C33K [CHEM3302] CHEMISTRY OF POLYMERS
(4 Credits) Semester 1 Level III

Pre-requisites: C23J and C33J

Syllabus:

Polymers; classification, synthesis, molar mass and distribution. Step-growth polymerisation, control of molar mass. Free radical addition polymerisation; Initiators and terminators, chain growth. Steady state kinetics. Thermodynamics of radical polymerisation. Cationic and anionic polymerisation general characteristics. Co-polymerisation, block copolymers, graft polymerisation. Thermodynamics of polymer solutions. Flory-Fluggins theory. Solubility parameters. Phase separation and fractionation methods. Crystalline, amorphous and elastomeric states. Structure/ property relationships.

A practical course of 36 hours.

Evaluation:

C31M, C31N, C32K, C32N, C33K & C33M each will be evaluated by:

One 2-hour written paper 70%

In-course tests 10%

Practical work 20%

Practical work is assessed throughout the duration of the course. Students whose practical work is considered to be unsatisfactory are required to sit a practical examination of not more than six hours duration. Candidates must provide the ORIGINAL notebooks of their laboratory work at the practical examination. These must be duly certified by the laboratory course Supervisor and may be taken into consideration by the Examiners.