KF1010 Polymer Technology with Cellulose Technology 7.5 credits

Introduction to polymer chemistry with definition of basic conceptions and history. The polymer structure and the relation structure-properties. Rheology and solubility. Molecular weight and molecular weight determination. Characterization of chemical, physical-chemical and mechanical properties of polymers. Natural polymers. Stepwise polymerization. Ion- and coordination polymerization. Radical polymerization. Copolymerization. Modification of polymers and additives and chemical reactions. Processing of polymer materials. Plastic waste handling. Environmental aspects on plastic waste.

Summary of production, properties and use of paper- and other cellulose based materials. The course also includes a study trip to a polymer industry and a paper mill.

After finished course the student should be able to:

• Identify and describe the different building stones of a polymeric material, and explain in which different ways these can be joined.
• Describe the connections between chemical structure and material properties.
• Define and describe the phenomena rubber elasticity, glass transition, polydispersity and molecular weight distribution.
• Describe different crystalline and amorphous morphologies of polymers and how they are formed.
• Describe the characteristic mechanical properties of polymers and how these are tested.
• Describe the polymerisation process and the results achieved by different techniques.
• Describe summarily the recycling processes for polymers.
• From a given result choose a suitable processing method and describe how it works.
• From a required information choose a suitable characterization method and descibe how it works.
• From a given simple application choose a suitable polymeric material with regard to function, formability and environmental interaction.
• Describe the morphology of wood/wood fibers.
• Describe the structure and properties of the wood polymers.
• Describe the pulping processes used to recover fibers from wood.
• Describe the fiber applications in paper and pulping production as well as in other products.
• Explain how fibers ca nbe utilized as a resource for the production of chemicals, e.g. cellulose derivatives, and new ways of utilizing lignin.
• Describe paper production technologies.
• Describe coating and printing processes.
• Describe wood based composites.
• Compile a literature report and present orally/in writing as a group assignment.

The upper-secondary school before 1 July 2011 and adult education at upper-secondary level before 1 July 2012

Specific entry requirements: mathematics E, physics B and chemistry A. The grade Passed or 3 inn each of the subjects is required .

The upper-secondary school from 1 July 2011 and adult education at upper-secondary level from 1 July 2012 (Gy2011)

Specific entry requirements: Physics 2, Chemistry 1 and Mathematics 4. Minimum requirement is a pass grade.

Bok:
"Polymerteknologi – makromolekylär design" av Ann-Christine Albertsson, Ulrica Edlund och karin Odelius

• ÖVNA - Project, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TENA - Examination, 6.0 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.

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

Participation at the study trip is compulsory.

Examination (TENA; 6,0 credits)
Project (ÖVNA; 1,5 credits)

• 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.

Will replace 3E1200