Polymers and Composites

Core modules:

Fundamental Polymer Chemistry

This unit covers the fundamentals of polymer structure, polymer synthesis and the chemical behaviours of polymers, both natural and synthetic. Topics covered include polymer microstructure, chain-reaction and step-reaction routes to polymers, living polymerizations, copolymerization, molecular weight distributions, chemical reactions on polymers, and polymer degradation and stability.

15 credits

Polymer Characterization and Analysis

An optional unit covering major instrumental methods for identifying polymers and determining polymer molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, stereochemistry, sequence distribution in copolymers, transition temperatures, surface features, etc. The unit includes examples of the use of chemical analysis, colligative properties, chromatographic techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance, vibrational and electronic spectroscopy, microscopy, and thermal and dynamic mechanical methods.

15 credits

Polymer Laboratory

This unit covers the fundamentals of practical polymer construction and analysis. Topics covered include polymer synthesis via a number of methods (including chain- and step-reaction routes). A range of analytical techniques will also be introduced. These will include size-exclusion chromatography, viscosity analysis, and spectroscopy (IR and NMR). Experiments involving the modification and application of polymers will also be studied.

15 credits

The Physics of Polymers

The aim of the module is to introduce the general properties of thermoplastics: their molecular structures, their physical and mechanical properties, and how these properties can be modified by means e.g. of chemistry, additives and processing condition for engineering applications. The module also introduces the fundamentals of amorphous polymer solids and their behaviour under deformation. Topics covered include conformations of polymer chains, rubber elasticity, viscoelasticity, time-temperature superposition, glass-transition, yield, craze etc. After this module you are expected to understand the mechanical properties of typical polymers, as well as their dependence on temperature, time scale, and molecular structures.

15 credits

Polymer Materials Science and Engineering

The aim of the module is to demonstrate the relationship between chemical structure, molecular organisation, microstructure and physical properties of polymers in the solid state, to draw parallels between synthetic polymers and biopolymers, to introduce the types of high-strength high-modulus polymers, their processing, properties and application, and to introduce liquid crystals and LC polymers.

15 credits

Design and Manufacture of Composites

This module is designed to provide you with an understanding of both the design and manufacture of polymer composites and is presented in two sections. First, design of composites is taught via tutorials and practicals on classical laminate theory and ESAComp software. An extended series of worked examples provides you with the basic tools you need to design effective composite parts. Second, manufacture of composites is taught via lectures. You will learn multiple routes for making composite parts alongside practical issues such as defects, machining/joints, failure, testing and non destructive testing, repair and SMART composites. 

15 credits

Polymer Processing

This module provides you with a detailed description of advanced polymer processing as applied to modern industrial applications. The fundamental concepts behind polymer melt dynamics and solidification will be explored and will provide the theoretical basis for the forming processes. The manufacturing processes themselves will be described giving you ability to choose between them allowing informed decisions regarding commercial applications. The use of real world case studies and reverse engineering examples in dedicated problem classes will provide you with practical experience otherwise difficult to impart.

15 credits

Composite Materials and Micromechanics

This module is split into two halves, the first half deals with composite materials, the second half deals with composite micromechanics.

The composite materials part of the module starts with an introduction to composite materials, what are composites?, why are composites used?, and the distinction between man-made and natural composites. This is followed by looking at the different types of composites available. Next, the individual fibres are discussed (glass, carbon, polymeric) and the available matrices (thermoplastic, thermosetting). Manufacturing of composites is dealt with followed by a look at fibre architectures, failure mechanisms, impact failure and toughening.

The composite micromechanics part of the module describes multiple methods to predict the properties of composite materials, beginning with a look at fibre failure statistics using the Weibull method. This is followed by a treatment of classical laminate theory from a laminate compliance perspective and how to predict the properties of short fibre composites using shear lag theory. Finally, the strength of composites and composite fatigue are investigated. 

15 credits

Project

The research project and dissertation is supervised by one or, in some instances, two members of academic staff. Project supervisors are allocated based both on student choice and academic workload.The topic of the research project will be set in consultation with your project supervisor. Laboratory or modelling work on the project will formally be undertaken during the Second Semester (including the Spring vacation period) and during the summer vacation between about mid-June and mid-August.

60 credits