Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for scientists and technologists in the manufacturing industries, graduates undertaking research and development in academic institutions or research organisations and MSc students. It will serve as an introduction or an update. No specific previous qualifications will be assumed but the level is set to appeal to those of graduate status with some industrial experience. A basic understanding of the structure of polymers will be useful but detailed chemical and mathematical arguments will be avoided. By the conclusion of the course, delegates will have received a sound review of the basic principles of science and engineering of polymers and advanced polymeric materials, and have an overview of current developments relevant to most industrial requirements.

Module Aims

This course aims to:

• provide an up-to-date appreciation of the developments and applications of polymers in   
  engineering
• provide students with important background and conceptual on the structure and properties of
  polymers with the focus on:
  (i) recent developments in
  (a)        the chemical and physical structure
  (b)        processing
  (c)        and production of new classes of polymers
  that lead to a new range of properties or significant improvement of existing properties;
  (ii) novel applications for polymers or applications where the polymers have found recent expansion in novel areas due to their enhanced or novel properties.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module, students will:

• have a knowledge of the properties, processing and applications of thermoplastics and thermosets, both bulk and specialised materials, latest developments and new or advanced applications for polymers,
• be able to use this knowledge in a critical manner to make justified choices of polymeric materials and processes, plan and design the product and manufacturing route for a given application

Module Content

•  Introduction
• Synthesis of Polymers
• The Amorphous State
• The Crystalline State
• Thermosets
• Mechanical Behaviour
• Thermoplastics
• Chemical Characterisation of Polymers
• Toughening and Toughening Mechanisms in Polymers
• Processing of Plastics
• Advanced Processing Techniques
• Physical Characterisation of Polymers
• Adhesives and Coatings
• Polymer Blends and Alloys
• Conjugated Polymers for Optoelectronic Applications
• Degradation of polymers
• Recycling of Polymers
• Polymers in Microelectronics
• Polymers in Automotive Applications

Recommended background reading
Extensive course notes are supplied.   

The library has a wide range of textbooks that support the Polymer curriculum, including:

Course Director

The Course Director is Dr Constantina Lekakou