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CHE/MSE 761 Polymer Blends and Alloys |
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Many of the polymer systems of emerging commercial relevance are designed to be multifunctional, that is, they do not exhibit the properties of a single polymer. In many cases, these materials are multiphase, in which case the components segregate sufficiently in order to synergistically impart the system with the properties of each component. In this course, we shall begin with a brief review of some of the most important concepts in polymer science and use these concepts in describing equilibrium phase behavior. Methods for calculating, and measuring properties at, equilibrium will be described. Intrinsic limitations on polymer blending will lead to a discussion of methods by which such limitations can be overcome, including emulsification and reactive processing. Another means by which to produce multiphase polymeric materials is through the design of copolymers. This class of materials behaves in the same manner as surfactants, and the ordering phenomena that occurs in these systems will be discussed. Thermodynamic models designed to predict the phase behavior of such materials, as well as salient experimental methods, will be described. Since a multiphase polymer system must inherently possess at least one interface separating the constituent components of the system, macromolecules at interfaces will be discussed in terms of their conformational and dynamic properties. Concepts learned from this part of the course will be extended to polymers located at impenetrable surfaces and used for adhesion and lubrication. 3 credit hours. |
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Prerequisite |
Undergraduate thermodynamics addressing phase equilibria, Organic and/or polymer chemistry, an introductory course on polymer science would prove beneficial.
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| Course Objectives | This course will provide students with the necessary background and expertise to understand and use the fundamental principles governing the phase behavior and property development in multiphase polymer systems, including polymer blends, copolymers and gels to design systems with predetermined properties.
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| Course Requirements | HOMEWORK: None EXAMINATIONS: One in-class exam and a final exam. SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS: Fortran, C++, Matlab, Mathematica or equivalent PROJECTS: A computer project will be required of external students. Students will be required to provide two written critiques of articles in the contemporary polymer literature.
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| Textbook | None
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| View Lecture |
Engineering Online uses Mediasite software to distribute the course lectures. To view the following sample lecture, you will need to have Windows Media Player and a Cable, DSL, T1 or faster connection to the Internet. If you have problems viewing a lecture, please contact the Engineering Online office at 1-877-254-0058. Click link to view lecture: CHE/MSE 761 - Lecture 1
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| Computer and Internet Requirements | NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below. PCs must have an Intel-compatible 800 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 8 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows 2000 or XP. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses. MAC users must have a G3 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 256 MB RAM, 10 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.3 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above. For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm
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| Instructor | Dr. Richard Spontak, Professor
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