KF2210 Polymer Chemistry 7.5 credits

The mechanisms of polymerization processes, kinetics and thermodynamics and their technical design are studied. Processes in gas phase (melt and solid phase), solution, emulsion and suspension, the use of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, different initiation-, chain transfer- and termination reactions, isolation and processing of products, modification of polymers, oxidation, degradation and stabilization, characteristics in the polymer chain, the relation between structure and properties and a review of the most common polymers

Aim

After the course the student should be able to:

Explain the general reaction course, the reaction mechanisms and kinetics for stepwise and chain polymerisation, including, radical-, ion and coordination polymerisation and copolymerisation.

Calculate the degree of polymerisation, average molecular weight, average functionality, point of gel, kinetic chain length, the composition of the copolymer.

Draw structural formulas and tell about the properties of the most usual polymers.

Explain the principles for the most common characterization techniques.

Carry out simple polymer syntheses.

Practically determine the molecular weight of polymers with SEC and viscosimetry.

Present and critically evaluate a laboratory work in the form of a written report.

3E1501 Perspectives on material design 4H1065 Fundamentals of materials science and engineering

Polymer Chemistry - an Introduction, R.R. Seymour och C.E. Carraher, Marcel Dekker Inc.

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

• LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 2.2 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 4.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVN1 - Exercises, 0.8 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.

Written examination (TEN1) 3.0 c
Passed laboratory course (LAB1) 1.5 c
Passed exercise course (ÖVN1) 0.5 c

Minna Hakkarainen

• 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.

KF3090 Polymer chemistry
KF2220 Biopolymers
KF2230 Mechanical properties of polymers, minor course
3E1361 Polymer processing, minor course
KF2240 Coating technology

Only for BD-students