ChE 530: Polymer Chemistry

University of Rhode Island

Spring 2009

Instructor: Prof. Michael Greenfield
Dept. of Chemical Engineering
113 Crawford Hall
greenfield a,t egr.uri.edu

Office hours:
TBD

Evaluation:
20% Homework, Attendance, Participation
20% Paper/presentation
30% Midterm exam (week that includes Wednesday March 11)
30% Final exam (during finals week)

Course Goals/Objectives:

How are polymers chemically synthesized?

  • Distinguish between step-growth and chain-growth polymerization mechanisms.
  • Determine which polymerization mechanism(s) is/are most likely for a given monomer.
  • Relate molecular weight distribution to polymerization mechanism.
  • Explain polymerization factors that lead to well-controlled and well-defined molecular architecture.

    How do polymers arrange on the molecular level, and how is that influenced by environment (small molecules, stress, )?
  • Calculate the size of a polymer chain in solution and in the melt.
  • Relate the polymer size to the molecular weight and surrounding environment.
  • Model the solubility of polymers in solution.
  • Calculate how imposed stress modifies polymer chain configuration.

    How can the size, shape, etc. of polymer molecules be measured?
  • Relate polymer size and solvent interaction to osmotic pressure.
  • Relate polymer size and shape to solution viscosity.
  • Relate polymer size and shape to scattering and interaction with light.
  • Apply other interpretations that relate experimental data to polymer chain configuration.

    Homework:
    Homework will be assigned approximately every two weeks and will be collected, but not graded in detail. Solutions will be made available. Late work will receive only partial credit, with the amount of credit inversely proportional to the tardiness.

    Attendance Students are expected to attend every class. Often there will be material discussed in class that is beyond the scope of the textbook material. Notes for any missed classes should be obtained from student peers. Excessive absences will impact the final grade.

    Disabilities: Any student with a documented disability is welcome to contact me early in the semester so that we may work out reasonable accommodations to support your success in this course. One should also contact Disability Services for Students, Office of Student Life, 330 Memorial Union, 874-2098.

    Computer Facilities: The Department of Chemical Engineering maintains a computer center for ChE students, located in room 207. The Engineering Computer Center (203 Kirk, http://www.egr.uri.edu/ecc/) is open to all engineering majors. Wireless access is available in both locations for laptop use. Ask at the ECC front desk for more details and hours.