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Lecture

Solid state properties of polymers

In course

MSE-214: Materials engineering I

An introduction to the processing-microstructure-property relationships of polymers and metals. The objectives of the course are to understand a) basic behaviors of polymers and metals and b) how to select materials for components relevant in microtechnolo ...

Description

This lecture covers the solid state properties of polymers, including the crystalline and amorphous states, polymer mixtures, and mechanical properties. Topics include the microstructure of semi-crystalline polymers, factors influencing crystallization, degradation behavior of various polyesters, and the importance of polymer tacticity. The instructor discusses the implications of stereoisomerism, the transition between glassy and rubbery states, and the mechanical behavior of polymers under stress. Additionally, the lecture explores the phase behavior of polymer blends and copolymers, as well as the mechanical properties of polymers in terms of stress-strain curves and toughness.

Instructors (3)

Pierre-Etienne Bourban

Background 1990 Ingénieur en science des matériaux 1993 PhD in materials science Activities 1993-1994 Research at the Center for Composite Materials, University of Delaware, USA (ccm.udel.edu), SNSF grant Since 1994 Research and teaching at EPFL, Composites, (LTC, LPAC) 1995-1999 Coordination Swiss Priority Program on Materials research: 2.2: Composites Since 1998 Biocomposites 2004-2009 Direction of the EPFL Transdisciplinary programme in Sport and Rehabilitation 2005-2008 Member of the EPFL Vice-Presidency for Innovation and Valorisation and direction a.i.EPFL-LTC Since 2016 Direction Discovery Learning Labs Materials/Bioengineering and Engineering

Harm-Anton Klok

Michael Stuer

Official source

Ontological neighbourhood

Chemistry

Organic chemistry: Polymer chemistry

Related concepts (32)

Copolymer

In polymer chemistry, a copolymer is a polymer derived from more than one species of monomer. The polymerization of monomers into copolymers is called copolymerization. Copolymers obtained from the copolymerization of two monomer species are sometimes called bipolymers. Those obtained from three and four monomers are called terpolymers and quaterpolymers, respectively. Copolymers can be characterized by a variety of techniques such as NMR spectroscopy and size-exclusion chromatography to determine the molecular size, weight, properties, and composition of the material.

Polymer

A polymer (ˈpɒlᵻmər; Greek poly-, "many" + -mer, "part") is a substance or material consisting of very large molecules called macromolecules, composed of many repeating subunits. Due to their broad spectrum of properties, both synthetic and natural polymers play essential and ubiquitous roles in everyday life. Polymers range from familiar synthetic plastics such as polystyrene to natural biopolymers such as DNA and proteins that are fundamental to biological structure and function.

Polymer chemistry

Polymer chemistry is a sub-discipline of chemistry that focuses on the structures of chemicals, chemical synthesis, and chemical and physical properties of polymers and macromolecules. The principles and methods used within polymer chemistry are also applicable through a wide range of other chemistry sub-disciplines like organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and physical chemistry. Many materials have polymeric structures, from fully inorganic metals and ceramics to DNA and other biological molecules.

Polymer degradation

Polymer degradation is the reduction in the physical properties of a polymer, such as strength, caused by changes in its chemical composition. Polymers and particularly plastics are subject to degradation at all stages of their product life cycle, including during their initial processing, use, disposal into the environment and recycling. The rate of this degradation varies significantly; biodegradation can take decades, whereas some industrial processes can completely decompose a polymer in hours.

Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP), also known as polypropene, is a thermoplastic polymer used in a wide variety of applications. It is produced via chain-growth polymerization from the monomer propylene. Polypropylene belongs to the group of polyolefins and is partially crystalline and non-polar. Its properties are similar to polyethylene, but it is slightly harder and more heat-resistant. It is a white, mechanically rugged material and has a high chemical resistance. Bio-PP is the bio-based counterpart of polypropylene (PP).

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Glass Transition: Polymer Properties

Explores glass and melting transitions in polymers, including characterization methods and specific polymer properties.

Polymers: Structure and Properties

Explores the classification, molecular structures, mechanical behavior, and viscoelastic properties of polymers, emphasizing temperature effects and material responses.

Polymer Phase Behavior

Explores the physical chemistry of polymeric materials, emphasizing concentrated solutions and phase separation behavior.

Physical Chemistry of Polymeric Materials: Introduction

Covers the physical principles of synthetic macromolecules, focusing on polymer structure and characteristics.

Polymer Chemistry: Basics and Applications