Target group: M.Sc. Chemistry, 2^nd semester

Prerequisites for participation: none
Accompanying courses: none
Proof of achievement: written examination

Content:

• Modern polymer synthesis methods with different reactive species
• Design and synthesis of polymer architectures (block, graft, star copolymers, cyclic polymers, networks/hydrogels)
• Special polymers (e.g. conductive, stimulus-responsive, stealth)
• Polymer modification and functionalisation
• Characterisation methods (NMR, IR, GPC, DSC, TGA, and AFM)
• Sustainability (sustainable raw materials, recycling, upcycling, life cycle assessment)

Recommended literature:

Young, R. J.; Lovell, P. A. Introduction to Polymers, 3rd edition; CRC Press: Boca Raton, 2011.

Target group: M.Sc. Chemistry, 2^nd and 3^rd semester

Prerequisites for participation: none
Components:
MChS13-a - Colloid and Interface Chemistry
MChS13-b - Polymeric Materials
MChS13-c - Practical Course in Macromolecular Chemistry
Method of assessment: Oral examination

Contents:

• Familiarisation and learning of the most important aspects of colloid and interfacial chemistry.
• Recognising the importance of interfacial phenomena in everyday life and in industrial practice.
• Acquire the ability to apply theoretical knowledge.
• Colloids: Colloidal particles, interactions between colloidal particles, electrochemical double layer.
• Fluid surfaces: surface and interfacial tension, measurement methods
• Monomolecular films: Production and characterisation
• Surfactants: structure and mode of action, micelle formation, structure-effect relationships, foams, emulsifiers, washing process.
• Adsorption on solid surfaces: Adsorption isotherms
• Heterogeneous catalysis: surface reactions

• Familiarisation with important classes of plastic additives
• Getting to know the principles of plastic stabilisation
• Learning the most important methods of polymer analysis
• Learning the basic concepts of the physical chemistry of polymers
• Polymer additives: fillers, plasticisers, stabilisers
• Polymer degradation and polymer stability: oxidative and photooxidative degradation
• Polymer analysis: Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, methods of molecular weight determination, determination of thermal properties (glass transition temperature)
• Introduction to the physical chemistry of polymers: chain conformation, solubility, miscibility, crystallinity, mechanical properties, thermal properties

Recommended literature:

Young, R. J.; Lovell, P. A. Introduction to Polymers, 3rd edition; CRC Press: Boca Raton, 2011.