INW.05571.03 - Advanced Polymer Engineering (Complete module description)

Prof. Dr. Mario Beiner

This module covers advanced methods of polymer processing (lecture 1: Processing of polymer blends and composites) and polymer characterization on macroscopic level (lecture 2: Polymer Structure and Morphology). The Lab courses Processing of polymer blends and composites and Polymer Structure and Morphology give the students the opportunity to perform their own polymer processing experiments and X-ray investigations.
Lectures:
1. Processing of polymer blends and composites

• Techniques of modifying of polymers, creation of blends, compounds and master batches, compatibility and incompatibility of blends, special aspects of blend technology, influence of process parameters, technology of polymer composites: nano, micro and macro composites, manufacturing by different forms of composite components (particles, lamellas, short, long and endless fibers), special aspects of composites technology

2. Polymer Structure and Morphology

• Scattering techniques: basic principles & general aspects, primary scattering and interference, comparison x-rays and neutrons, radiation sources and detectors
• X-ray diffraction (WAXS): typical setups, diffraction by crystals, Braggs law and Laue condition, Miller indices, Structure factor and lattice factor, scattering of amorphous materials and liquids
• Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS): typical setups, application to semi-crystalline and self-assembled polymers, Guinier law and application to disordered systems
• Imaging techniques: light microscopy, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy techniques

1. Lab Course: Processing of polymer blends and composites
Practical exercises to special aspects by processing polymer blends and composites, Polymer orientation experiments after extrusion, effect of thermal treatment
2. Lab Course: Polymer Structure and Morphology
Practical exercises in imaging techniques, X-ray experiments with 1- and 2-dim detectors, AFM investigations on thin films

completed lab course protocols (Processing of polymer blends and composites), completed lab course protocols (Polymer Structure and Morphology)

oral or written examination (Processing of polymers, Polymer structure)