Handbook

1st Component: Fundamentals of Polymer Science and Engineering

• Polymer Chemistry and Synthesis: raw materials and synthesis of polymers; monomers, homopolymers, copolymers; basic organic chemistry and applied polymer chemistry; free radical polymerization, kinetics and mechanism; ionic and condensation polymerization, kinetics and mechanism.
• Polymer Physics and Characterisation: chain dimensions; polymer thermodynamics; polymer solution behaviour; characterisation techniques in solution and solid state using spectroscopy, chromatography and colligative properties.

2nd Component: Case Studies of Polymer Design and Failure

• Mechanical Properties: viscoelasticity and elastic deformation; structure-property relationship Case Studies: polymer properties; failure modes and causes of degradation; analytical techniques for characterising the failing components; examples of polymeric devices that have failed across a broad range of applications such as medical and industrial.
• Design Project: field of application; material selection (synthetic route); polymer structure and property; processing technique; characterisation tools; the relation between structure and application;