Polymer Chemistry I
- Sciences
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 89 pages
- 14 units
This course introduces learners to polymer chemistry, a specialized field of organic chemistry focusing on the formation, structures, reactions, and properties of polymers. It explores both natural and synthetic polymers, emphasizing their importance in modern life. The course covers polymerization reactions, polymer structures, and the modifications that enhance polymer properties. Learners will gain insights into the diverse applications of polymers in various fields, including food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and industry.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 52 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, practical
- Practical work
- Yes
- Basic Organic Chemistry
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CHM302, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CHM302 · Unit 1: Introduction to Polymer Chemistry and Nomenclature
In 1855 he developed Parkesine - the first thermoplastic – a celluloid based on nitrocellulose with the solvent ethanol. This material, exhibited at the 1862 London International Exhibition, anticipated many of the modern aesthetic and utility uses of plastics.
What you should be able to do
- Define polymers and monomers
- Explain polymerization reactions
- Classify polymers based on physical and chemical properties
- Describe industrial production of polymers
- Understand the mechanisms of polymerization
- Explain the properties and applications of different polymers
What it prepares you for
- Materials Scientist
- Polymer Chemist
- Chemical Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Quality Control Analyst
- Plastics Manufacturing
- Textile Industry
- Automotive Industry
- Pharmaceuticals
- Packaging
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Processes of Polymerization
Unit 3: Mechanisms in Addition Chain-growth Polymerization Reactions [Radical and Ionic Addition Polymerizations]
Radical and ionic addition polymerizations require understanding of reaction mechanisms and intermediate stability.
- Module 5: Structures and Properties of Polymers
Unit 2: Types and Effects of Linkages on Nature of Polymers
Requires understanding of polymer chain arrangements, intermolecular forces, and their impact on material properties.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 41 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Nature of Polymers and their Nomenclature
Unit 1: Introduction to Polymer Chemistry and Nomenclature · 2 hours
Read the introduction to polymer chemistry and nomenclature.. Define polymers and monomers.. Identify distinct polymer scientists and their contributions..
Unit 2: Physical Groupings of Polymers with their Nomenclature · 2 hours
Explain physical groupings of polymers.. Describe elastomers, fibers, resins, and plastics.. Understand the properties and examples of each group..
- Week 2Module 1: Nature of Polymers and their Nomenclature
Unit 3: Chemical Groupings of Polymers with their Nomenclature · 3 hours
Explain chemical groupings of polymers.. Differentiate between addition and condensation polymers.. Understand the types of monomers and cross-linked polymers..
- Week 3Module 2: Sources of Raw Materials for Polymers
Unit 1: Raw Materials from Economic Sources are Industrial Methods of Producing Polymers · 3 hours
Identify raw materials from economic sources.. Describe industrial methods of producing polymers.. Understand the production of polyethylene..
- Week 4Module 2: Sources of Raw Materials for Polymers
Unit 2: Chemical Industries are Important Sources of Raw Materials in Polymer Chemistry · 3 hours
Explain the importance of chemical industries as sources of raw materials.. Identify starting materials from chemical industries.. Understand the roles of coal and petroleum..
- Week 5Module 3: Processes of Polymerization
Unit 1: Synthetic polymerization · 3 hours
Describe synthetic polymerization.. Differentiate between addition and condensation polymerizations.. Understand the designing of synthetic polymers..
- Week 6Module 3: Processes of Polymerization
Unit 2: Addition Chain-growth Polymerization Reactions · 3 hours
Explain addition chain-growth polymerization reactions.. Identify conditions for addition polymerization.. Predict polymer products of specific monomers..
- Week 7Module 3: Processes of Polymerization
Unit 3: Mechanisms in Addition Chain-growth Polymerization Reactions [Radical and Ionic Addition Polymerizations] · 3 hours
Understand the mechanisms in addition chain-growth polymerization reactions.. Describe radical, cationic, and anionic addition.. Identify the stages in each mechanism..
- Week 8Module 3: Processes of Polymerization
Unit 4: Condensation Step-growth polymerization reactions · 3 hours
Explain condensation step-growth polymerization reactions.. Understand the roles of monomers and small molecules.. Describe thermoplastics and thermosets..
- Week 9Module 4: Solubility and Solution Properties of Polymers
Unit 1: Solubility Properties of Polymers · 3 hours
Describe solubility properties of polymers.. State factors responsible for the determination of solubility.. Differentiate between solubility and solvolysis..
- Week 10Module 4: Solubility and Solution Properties of Polymers
Unit 2: Solution Properties of Polymers · 3 hours
Explain solution properties of polymers.. Understand the principles behind liquid crystals.. Describe the importance and applications of solution properties..
- Week 11Module 5: Structures and Properties of Polymers
Unit 1: Crystallinity and Amorphous Properties of Polymers · 3 hours
Describe crystallinity and amorphous properties of polymers.. Understand the arrangements of molecules.. Explain structural effects on properties of polymers..
- Week 12Module 5: Structures and Properties of Polymers
Unit 2: Types and Effects of Linkages on Nature of Polymers · 3 hours
Explain types and effects of linkages on the nature of polymers.. Describe cross-linkings.. Understand Ziegler-Natta catalysts..
- Week 13Module 6: Fiber Forming Polymers, Biodegradation and Recycling of Polymers
Unit 1: Polymers as Fibers · 2 hours
Explain polymers as fibers.. Describe intermolecular forces in fibers.. Understand natural and synthetic fibers..
Unit 2: Biodegradation and Recycling of Polymers · 2 hours
Describe biodegradation and recycling of polymers.. Understand chlorine attack and oxidation.. Explain the implications of biodegradation and recycling..
Preparing for the exam
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.
- Create concept maps linking different polymerization mechanisms.
- Practice drawing polymer structures and identifying functional groups.
- Focus on understanding the relationships between polymer structure and properties.
- Allocate time to study each module evenly, focusing on key definitions and examples.
Questions students ask about this course
What is CHM302 about?
This course introduces learners to polymer chemistry, a specialized field of organic chemistry focusing on the formation, structures, reactions, and properties of polymers. It explores both natural and synthetic polymers, emphasizing their importance in modern life. The course covers polymerization reactions, polymer structures, and the modifications that enhance polymer properties. Learners will gain insights into the diverse applications of polymers in various fields, including food, clothing, shelter, medicine, and industry.
How many units does CHM302 have?
CHM302, Polymer Chemistry I, has 14 units across 6 modules, over 89 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CHM302?
CHM302 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Sciences.
Is CHM302 hard?
CHM302 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and practical work, and it has a practical component.
How long does CHM302 take to study?
About 52 hours of study, spread across its 14 units.
How is CHM302 assessed?
CHM302 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What do I need before starting CHM302?
Basic Organic Chemistry
What can I do with CHM302?
Materials Scientist, Polymer Chemist, Chemical Engineer, Research Scientist and Quality Control Analyst.