Polymer Chemistry Ii
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 2 credit units
- 73 pages
- 11 units
This course introduces students to polymer chemistry, covering polymerization mechanisms, stereospecific polymerization, and copolymerization. It explores industrially important thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, including polyurethanes, and examines rubber elasticity and mechanical properties. The course also delves into polymer degradation and methods for analysis and testing, providing a solid foundation for advanced studies in polymer science and related fields. Students will gain practical knowledge of polymer applications and their behavior under various conditions.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 130 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Self assessment exercises
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of CHM408, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
CHM408 · Unit 3: Copolymerization
Each unit has specific learning objectives along with other relevant learner guide. Try to read these objectives before you study the unit and also go through it after completing the unit to see whether you have internalized the concepts treated in the unit. Go through the self-assessment exercises and ensure that you answer the questions.
What you should be able to do
- Discuss the applications of polymers in everyday living
- Explain key concepts in each unit of study
- Use chemical equations to explain addition and step polymerization processes
- Classify polymer degradation and enumerate contributing factors
- Differentiate between cationic and anionic chain polymerization
- Describe the roles of initiation, propagation, and termination in polymerization
What it prepares you for
- Polymer Chemist
- Materials Scientist
- Chemical Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Quality Control Analyst
- Plastics Industry
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Textiles
- Packaging
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Unit 4: Polymer Solutions
Unit 4: Polymer Solutions
Thermodynamic principles require a strong foundation in physical chemistry and thermodynamics, making it challenging to grasp the concepts of Gibbs free energy and phase equilibrium in polymer solutions.
- Unit 6: Mechanism Properties of Polymers
Unit 6: Mechanism Properties of Polymers
Understanding the relationship between stress-strain properties and the underlying molecular structure requires a deep understanding of polymer physics and material science.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 58 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Unit 1: Polymer Synthesis
Unit 1: Polymer Synthesis · 4 hours
Define polymerization and its types. Explain addition and condensation polymerization. Describe initiation, propagation, and termination in polymerization. Differentiate between addition and condensation polymerization.
- Week 2Unit 2: Stereospecific Polymerization
Unit 2: Stereospecific Polymerization · 4 hours
Define stereospecific reaction. Explain structural, orientational, configurational, and geometrical isomerism. Provide examples of linear, branched, cross-linked, and networked polymers.
- Week 3Unit 3: Copolymerization
Unit 3: Copolymerization · 4 hours
Define copolymerization. State the advantages of copolymerization. Discuss alternating, random, block and graft copolymers.
- Week 4Unit 4: Polymer Solutions
Unit 4: Polymer Solutions · 4 hours
Explain thermodynamics of polymer solutions. Define good and poor solvents. Discuss factors affecting polymer solubility. Describe polymer dissolution.
- Week 5Unit 5: Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Polymers
Unit 5: Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Polymers · 4 hours
Explain thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Give examples of industrially important polymers. Differentiate between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers.
- Week 6Unit 6: Mechanism Properties of Polymers
Unit 6: Mechanism Properties of Polymers · 4 hours
Discuss kinds of strength exhibited by polymers. Explain mechanical properties of polymers. Enumerate factors affecting mechanical properties.
- Week 7Unit 7: Polyurethane
Unit 7: Polyurethane · 4 hours
Discuss properties of polyurethane. Enumerate benefits of polyurethane. Explain polyurethane synthesis.
- Week 8Unit 8: Rubber Elasticity
Unit 8: Rubber Elasticity · 4 hours
Explain rubber elasticity. Mention characteristics and applications of rubber. Distinguish elastic behavior of rubber and metallic spring.
- Week 9Unit 9: Testing and Analysis of Polymers
Unit 9: Testing and Analysis of Polymers · 4 hours
Identify polymers using simple tests. List and discuss instrumental techniques for polymer analysis.
- Week 10Unit 10: Polymer Degradation
Unit 10: Polymer Degradation · 4 hours
Define polymer degradation. List factors contributing to polymer degradation. Classify polymer degradation.
- Week 11Units 1-3 Review
Units 1-3 Review · 6 hours
Review all units. Work on tutor-marked assignments.
- Week 12Units 4-7 Review
Units 4-7 Review · 6 hours
Review all units. Work on tutor-marked assignments.
- Week 13Units 8-10 Review
Units 8-10 Review · 6 hours
Review all units. Work on tutor-marked assignments.
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking polymerization types (Units 1-3) to specific polymer properties (Units 5-8)
- Practice solving problems related to polymer solubility and thermodynamics (Unit 4)
- Review reaction mechanisms for polymer degradation (Unit 10) and their prevention
- Focus on understanding the relationships between polymer structure and mechanical properties (Unit 6)
- Study the different instrumental techniques (Unit 9) and their applications in polymer analysis
Questions students ask about this course
What is CHM408 about?
This course introduces students to polymer chemistry, covering polymerization mechanisms, stereospecific polymerization, and copolymerization. It explores industrially important thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, including polyurethanes, and examines rubber elasticity and mechanical properties. The course also delves into polymer degradation and methods for analysis and testing, providing a solid foundation for advanced studies in polymer science and related fields. Students will gain practical knowledge of polymer applications and their behavior under various conditions.
How many units does CHM408 have?
CHM408, Polymer Chemistry Ii, has 11 units across 2 modules, over 73 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is CHM408?
CHM408 carries 2 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is CHM408 hard?
CHM408 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does CHM408 take to study?
About 130 hours of study, spread across its 11 units.
How is CHM408 assessed?
CHM408 is assessed by self assessment exercises, tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What can I do with CHM408?
Polymer Chemist, Materials Scientist, Chemical Engineer, Research Scientist and Quality Control Analyst.