Apply through UCAS
- UCAS course code
- F204
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Performance Polymers, Fibres and Textiles
Unit code | MATS24112 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 5 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Lecture topics include:
Polymers
Fibre properties
Physical and chemical modifications of bires for different applications
Coloration
Colour specification
Aims
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.
Learning outcomes
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
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures, practical laboratory sessions, recommended textbooks, web resources, past exam papers, electronic supporting information (Blackboard), peer-assisted study sessions (PASS).
Knowledge and understanding
• 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.
Intellectual skills
• 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.
Practical skills
• 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.
Transferable skills and personal qualities
• 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.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
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Written exam | 70% |
Written assignment (inc essay) | 30% |
Feedback methods
Verbal and written
Recommended reading
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
- “Basic principles of textile coloration” A.D. Broadbent, 2001
- “Fundamentals and practices in coloration of textiles” J.N. Chakraborty, 2010
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
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Lectures | 20 |
Independent study hours | |
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Independent study | 80 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
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Niamh Fox | Unit coordinator |