MAT6102   The Physics of Polymers   (15 credits)

Description

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.

Reading List