About the Instructor(s)
Joel R. Fried
Professor and Chair, University of Louisville
Dr. Joel Fried is Professor and Chair, Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville. He is the author of Polymer Science and Technology, 3rd edition, 2014, Prentice Hall.
Alan M. Lyons
Professor, City University of New York
Dr. Alan Lyons is Professor of Chemistry at the City University of New York. He is the co-founder and CTO of ARL Designs LLC, a small business that develops high performance, low-cost superhydrophobic surfaces.
About the Course
This course gives an overview of the polymer field, from their synthesis to characterization, properties, and applications. All major synthetic methods are considered: step (condensation) polymerization, chain (addition) polymerization with ionic and radical variations, copolymerization, stereospecific polymerization, ring-opening polymerization, and synthetic reactions on formed polymers.
Emphasis is placed on how the various synthetic methods are used to control structural features (e.g., molecular weight, branching, crosslinking, and crystallinity). Among the properties that are analyzed are polymer solubility, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, crystallinity (versus amorphous behavior), transition temperatures, mechanical properties, and the processing of polymers into useful products. The effect of molecular structure on these properties and the utilization of polymers are discussed in detail.
- Polymer Properties and Characterization
- Thermodynamics of Polymer Solutions
- Transitions, Thermal Analyses, and Spectroscopy
- Rheology and Mechanical Properties
- Polymer Processing and Synthesis
- Step (Condensation) Polymerization, Thermosetting, Free Radical Chain, Emulsion, Cationic, and Anionic Polymerization
- Copolymerization, Ring-Opening Polymerization, and Stereospecific Polymerization
- Synthetic Reactions of Polymers
What You Will Learn
- Discuss your research concerns with leading polymer experts.
- Exposure to a state-of-the-art overview of polymer chemistry in a minimum amount of time.
- Understand how to control polymer structure and molecular weight and their effects on polymer properties and applications.
- Appreciate why branching and crosslinking occur.
- Understand methods for property evaluations, particularly mechanical properties.
- Learn how to improve properties by copolymerization and stereochemical synthesis.
Who Should Attend
Scientists, engineers, or other technical staff with a B.S. or higher degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or material science who need a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of polymer scienc
No prior knowledge of polymer chemistry is assumed.
Prerequisite: Equivalent of one year each of organic chemistry and physical chemistry.
Course Outline
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Day 1 – Polymers: Classification, Synthesis and Control of Properties
Introduction to Polymers
- Classification of Polymers
- History
- How Mechanisms Affect Properties
- Molecular Weight
- Nomenclature
- Commercial Polymers
Step Polymerization Reactions
- Characteristics
- Mechanisms
- Process Conditions and Equilibrium
- Crosslinking
- Dendrimers
- Commercial Applications
Chain Polymerization Reactions
- Characteristics
- Mechanisms
- Initiation & Inhibitors
- Common Monomers
- Radical Chain Polymerization
- Heterogeneous Polymerization
- Commercial Applications
Ionic Polymerization Reactions
- Characteristics
- Mechanisms
- Initiation and Inhibitors
- Common Monomers
- Living Polymer Systems
- Commercial Applications
Chain Copolymerization
- Types of Copolymers
- Properties of Copolymers
- Control of Copolymer Composition
- Commercial Applications
Ring-opening Polymerization
- Characteristics
- Mechanisms
- Commercial Applications
Stereochemistry of Polymerization
- Characteristics and Definition
- Synthetic Approaches
- Crystallization
- Commercial Applications
Summary
- Selecting a commercial polymer to fit your needs
- Synthesizing a new polymer
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Day 2 – Polymer Properties, Characterization, and Processing
Polymer Solutions & Molecular-Weight Determination
- Conformations
- Thermodynamics
- Molecular-Weight Determination
Solid-State Properties
- Entanglements
- The Crystalline State
- Thermal Transitions
- Mechanical Properties
Viscoelasticity & Rubber Elasticity
- Dynamic Mechanical Analysis
- Dielectric Relaxation
- Time-Temperature Superposition
- Rubber Elasticity
Additives, Blends, & Composites
- Plasticizers & Fillers
- Blends & Impact-Modified Plastics
- Composites
Thermoplastics, Elastomers, & Thermosets
- Polyolefins
- Vinyl Polymers
- Engineering Thermoplastics
- Elastomers
- Thermosets
Polymer Processing, & Rheology
- Basic Processing Operations
- Rheology
- Rheometry
Dates, Locations, and Prices
Five for four! Register five people for one course, one person for five courses, or any combination in between and your fifth registration is free. The free registration will be the course of the lowest price. Please note: This discount cannot be combined with any other discount offered.