Introduction to Polymer Science

This course will educate the students on the subject of polymers that constitute one of the most important materials used presently. The course will include fundamentals of synthesis, characterization, properties and also include discussion on the applications of polymers, as well as challenges pertaining to contemporary polymer research.INTENDED AUDIENCE : Chemistry; Chemical Engineering; Material Science and Engineering; Physics; Polymer Science and TechnologyPREREQUISITES :Basic knowledge of Chemistry (1st year level)INDUSTRIES SUPPORT :SABIC; Solvay; Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever; Shell; Dupont; BASF;Reliance; ITC, Tata Chemicals; Dow Chemicals, GM and many others.

Week 1:Introduction: Background, Nomenclature, Classifications, Molecular Weight, Examples of Applications, Principles of PolymerizationWeek 2:Synthesis of Polymers: Step-Growth Polymerization, Radical Chain PolymerizationWeek 3:Synthesis of Polymers: Radical Chain Polymerization (cont.), Controlled Radical Polymerization, Emulsion Polymerization.Week 4:Synthesis of Polymers: Ionic Chain Polymerization, Coordination Polymerization, Ring-Opening Polymerization, CopolymerizationWeek 5:Characterization of Polymers: Polymers in Solution, Chain Dimension, Determination of Molecular WeightWeek 6:Determination of Molecular Weight (cont.), Frictional Properties of Polymers in Solution, Hydrodynamic Size, Chemical Composition, Polymer ProcessingWeek 7:Phase Structure and Morphology of Bulk Polymers: Amorphous and Crystalline States, Viscoelasticity, Multicomponent Polymer Systems,Properties of Bulk Polymers.Week 8:Properties of Bulk Polymers (Cont.): Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Surface and Other Industrially Relevant Properties, Polymer Degradation and Stability, Polymer Additives, Few Contemporary Topics, Challenges and Opportunities in Polymer Science.