 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.

The course replaces the course F3E5054; 6.0 credits