BSc Materials Science and Engineering

The unit provides comprehensive coverage of multiphase polymer systems, in particular blends, block copolymers and nanocomposites (larger-scale fibre reinforced composites are covered in MATS 31301). 

The unit aims to:

• Provide the student with an understanding of the structure-property relationships of multiphase polymer systems, the theories that underpin their formation, structure and properties and how applications for these materials stem from their behaviour.
   

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

Blended learning programme: Including asynchronous activities (including video lectures, self-test quizzes, directed reading) and (live) synchronous activities (including Q&A sessions, quizzes and tutorials).

Blackboard – All asynchronous activities, lecture notes, questions sheets and handouts will be available electronically.  Synchronous activities will be recorded and will also be available electronically
 

• Describe the range of multiphase polymers and their advantages relative to single-phase polymers.
• Explain the principles and theory of phase separation in polymer blends and block copolymers.
• Evaluate the beneficial effects of nanoscale reinforcements.
• Justify of the applications of multiphase polymers and explain their environmental issues.
• Describe the types of nanoparticle fillers.
• Understand the main factors determining the mechanical and functional properties of polymer nanocomposites.
• Give examples of current applications of polymer nanocomposites.

• Assess and interpret data from DMTA in order to determine polymer structure.
• Apply simple models to predict the modulus of polymer blends and polymer nanocomposites.
• Apply simple models to evaluate functional properties of polymer nanocomposites.
• Evaluate X-Ray diffraction data, Scanning and Transmission
• Electron Microscopy images to characterise the structural properties of polymer nanocomposites.

• Solve problems utilising appropriate methods.
• Assess results critically.

Verbal and written

• "Polymer Alloys and Blends”, LA Utracki, Hanser Gardner, 1990.
• “Polymer Blends and Alloys”, MJ Folkes and PS Hope, Springer, 2012
• “Polymeric Multicomponent Materials”, LH Sperling, Wiley, 1997
• “Thermoplastic Elastomers”, G Holden et al (Eds), Hanser, 1996.
• “Polyurethane Elastomers”, CPE Scortanu, S Coseri, Springer, 2011.
• “Polymer Nanocomposites”, Y-W Mai, Z-Z Yu, Woodhead 2006.
• “Polymer-Clay nanocomposites”, TJ Pinnavaia and GW Beall (eds), Wiley, 2000.