MSc Polymer Materials Science and Engineering / Course details

Polymer materials that are “soft” play an important role in modern technology ranging from energy generation to biomaterials. This unit covers a number of ‘soft’ polymer systems, providing an understanding of the underlying principles. Lecture topics include:

• Introduction: Overview of soft matter systems and their applications.
• Hydrogels: definition and properties, chemical and physical gel concepts, polymeric and self-assembled systems, characterisation rheological and structural (shear rheometry, SAXS/SAXS, thermal properties), application of hydrogels in the food, biomedical and other industries.
• Swelling of Elastomers: Swelling vs. Crosslinking density of elastomers; Reptation Theory; Physical & Swelling Properties of Elastomer blends; Swelling in Biomaterials.
• Polymer colloid systems: Colloids and interfaces in biomaterial science; polymers in solution and at interfaces; acid-base behaviour - drug delivery and proteins; DLVO theory; biomaterial-biologic interactions; adsorption of proteins on biomaterial surfaces; non-fouling surfaces: principles and experiments.

The unit aims to:

• Primarily, to provide an understanding of the principles underlying the behaviour of soft matter: polymer biomaterials, colloids and elastomers.
• Provide an overview of the properties and applications of polymer biomaterials, colloids and elastomers.

A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Intellectual skills
• Practical skills
• Transferable skills and personal qualities

• Understand the underlying physics and chemistry in a range of polymer soft matter systems. 
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of polymer soft matter systems.
• Describe the types and the classifications of liquid and Polymer crystals.
• Understand the thermodynamics of elastic chains and be familiar with the methods for the characterisation of networks.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of colloids and surfaces in biomaterials science.
• Describe DLVO theory and use this to predict conditions where adsorption of proteins and bacteria by biomaterial surfaces will occur.
• Demonstrate a broad knowledge of how polymeric materials are used
• Knowledge of the applications and commercial limitations of soft polymer systems.
• Describe the structure of liquid and polymer foams.
• Describe the structure of biological cell membranes

• Show improved logical reasoning, problem solving and ability in applied mathematics. 
• Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of polymeric network.
• Explain the three mechanisms for the transport of substances through cell membranes.
• Explain the difference between Wet and Dry liquid foams.
• Explain the factors that influence the order parameters in polymer liquid crystals.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of self-assembly
• Explain the relationships between the structure and properties of hydrogels.
• Knowledge of the applications and commercial limitations of hydrogel systems.

• Solve problems utilising appropriate methods.
• Assess results critically.
• Communicate results reliably and effectively.
• Compose simple technical reports on laboratory tests. 

Feedback given (Written and verbal).

• Principles of Tissue Engineering 3rd Edition, R Lanza, R Langer and J Vacanti.
• Biomaterials: an introduction, 3rd Edition, J Park and RS Lakes; Springer 2007.
• Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine, 3 editions, BD Ratner et al.

Additional items will be provided through Blackboard