Department of Chemistry, Unit Catalogue 2011/12 |
|
 Credits:
| 3 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX100 |
| Supplementary Assessment: | Reassessment not allowed |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take CH20151 or take CH20152 and in taking this unit you cannot take CH30029 or take CH30067This unit is only available for students who have completed an MChem Placement or Study Abroad Year and did Physical Chemistry by distance learning. |
| Description:
| Aims: This core unit will introduce the basic concepts needed to describe the synthesis and characterisation of a range of polymers in order to understand how their properties can be controlled. We will take examples from the literature and show how science is applied in reality. Learning Outcomes: After studying the Unit, students should be able to: * Demonstrate an understanding of how polymer structure can be influenced by the methods of synthesis and how this affects material properties; * Describe and explain methods for synthesis by step- and chain growth polymerization; * Perform a range of numerical problems concerning polymerization chemistry; * Describe some polymers with biological relevance; * Discuss & critically evaluate some recent literature examples of polymerization processes. Skills: Self-study (F,A), Problem-solving (F,T,A). Content: Classification and types of polymers. Synthesis of polymers with examples taken from several different classes (addition, step-growth, ring opening, organometallic) with the emphasis on how physicochemical considerations influence the polymer structure. Characterisation of polymers (molecular weight and chain length, spectroscopy, thermal methods). Structure and morphology of polymers and how this influences properties. Polymer solutions and thermodynamics of polymer mixtures. A survey of recent applications taken from current research and industrial topics. As part of this course the students will be provided with some relevant literature and expected to undertake a period of "self-study" and read appropriate peer reviewed scientific papers. |
| Programme availability: |
CH40067 is Optional on the following programmes:Department of Chemistry
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