Polymer Chemistry, Laboratory, 5 cr

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.