Course contents

The aim of this course is to introduce the student to polymer materials. Polymer materials is today a common material used in all fields of applications. Polymer materials with a wide variety of properties can be produced and the proerties be tailored with respect to the end-use demands. Basic material knowledge and concepts for material groups in different technique areas is of importance also for engineers not directly involved in material selection processes. The present course describes the production, characterization, physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of polymers on a general basic level.

Intended learning outcomes

After the course the student should be able to:

• describe the concepts monomers, polymers, and plastics
• describe the concept of glastransition
• understand kinetic-, free volume-, and termodynamic theories for the glass transition
• describe the concept of semi-crystallinity and the hierarcalic structure of semicrystalline polymers and how this can be studied experimentally
• describe the concept of viscoelasticity
• describe tensile and creep testing
• describe polymer processing techniques
• describe the two main polymerization procedures (step- and chain wise polymerization)
• give names on common polymers
• describe molecular weights and molecular weight distributions
• describe different copolymerization reactions
• apply fundamental statistical mechanics on the shape of polymer chains in different states
• describe the basics of rubber elasticity

Course Disposition

No information inserted

Specific prerequisites

Completed upper secondary education including documented proficiency in English corresponding to English A. For students who received/will receive their final school grades after 31 December 2009, there is an additional entry requirement for mathematics as follows: documented proficiency in mathematics corresponding to Mathematics A.

And the specific requirements of mathematics, physics and chemistry corresponding to Mathematics E, Physics B and Chemistry A.

Recommended prerequisites

KD1160 Materials Chemistry or corresponding

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

”Polymer Science & Technology” av Joel R. Fried, ISBN 0-13-018168-4

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

Grading scale

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

Examination

• LAB1 - Laboratory, 2,0 hp, betygsskala: P, F
• TEN1 - Written exam, 5,0 hp, betygsskala: 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.

Other requirements for final grade

examination, TEN1, 5c, Grading scale: A-F
Laboratory course, Lab 1, 2c, Grading scale: PF

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Mats Johansson

Ethical approach

• 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.

Course web

Further information about the course can be found on the Course web at the link below. Information on the Course web will later be moved to this site.

Offered by

CBH/Fibre and Polymer Technology

Main field of study

Technology

Education cycle

First cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted

Supplementary information

Mandatory for Degree Programme in Materials Design and Engineering.