Polymer Chemistry, Laboratory (5cr)
Course unit code: C-10122-KEM--320
General information
- Credits
- 5 cr
- Institution
- University of Tampere
Objectives
After completing the course, the student can use chain-growth and step-growth mechanisms to synthesize polymers used in thermoplastics and thermosets and prepare expanded polymer foam. The student learns sustainability via tertiary recycling, i.e., by depolymerizing a polymer of a commerical product to its starting monomers. The student learns to apply differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to analyzing thermal properties of thermoplastics and curing of thermosets and its kinetics. The student will be able to use Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and computational molecular modeling to characterize and identify the structures of organic compounds and polymers. In addition, the student can determine viscosity average molar masses by measuring viscosities of polymer solutions.ExcellentPre-exercise, laboratory work, and reporting of the results done excellently.GoodPre-exercise, laboratory work, and reporting of the results done well.SatisfactoryPre-exercise, laboratory work, and reporting of the results done satisfactorily.FailAny of the required parts is missing.
Content
Core contentSyntheses of PVAC, PA 610, PF polymers using chain-growth or step-growth polymerization mechanisms, preparation of an expanded foam (PUR), and depolymerization of PA 66. Emulsion, solution, interphase and mass polymerization techniques.Analyses and characterization of the synthesized polymers and an unknown polymer sample from bond vibrations (IR-spectroscopy), thermal properties (DSC), and molecular modeling. Determination of the molar mass of a polymer from its viscosity.Curing kinetics of the PF resin and predicting of the conversion degree with DSC.Safety with using chemicals, studying of the materials safety data sheets, and following their instructions in laboratory. Correct waste treatment.Complementary knowledgeSurface film, melt film, ATR, and KBr techniques with IR spectroscopy.Special knowledgeSynthesis and analysis of a biopolymer or liquid crystal polymer as an alternative to the PVAC synthesis.
Prerequisites
Organic chemistry laboratory work 1 can be compensated by a corresponding course, e.g., from TAMK.NOTE: The recommended course KEM.351 (KEM.350, KEB-64257) means the IR spectroscopy, which is used in polymer chemistry laboratory.In addition, the recommended course KEM.355 (KEM.350, KEB-64257) refers to DSC instrument, which will be used in polymer chemistry laboratory.However, one can enter the polymer laboratory course without these recommended courses.PrerequisiteCode: KEM.230 (KEB-62150, KEM-2150)Name: Orgaanisen kemian työt 1ECTS credits: 5Necessity: MandatoryPrerequisiteCode: KEM.310 (KEB-63100, KEM-3100)Name: Polymer chemistryECTS credits: 5Necessity: Mandatory
Further information
There are max 12 places in each laboratory group. If the Organic chemistry laboratory 1 course is not passed yet, the student must register to the first (1st) laboratory group of KEM.230 Organic chemistry laboratory works 1 course and complete them before participating the polymer chemistry laboratory course, i.e., Group 2 or 3. More information in Moodle.Partial completions of the course must be carried out during the same implementation round.Additional information: https://www.tuni.fi/studentsguideRegistration for the course in Sisu and to the laboratory groups via teacher.