Polymer Physics
Type
Elective
Course Code
ΜΕMΥ-450
Teaching Semester
Semester B
ECTS Credits
7
Syllabus
The course covers the following modules:
- Macromolecules and macromolecular sizes
- Macromolecular time and length scale, Glass, crystal, rubber, melt.
- Polymer chain statistics, Chain elasticity
- Solutions and solvent quality.
- Phase diagrams, Polymeric mixtures
- Networks and gels
- Macromolecular motion. Coarse graining. Viscoelasticity and diffusion
- Molecular models: Short chains: dumbbell, Rouse, Zimm. Flow and diffusion predictions. Dynamic structure factor. Dynamic light scattering, Mechanical spectroscopy and time-temperature superposition, Long chains – entanglements. Reptation and model of deGennes–Doi–Edwards, Solutions: dilute, semi-dilute, dense.
- Special topics
Learning Outcomes
The students are expected to become familiar with basic concepts of polymer physics and the relation between molecular structure and properties.
They are also expected to solve problems related to properties of polymers (size, structure, characteristic times, phase diagrams).
Recommended Bibliography
- Rubinstein, R. H. Colby, Polymer physics, Oxford, 2003
Related academic journals:
- Macromolecules,
- ACS Macro Letters,
- Soft Matter.
Student Performance Evaluation
The final grade is the sum of
- Course participation
- Quiz and homework problems
- Individual projects
- Final exam