ChE 531 Polymer Engineering

University of Rhode Island

Spring 2008

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

Office hours:
M 10:30-12:30
T 2:00-3:00 (or by appointment)

Evaluation:
25% Homework, (attendance, participation)
25% Paper / presentation
25% Midterm (Wednesday March 3)
25% Final exam (during finals week)

Homework will be assigned approximately every two weeks; it will be collected but not graded in detail. Solutions will be made available. The paper/presentation will be described in a later handout. It will involve describing (with supporting literature references) and relating to course material a current issue(s) in an application of polymers in engineering that you find interesting. Each student will present a summary of their paper to the class. Late work will receive only partial credit, with the amount of credit inversely proportional to the tardiness (reaching an asymptote of zero after one week). Reading in the textbook is not "assigned" on a day-to-day basis. Instead, each student is expected to read the relevant sections as we go along. The appropriate sections to read will be indicated on the course calendar.

Course Goals/Objectives:

  • Describe the solid-phase structure of a polymer and the effect of crystallinity on properties.
  • Use the principles of viscoelasticity and time-temperature superposition to explain stress– strain behavior in polymers.
  • Understand differences in flow properties among polymers, liquids, and hard solids.
  • Relate underlying chemical processes to polymer system formulation and processing.
  • Understand and apply technical criteria for selecting an appropriate polymer material.
  • Identify and describe a current problem in polymer engineering.

    Reference materials:
    The following books are on reserve in the library, if you would like to read explanations somewhat different from those in class.

  • QD381 H52 1984, Paul C. Hiemenz, Polymer Chemistry: the Basic Concepts
  • QD381 Y68 2002, R.J. Young and P.A. Lovell, Introduction to Polymers
  • TA455 P58 M334 1997, N.G. McCrum, C.P. Buckley, and C.B. Bucknall, Principles of Polymer Engineering

    Some interesting polymer web sites:

  • http://www.plastics.com
  • http://www.pslc.ws/macrog/index.htm
  • http://www.plasticsmuseum.org (not too far a drive away!)
  • Rheology visualizations at an MIT web site

    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.

    Academic Enhancement Center: The Academic Enhancement Center houses the University's existing writing center and learning assistance program, as well as many other academic support service areas such as tutoring, study groups, and multiple forms of academic assistance workshops. The Center serves students who are seeking academic support as well as those with more advanced academic ability who are interested in helping others. In this interactive learning environment, students can enjoy a cup of coffee, get help or help others with schoolwork, and find individual or group assistance as needed. The Center is located on the 4th floor of Roosevelt Hall in University College.

    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 front desk for more details and hours.