Unit 1 Introduction to Polymers and PolymerizationHistory of polymer Science. Concept of macromolecules, nomenclature and classification. Polymer, monomer, oligomer, repeating unit, degree of polymerization, functionality, copolymer – random, alternating, graft, block, tacticity. polymerization processes. Free radical addition polymerization- kinetics and mechanism. Chain transfer. Mayo-walling equation of the steady state. Molecular weight distribution and molecular weight control. Radical atom transfer and. fragmentation addition mechanism. Free radical living polymers. Cationic and anionic polymerization. Kinetics and mechanism, polymerization without termination. Living polymers. Step Growth polymerization- kinetics and mechanism. Molecular weight distribution. Linear vs cyclic polymerization, other modes of polymerization. Group Transfer, metathesis and ring opening polymerization. Copolymerization. The copolymerization equation, Q-e scheme, gelation and cross linking. Copolymer composition drifts, polymerization techniques – bulk solution, melt, suspension, emulsion, and dispersion techniques.Unit 2 Polymer Stereochemistry and CharacterizationOrganizational features of polymer chains. Configuration and conformation, tacticity, repeating units with more than one asymmetric center. Chiral polymers – main chain and side chain. Stereo regular polymers. Manipulation of polymerization processes. Zeigler-Natta and Kaminsky routes. Coordination polymerization. Metallocene and metal oxide catalysts. Polymer characterization. Molecular weights. Concept of average molecular weights, Molecular weight distribution. Methods for determining molecular weights. Static and dynamic methods, light scattering and GPC. Crystalline and amorphous states. Glassy and rubbery states. Glass transition and crystalline melting. Spherulites and lamellar. Degree of crystallinity, X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis of polymers. TG/DTG, DTA/DSC, DMA/TMA/DMTA. Spectroscopy of polymers. Microstructure determination by IR, Raman, UV, NMR and MS techniques. Solid state NMR and polymer stereochemistry. Structure-property relationship. Elastomeric and viscoelastic states. Rubber-like elasticity. Maxwell and kinetic model of viscoelasticity.Unit 3 Polymer SolutionsTreatment of dilute solution data. Thermodynamics. Flory-Huggins equation. Chain dimension – chain stiffness – end-to-end distance. Conformation-random coil, solvation and swelling. Flory-Reiner equation. Determination of degree of cross linking and molecular weight between crosslinks. Polymer structure – property relationship, crystalline and amorphous combinations.Unit 4 Polymer Additives, Blends and CompositesIntroduction – general principles, use of additives to enhance and protect properties of polymer, classes of polymer additives – type, structure, chemistry, mechanism and suitability: for antioxidant-heat stabilizers – UV stabilizers – HAL-antistatic – blowing agents – lubricants nucleating agents – cross linking agent – flame retardant-compatibiliser. Fillers – effect and type of fillers – surface treatment and coupling agent. Coloration of polymers pigment – colour measurement. Plasticizer function – mode of operation – types. Compounding – main types of colorants equipments – internal mixer, two roll mill, Banbury mixer, single screw extruder, twin screw extruder – co rotating – counter rotating – intermeshing. Fabrication methods, polymer blends, toughened plastics and phase separated blends, interpenetrating network, mechanical properties, composite fabrication.Unit 5 Industrial and Speciality PolymersSynthesis, structure and applications of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene. Homo and copolymers. Diene rubbers. Vinyl and acrylic polymers. PVC, PVA, PAN, PA. poly (vinyl carbazole), poly (vinyl imidazole). PMMA and related polymers. Copolymers. EVA polymers. Fluorine containing polymers. Polyacetals. Reaction polymers. Polyamides, polyesters. epoxides, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, phenolics, PEEK, silicone polymers. Reactions of polymers. Polymers as aids in Organic synthesis. Polymeric reagents, catalysts, substrates, liquid crystalline polymers. Main chain and side chain liquid crystalline polymers. Phase morphology. Conducting polymers. Polymers with high bandwidth. Polyanilines, polypyrrols, polythiophenes, poly (vinylene phenylene). Photoresponsive and photorefractive polymers. Polymers in optical lithography. Polymer photo resists. Electrical properties of polymers, polymers with NLO properties, second and third harmonic generation, and wave guide devises.
