Introduction to Polymer Physical Chemistry

This short course consists of important topics in the realm of polymer physical chemistry. As such, it neither explores the synthesis of the small organic (and sometimes organic-inorganic) molecules, called monomers, that are the building blocks of polymers. Nor is the process of how these monomers are linked together to form long chains given much attention. Rather, we assume that chains of a given chemical identity and chain length already exist and proceed to discuss the possible structures of some common and important polymers on different dimensional scales. Then, these structures are related to important properties of these materials in applications.

The presentation is deliberately aimed at those who have not taken courses in polymer science but who have completed, at least, organic chemistry. A good grounding in undergraduate general physics is also required as this is a specialized discourse in physical chemistry. The course attempts to relate various fundamental principles of physics to polymer structural and properties investigations without recourse to advanced experimental and theoretical methods. Thus, the primary goal is to understand topics in this field on a conceptual, rather than sophisticated mathematical level. The latter is reserved for subsequent courses in polymer science. No attempt is made to force a large number of topics into this presentation, which is not meant to be encyclopedic in nature.

This particular short course may include many, if not all, of the following topics but can be tailored to suit particular needs.

I. A Look at Polymer Chains A. What are Polymers? B. Configurations and Conformations C. Polymer Architecture (Crosslinking, Branching, Crystallinity) II. Molecular Weight A. Importance of Polymer Molecular Weight B. Polydispersity and Molecular Weight Averages C. Size Exclusion Chromatography D. Other Methods of Molecular Weight Determination III. Intermolecular Forces IV. Polymers in Solution A. Solutions B. Entropy of Mixing C. Energy of Mixing D. Polymer Conformations in Solution V. Polymer Rheology VI. Characterization of Polymer Properties and Structure A. Mechanical Properties B. Thermal Properties and the Glass Transition C. Factors Affecting the Glass Transition D. The Rubbery State of Polymers E. Vibrational and other Spectroscopies

	Go back to the site index page
	Go back to the short course list

For questions or further information about the various short courses offered
please e-mail: Dr. Ken Mauritz at Kenneth.Mauritz@usm.edu