Course: Chemistry and Physics of Polymers

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Course title Chemistry and Physics of Polymers
Course code KPF/C282
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Seminary
Level of course Bachelor
Year of study not specified
Semester Winter
Number of ECTS credits 8
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Němec Petr, prof. Ing. Ph.D.
  • Jašúrek Bohumil, Ing. Ph.D.
Course content
1. Basic properties of linear and branch polymers. Preparation of polymers. Principles of curing of UV curable printing inks. 2. Average molecular weight (Mn, Mw, Mv a Mz) and methods for their determination. 3. Isolated macromolecule shape. Determination of macromolecule length. Stereoregularity. Intermolecular forces. 4. Phase behaviour of linear thermoplastic polymers. Parameters influencing Tg. 5. Semicrystalline polymers. Determination of crystallinity index. DSC and DTA. 6. Crystallization of polymers. Morphology. Homogeneous, heterogeneous and athermal nucleation. Avrami's equation. 7. Viscosity and viscous flow of liquids. Newtonian and non-Newtonian liquids and their characterization. Dependence of viscosity on molecular weight and temperature. Models describing non-Newtonian behaviour of liquids. 8. Viscosity of polymer solutions. Viscosity parameters. Viscosity measurement. 9. Viscoelasticity of polymers. Elastic, plastic and viscoelastic deformation. Creep and stress relaxation. Boltzmann superposition principle. Time-temperature superposition principle. Five areas of viscoelastic behaviour of amorphous polymers. 10. Mechanical properties of polymers. Dynamic and static tests. Creep, reverse creep, stress relaxation, tensile tests. 11. Electrical properties of polymers (dielectric properties, electrical conductivity, non-conductive and conductive polymers). Static electricity and its reduction in printing production. 12. Polymer composites. Fibber and particle composites with polymer matrix. Influence of structure and properties of components on mechanical properties of composites. 13. Polymeric materials in printing, their properties, applications.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Dialogic (discussion, interview, brainstorming)
  • Contact teaching - 52 hours per semester
  • Home preparation for classes - 30 hours per semester
  • Preparation for an exam - 75 hours per semester
  • Preparation for a partial test - 40 hours per semester
  • Preparation for a final test - 30 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
To acquire knowledge that can help solve technological problems connected with treatment of inks and varnishes, printed materials (especially polymeric foils) and materials for improvement of prints (lamination, hot stamping etc.).
Students acquire information about chemical and physical properties of polymer materials and composites, their preparation and possibilities of modification of rheological, mechanical and electrical properties.
Prerequisites
Knowledge of courses of Bachelor study program (Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Physics for Graphic Arts and Printing Technology, Macromolecular Chemistry).

Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination, Written examination

The examination is oral. Basic form is discussion about selected topics (70 %). Final evaluation also includes two control tests that are written during semester (30 %).
Recommended literature
  • Kaplanová M. Speciální vláknité struktury. VŠCHT Pardubice: skripta, 1988.
  • Mark, James E. Physical properties of polymers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003. ISBN 0-521-53018-0.
  • Mleziva J. Šňupárek J. Polymery: výroba, struktura, vlastnosti a použití. Sobotáles, 2000.
  • Schramm G. A Practical Approach to Rheology and Rheometry. Karlsruhe: Gebrueder Haake GmbH, 1994.
  • Śńupárek J. Makromolekulární chemie - úvod do chemie a technolgie polymerů.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester