Polymer Chemistry

• Describe and compare the mechanisms of chain‑growth and step‑growth polymerization, including free radical, controlled radical, ionic, coordination, and ring‑opening polymerization.
• Distinguish between conventional and controlled polymerization techniques (ATRP, NMP, RAFT) and assess their advantages and limitations.
• Perform and evaluate kinetic calculations for homo‑ and copolymerization and relate reaction conditions to molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.
• Explain structure–property relationships in polymers, including the influence of molecular weight, branching, crosslinking, stereochemistry, and crystallinity on thermal and mechanical properties.
• Identify necessary monomers and suitable, imperative polymerization techniques to produce selected polymers and to account for bio-based polymers
• Describe and discuss condensation and ring-opening polymerizations of polyesters, polamides, polurethanes, silicones and polyethers.
• Estimate the assumptions and possibilities for application of anionic, cationic, Ziegler-Natta, metallocene, and metathesis polymerization
• Discuss and evaluate approaches to crosslinking systems and discuss how such resins are used to prepare network polymers, including their various applications.
• Predict the possibilities for preparation of functional polymers by reactions onto existing polymers, including application of CuAAC and thiol-ene chemistry.
• Account for bio‑based polymers and sustainability aspects in relation to raw materials, applications, and recycling potential.

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to polymer chemistry, focusing on the synthesis, structure, and properties of synthetic polymers. Emphasis is placed on polymerization mechanisms, reaction kinetics, and structure–property relationships.
The course covers chain‑growth polymerization, including free radical polymerization (conventional and controlled techniques such as ATRP, NMP and RAFT), ionic polymerization (anionic and cationic), and polymerization using coordination catalysts (Ziegler–Natta, metallocene and metathesis). Step‑growth and ring‑opening polymerization are also treated, along with the formation of network polymers and thermosets.
Key topics include molecular weight and molecular weight distributions, stereochemistry, branching and crosslinking, and thermal properties such as glass transition and crystallinity. Major polymer classes—including polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyimides, silicones, elastomers and high‑performance polymers—are discussed in relation to synthesis routes and applications.
Polymer modification reactions, functional polymers, and degradation mechanisms are addressed, and selected aspects of bio‑based polymers and sustainability are introduced to provide perspective on emerging developments. The course includes an industrial company visit linking theory to polymer production and applications.

26411

Lectures, problem solving, group work and visit to a company.