MSc Polymer Materials Science and Engineering / Course details

Fundamental concepts in polymer and polymer composite science will be covered with key topics 

This unit aims to introduce Polymer Materials Science and Engineering MSc students to the science underpinning the synthesis, characterisation and properties of polymers and composites.

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

• Describe the basic structures, compositions, properties and uses of common polymers.
• Describe common polymerisation methods, including synthesis of linear & non-linear polymers.
• Describe the principles behind, and the uses of, common techniques used for polymer characterisation.
• Describe the structure-property-performance relationships of a range of polymers and polymer composites.
• Describe the principles behind, and the applications of, common polymer and polymer composites processing methods.

• Explain the structure of polymers and discuss polymer synthesis reactions.
• Apply simple models to predict and explain various properties of polymers and composites.
• Explain how the properties of polymers and polymer composites depend upon their molecular and physical structures.
• Identify appropriate techniques for the analysis of polymers.

• Analyse the results from other polymer testing experiments and link them to their physical properties.
• Explain why some polymers have unique physical properties. 

• Solve problems utilising appropriate numerical skills, chemical knowledge and algebraic methods.
• Assess results critically and apply them in other areas of studies.
• Interpret results reliably and effectively in their research work.

Feedback given verbally and written.

• R.J. Young and P.A. Lovell, Introduction to Polymers: 3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2011 or 2nd Edition, CRC Press, 1991
• G. Odian, Principles of Polymerisation, all editions
• J.M.G. Cowie, Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials, all editions
• M. Gilbert, Brydson's Plastics Materials, Eighth Edition
• M.P. Stevens, Polymer Chemistry: An Introduction, all editions
• L.H. Sperling, Introduction to Physical Polymer Science, all editions
• Introduction to Composite Materials, D. Hull, T.W. Clyne. Cambridge Univ. Press, 1996.
• Manufacturing Processes for Advanced Composites, F.C. Campbell, Elsevier, 2004.
• Liquid Moulding Technologies, C.D. Rudd, Woodhead, 1997.
• Processing of Composites R.S. Dave¿, A.C. Loos (editors), 2000.