Polymer Characterization Lab

Catalog description

This lab will parallel the content taught in PES 340 , Materials Characterization. Focus on sample preparation, variables in characterization techniques, and results interpretation will be emphasized. Both neat (unfilled) polymers and polymer composites will be used to teach several important polymer characterization techniques. Molecular/atomic characterization techniques will include nuclear magnetic resonance, chromatography, and Fourier transform infrared and mass spectroscopy. Microstructural characterization techniques include visible and polarized light microscopy for the characterization of semicrystalline microstructure and composite dispersion, environmental scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis including differential scanning and fast scanning calorimetry, thermogravametric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. Data interpretation from X-Ray diffraction techniques will also be completed.