MLU
PHY.03132.02 - Introduction to Polymer Science (Complete module description)
Original version English
PHY.03132.02 8 CP
Module label Introduction to Polymer Science
Module code PHY.03132.02
Semester of first implementation
Faculty/Institute Institut für Physik
Module used in courses of study / semesters
  • Applied Polymer Science (MA120 LP) (Master) > Werkstofftechnik App. Polymer ScienceMA120, Version of accreditation valid from WS 2007/08 > Pflichtmodule
  • Polymer Materials Science (MA120 LP) (Master) > Werkstofftechnik PolymerMaterialScMA120, Version of accreditation (WS 2009/10 - SS 2014) > Pflichtmodule
Responsible person for this module
Further responsible persons
Prof. Dr. Kay Saalwächter
Prerequisites
Skills to be acquired in this module
  • knowledge of the basic concepts of polymer chemistry: terminology, synthesis, and characterization of chemical structure and molar mass
  • application to the solution of synthetic problems and calculation of molar mass distributions
  • foundations of the physical chemistry and physics of polymers, characterization methods
  • application to calculating polymer dimensions, miscibility, and other properties
  • basics of technical/industrial polymers, their processing, characterization, and applications
  • learning computational applications in polymer science
Module contents
Lectures:
1. Introduction to Macromolecules
  • general introduction and history of polymer science
  • general principles of polymer synthesis
  • basics of polymer structure (conformation, constitution, tacticity, chain structure)
  • nomenclature
  • reactions with polymers: isomerization, grafting, crosslinking
  • basics of polymer characterization: end-group titration/NMR, osmometry, viscosity, chromatography, mass spectrometry
  • microphase-separated polymers: block copolymers, thin films, amphiphilic polymers in solvents, micelles
  • Flory-Huggins theory, polymer crystallization
  • natural polymers, additives
2. Fundamentals of Polymer Physics and Modeling
  • mathematical tools (complex numbers, Fourier transformation, delta function)
  • molecular weight distributions, averages and moments
  • diffusion, Brownian motion and random walks
  • single-chain structure (real chains, Gaussian coil, radius of gyration)
  • basic scattering (Bragg`s law, interference, Debye structure factor)
  • basic statistical thermodynamics (Boltzmann distribution and entropy, Flory-Huggins chain entropy, single-chain entropy and rubber elasticity)
  • forces within and between polymers
  • basics of viscoelasticity and rheology
3. Introduction to Polymer Engineering
  • industrial polymers and history, economical and ecological aspects
  • polymer materials testing: experimental tests of viscoelasticity, behavior under mechanical and thermal load
  • overview of polymer materials: thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, blends, composites
  • processing of polymers: basics of melt flow, extrusion, injection molding, spinning, foaming
  • elastomer processing, tires
  • photo resists, optical properties
  • recycling of polymers
Lab Course:
Polymer Computer Modeling
  • using Materials Studio software for modeling of polymers
  • polymer miscibility
  • interaction parameters, molecular diffusion in polymers
  • simulation of WAXS and IR spectra
  • drawing of chemical structures, predicting of polymer properties
Forms of instruction Lecture (2 SWS)
Lecture (2 SWS)
Exercises (1 SWS)
Seminar (1 SWS)
Lecture (1 SWS)
Course
Languages of instruction German, English
Duration (semesters) 1 Semester Semester
Module frequency jedes Wintersemester
Module capacity unlimited
Time of examination
Credit points 8 CP
Share on module final degree Course 1: %; Course 2: %; Course 3: %; Course 4: %; Course 5: %; Course 6: %.
Share of module grade on the course of study's final grade 1
Module course label Course type Course title SWS Workload of compulsory attendance Workload of preparation / homework etc Workload of independent learning Workload (examination and preparation) Sum workload
Course 1 Lecture Lecture Introduction to Polymer Engineering 2 0
Course 2 Lecture Lecture Introduction to Polymer Chemistry 2 0
Course 3 Exercises Lab Course Polymer Computer Modeling 1 0
Course 4 Seminar Seminar Fundamentals of Polymer Physics 1 0
Course 5 Lecture Lecture Fundamentals of Polymer Physics 1 0
Course 6 Course Selbststudium 0
Workload by module 240 240
Total module workload 240
Examination Exam prerequisites Type of examination
Course 1
Course 2
Course 3
Course 4
Course 5
Course 6
Final exam of module
lab course presentation; seminar problem set solutions; 3 written examinations
oral examination
Exam repetition information
Prerequisites and conditions Prerequisites Frequency Compulsory attendance Share on module grade in percent
Course 1 Winter semester No %
Course 2 Winter semester No %
Course 3 Winter semester No %
Course 4 Winter semester No %
Course 5 Winter semester No %
Course 6 Winter semester No %