MEng Materials Science and Engineering

Lecture topics include:

Polymers:

• Introduction to the main classes of polymers and the defining properties of each class: thermosetting, commodity thermoplastics, engineering/high-temperature thermoplastics and elastomers.
• The relationship between chemical structure and thermal properties of polymers.
• The relationship between chemical structure and mechanical properties of polymers.
• Analyse, with the use of case studies, how the thermal and mechanical properties of polymers influence materials selection for various applications.
• Introduce the how fillers and short fibre reinforcements influence the mechanical properties and applications of polymers.

Fibre properties:

• Classification of fibres and their performance; man-made and natural fibres.
• Typical physical and chemical properties and applications of important fibres.

Physical and chemical modifications to fibres for different applications:

• Fibre spinning technologies and process.
• Functional materials for contemporary textiles
• The relationship between fibre/ fabric structures and performance of textiles.

Performance of textiles:

• The relationship between fibre structures and performance of textiles.
• The relationship between fabric structures and performance of textiles.

Colour specification:

• Colour communication.
• Colour order system.
• Principles of the CIE system.

The unit aims to:

• Categorize the different polymers, fibres and textiles classes;
• Illustrate an understanding of why certain polymer, fibre and textile with specific chemical, thermal and mechanical properties are used for selected applications;
• Describe aspects of colour communication, and describe the necessity for, and scientific basis of, colour communication systems;
• Design new products, including specific polymers, textiles and functional fabrics via appropriate functional chemicals, finishing or colouration.

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

Lectures, practical laboratory sessions, recommended textbooks, web resources, past exam papers, electronic supporting information (Canvas), and peer-assisted study sessions (PASS).

• Interpret the differences and defining properties of the major classes of polymers.
• Interpret the structure-property-performance relationships of a range of polymers.
• Describe how the chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of polymers influence their selection for applications.
• Explain the effects of fillers and fibre reinforcements on polymers.
• Explain the physical properties required for a typical textile fibre and the production and properties of the most important textile fibres.
• Show how man-made fibres can be tailored for specific uses.
• Define the performances of constructed textiles.
• Tell the 1  -  Knowledge and understanding of the principles of coloration of natural and synthetic fibres.
• Describe the likely application conditions, characteristics and performance profile of the most common dye classes for natural and synthetic fibres.
• Memorize 1  -  Knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of colour measurement and communication in textiles.

• Identify the appropriate polymers for specific applications.
• Apply simple models to the mechanical properties of polymers.
• Explain and relate how the physical properties of polymers, fibres and textiles depend upon their molecular structures.
• Appraise the technical aspects of textile production, and be able to communicate this topic with a degree of effectiveness with practitioners in the textile supply chain.
• Be able to relate the coloration of textiles with the chemical structure of dyes and common textile polymers.
• Develop a logical approach to problem-solving technical issues in the coloration process.
• Describe aspects of colour communication, and describe the necessity for, and scientific basis of, colour communication systems.

• Develop awareness of practical aspects associated with performing tests to measure polymer mechanical properties 
• Analyse the results from materials testing experiments to measure physical properties of different polymers.
• Design specific polymers, textiles and functional fabrics via appropriate functional chemicals, finishing or coloration.
• Interpret experimental investigations of textile properties.
• Ability to identify and employ appropriate sources of information.

• Solve problems utilising appropriate numerical skills and algebraic methods.
• Assess results critically and Communicate results reliably and effectively.
• Work effectively in a group to solve problems.
• Compose simple technical reports on laboratory tests.
• Develop collaboration with all practitioners in the polymer and textile industry, with a degree of effectiveness.

Verbal and written

Note : From Unit Spec (Section 7 – Indicative Reading)

• Introduction to Polymers, R.J. Young and P.A. Lovell,3rd Edition, CRC Press, 2011
• Introduction to physical polymer science, L.H. Sperling, 4th Edition, 2006.
• “Textile Science” K.L. Hatch, 1993
• "Billmeyer and Saltzman's principles of color technology" Burns, 2019
• “Basic principles of textile coloration” A.D. Broadbent, 2001
• “Fundamentals and practices in coloration of textiles” J.N. Chakraborty, 2010

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £41,900 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

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