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Course unit, curriculum year 2024–2025
KEM.320

Polymer Chemistry, Laboratory, 5 cr

Tampere University
Teaching periods
Active in period 3 (1.1.2025–2.3.2025)
Active in period 4 (3.3.2025–31.5.2025)
Course code
KEM.320
Language of instruction
English, Finnish
Academic years
2024–2025, 2025–2026, 2026–2027
Level of study
Intermediate studies
Grading scale
General scale, 0-5
Persons responsible
Responsible teacher:
Terttu Hukka
Responsible organisation
Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences 100 %
Coordinating organisation
Environmental Engineering and Chemistry Studies 100 %
Common learning outcomes
Interaction and communication skills
Information technology and digital skills
Sustainable development
Sustainable development goals
Goal 4: Quality Education
Core content
  • Syntheses of PVAC, PA 610, PF polymers using chain-growth or step-growth polymerization mechanisms, preparation of an expanded foam (PUR), and depolymerization of PA 66. Emulsion, solution, interphase and mass polymerization techniques.
  • Analyses and characterization of the synthesized polymers and an unknown polymer sample from bond vibrations (IR-spectroscopy), thermal properties (DSC), and molecular modeling. Determination of the molar mass of a polymer from its viscosity.
  • Curing kinetics of the PF resin and predicting of the conversion degree with DSC.
  • Safety with using chemicals, studying of the materials safety data sheets, and following their instructions in laboratory. Correct waste treatment.
Complementary knowledge
  • Surface film, melt film, ATR, and KBr techniques with IR spectroscopy.

Special knowledge

  • Synthesis and analysis of a biopolymer or liquid crystal polymer as an alternative to the PVAC synthesis.
Learning outcomes
Prerequisites
Compulsory prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites
Further information
Learning material
Equivalences
Studies that include this course
Completion option 1
The total estimated workload for the student is ca. 130 h. Lectures on working practices 4 h + 4 h, laboratory work max. 56 h, preparing for the laboratory tasks, reporting and checking of the results.

Participation in teaching

07.01.2025 25.04.2025
Active in period 3 (1.1.2025–2.3.2025)
Active in period 4 (3.3.2025–31.5.2025)