Chemistry and Properties of Polymers

Catalog description

This course will be an introduction to the chemistry and properties of polymers. Topics will include in-depth focus on polymerization mechanisms and kinetics (radical, anionic, cationic; ring opening polymerization, coordination polymerization; copolymerization), methods for polymer characterization, structure-property relationships in polymers (especially how the chemical structure affects mechanical and thermal properties), and overview of key chemical processing methods for polymers. Some special topics will also be included, such as conducting polymers for electronics, polymers for biomedical applications, the chemistry/processing of photo resists for photolitography and multiphoton lithography, and 3D printing.