B. Course Syllabi for Materials Engineering

1. Course Name: Mat E 352 Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polymers

2. Catalog Description: Mat E 352. Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polymers.
(2-3) Cr. 3. Thermal transition/glassy state, crystallization, polymer stability and degradation, solubility, diffusion and permeability, viscoelasticity, Boltzman superposition, rubber elasticity, fracture, mechanical properties of composites, electrical and optical properties. Relationship between polymer structure and its properties. Laboratory experiments for mechanical and physical characterization of polymers. Nonmajor graduate credit.

3. Prerequisite: Mat E 351.

4. Textbook/Materials: J. Fried, Polymer Science and Technology, Prentice Hall, 1995; References: McCrum, N.G., Buckley, C.P., and Bucknall, C.B., Principles of Polymer Engineering 2nd Ed., Oxford, New York, 1997; D. W. Van Krevelen, Properties of Polymers, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1997; R.J. Young and P.A. Lovell, Introduction to Polymers, 2nd Edition, Chapman & Hall, 1991; J. Manson, L. Sperling, Polymer Blends and Composites, Plenum Press, NY, 1976. Selected notes will be distributed in the course of the study.

5. Course Learning Objectives:
On completion of this course the student should be able to:

• Recognize and distinguish major types of microstructural organization of polymeric materials.
• Recognize and interpret major structure-property relationships for polymers and their composites.
• Measure and interpret major physical and mechanical properties of polymers and understand their origin.
• Select and understand major polymer characterization and mechanical testing techniques and their strengths and limitations.
• Understand major types of polymeric materials and their primary applications search, analyze and compare data on physical and mechanical properties.
• Show improved report-writing skills, communication skills, ability to work in small groups, and delivery clear oral presentation.

6. Topics covered:

• Trends and problems of polymer materials science and engineering.
• Hierarchy of microstructures in polymeric materials.
• Modern experimental techniques for characterization and identification of polymeric materials.
• Major mechanical properties of polymers and their relationship with microstructure.
• Major physical properties of polymers and their relationship with microstructure.
• Polymer composites: brief review of basic principles and concepts.
• Major types of polymers, their properties, and applications.
• Basic principles of design and selection of polymers with computer databases and modeling.

7. Class/Laboratory Schedule: Class: M 9-11am, Lab: T 12-3 pm

8. Professional Component: Mat E 352 contributes 3 credits to Engineering Topics.

9. Relationship of Course to Program Learning Outcomes and Program Educational Objectives: Objectives: A, C, E Outcomes: a, b, g, k, l-o, r (significant)

10. Prepared by: Vladimir Tsukruk, rev. 5/24/00 KPC