Lectures

Topic/s

Sub-Topics

1-3

Introduction

Definitions, origin, nomenclature, classification of macromolecules; molecular weight (MW) and its distribution; thermal transitions; thermodynamics of polymerization.

4-7

Step Polymerization

Reactivity of functional groups; kinetics; molecular weight in open and closed system - Carother’s equation; stoichiometric control of MW; cyclization vs. linear polymerization, cross-linking and gel point; process condition; step-copolymerization, examples of step polymers.

8-13

Radical Chain Polymerization

Nature of chain polymerization and its comparison with step polymerization; radical vs. ionic polymerizations; structural arrangements of monomer units; kinetics of chain polymerization; molecular weight and its distribution; chain transfer, inhibition, retardation, auto-acceleration; energetic characteristics; techniques of radical polymerization – bulk, solution, emulsion, suspension polymerization; examples of polymers made by radical chain polymerization.

14

Living radical polymerization

Theory; nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP); atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP); radical addition-fragmentation transfer (RAFT); others.

15-16

Ionic chain polymerization

Comparison of radical and ionic polymerizations; cationic polymerizations - kinetics, mechanism; anionic polymerization - kinetics, mechanism; living anionic polymerization; examples.

17-18

Chain co-polymerization

General considerations; types of copolymers, copolymer compositions, reactivity ratio; radical and ionic copolymerizations; examples.

19-21

Stereoregular polymerization

Origin and types of stereoisomerism in polymers; factors influencing stereoregulation; properties of stereoregular polymers; stereospecific ionic polymerizations; coordination polymerization; Ziegler-Natta polymerization, metallocene polymerization; examples

22

Other polymerization processes

Ring opening polymerization; group transfer polymerization; metathesis polymerization, etc.

23-25

Polymers in solution

Thermodynamics of polymer solutions; Flory-Huggins theory, theta conditions; solubility parameters; fractionation of macromolecules

26-27

Chain dimensions

Freely joined chain; effect of geometric and volume restrictions; frictional properties of macromolecules in dilute solution.

28-33

Characterization of macromolecules

Determination of molecular weight - methods for measuring number average, weight average, viscosity average MW; gel permeation chromatography; spectroscopic techniques to determine chemical composition and molecular microstructure.

34-36

Reaction of macromolecules

Reactions with polyolefins, polyenes, pendant groups; polymer degradation - thermal degradation, degradation by catalyst residues, degradation by end groups; mechanism of stabilization - antioxidants and heat stabilizers, catalyst quenchers, end-capping;

37-38

Polymer properties and supermolecular structure

Properties of solid polymers, amorphous and crystalline phases of polymers, structure-property relationship.

39

Special topics/ Newer topics

Naturally occurring polymers, biodegradable, biosynthesis, polymers from bio/renewable resources.

40

Summary