PHY.05548.04 - Basics of Materials and Polymer Physics (Vollständige Modulbeschreibung)

Dr. Karsten Busse

This module covers basic theoretical details of polymer physics and physical chemistry. The lectures Introduction to Materials Physics (1) and Mathematical and Theoretical Concepts for Polymer Science (2) act as refresher or introductional courses for the main mathematical tools and solid state properties. The Lab course Basic Physics and Physical Chemistry Lab give the students the opportunity to get an idea for the handling of characterization experiments.
Lectures:
1. Introduction to Materials Physics

• Atoms and bonds, crystal structures
• Structure analysis: microscopy techniques
• Basics of scattering (Bragg and crystal structures, wave equation, interference, structure factor)
• Phase transitions and phase diagrams
• Mechanical properties of solids
• Thermal, optical, magnetic, electric and dielectric properties

2. Mathematical and Theoretical Concepts for Polymer Science

• Mathematical tools (linear algebra, trigonometry, complex numbers, Fourier transformation, delta function)
• Calculus: integration, differentiation, solving differential simple equations, applications to reaction kinetics and simple mechanical polymer models
• Statistics: distribution functions (mol. weight distributions, averages and moments), data treatment, error handling, linear regression
• Diffusion, Brownian motion and random walks; single-chain structure (Gaussian coil, radius of gyration)
• Basics of computer simulation techniques (interaction potentials, MD vs. MC)
• Introduction to quantum mechanics: Schroedinger equation, wave functions, particle in a box, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, bonding

Lab course - Basic Physics and Physical Chemistry Lab:
9 experiments are performed. Each experiment consists of 4 hours lab time and private study of basics, writing the protocol and evaluating the experiment. The lab includes a tutorial experiment (radioactivity) that includes an introduction into the Origin software. The list of experiments is subject to changes. Current experiments are:

• Viscosity (falling ball viscometer)
• Humidity (dew point hygrometer)
• RLC oscillator (oscilloscope handling)
• Diffraction spectrometer (optical spectroscopy)
• Polarimeter and refractometer
• X-ray methods (spectrum of Mo tube, dosimetry)
• Vapor pressure and heat of vaporization (Clausius-Clapeyron)
• Freezing point depression
• Surface tension of liquids
• Solubility diagram of liquids (miscibility gap)

completed lab course protocols, Seminar problem set solutions

oral or written examination (Materials Physics, mathematical and theoretical concepts)