Course detail

Specialty Polymer Synthesis

CEITEC VUT-DS212AAcad. year: 2013/2014

This lecture presents basic and advanced methods in the synthesis of polymers including various types of polymerizations (step and chain polymerizations, controlled and living techniques) to synthesize multiple kinds of homopolymers, copolymers (e.g. block copolymers, random copolymers) branched polymers/copolymers (e.g. star polymers, comb polymers, graft copolymers, dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers) end-functionalized polymers and macromonomers, and polymer networks. Emphasis is placed on controlling the reaction variables that affect polymer properties (chemical structure, molecular mass, branching, crosslinking, sol-gel transition and crystallinity). The modifications allowed by radical, cationic, and anionic chain polymerizations, copolymerization, ring-opening polymerization, and stereoselective polymerizations are considered. The use of self-assembly in the formation of macromolecular structures using hydrogen bonding, ionic bonding, and other non-covalent bonds is discussed at the end of the course.

Language of instruction

English

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Not applicable.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Not applicable.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Not applicable.

Course curriculum

1. Introduction, definitions, polymerization processes, nomenclature and industry polymers
2. Step growth polymerization: Homogeneous, bulk and interfacial polymerizations (polyamides, polyaramids, polyimides), step condensation methods, segmented and block copolymers (common polyesters)
3. Free radical polymerization: bulk, suspension, solution, and emulsion process, initiators, monomer reactivity and copolymerization (polyvinyl chloride via precipitation polymerization, polyethylene via radical polymerization)
4. Controlled/”living” radical polymerization: ATRP (Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization) and RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization)
5. Coordination polymerization: Ziegler-Natta Catalysis, stereochemistry of polymers, stereoregular polymerizations (polyolefines), metathesis polymerization, ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) (electro-active polymers), metallocene catalysts
6. Ionic Polymerizations: Anionic polymerization (nonliving, living), block copolymerization (polystyrene-polyethylene), cationic polymerization (isobutyl rubber, polyvinyl ethers)
7. Ring opening polymerizations: Anionic, cationic and other ROP, telechelic oligomers and novel architectures using coupling techniques (polyhydroxyalcanoates)
8. Polymer functionalization and modification: Macromonomers, biomaterials systems, liquid crystal polymers
9. Stimuli responsive hydrogels – physical and chemical crosslinking, gelation and degradation
10. Polymer architecture: block and random copolymers, branched polymers (graft, comb, dendrimers, star polymers), polymer networks
11. Inorganic polymer synthesis: Secondary H-bonding and ionic charge to build structures, self-assembly (poly(sulfur nitride), polysiloxanes, polysilanes, phosphnitrilic polymers)
12. Natural polymers: natural rubber and lignin, polysaccharides (cellulose, starch, hyaluronan, chitosan and other polysaccharides), proteins (wool, silk, collagen, spider web, and regenerated protein), polyesters (plant, animal)

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Not applicable.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Not applicable.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Hans-Georg Elias. Macromolecules, Volume 1 (Chemical structure and Syntheses), Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA, Weinheim, Germany, 2005. ISBN: 3-527-31172-6
Hans-Georg Elias. Macromolecules, Volume 2 (Industrial Polymers and Syntheses), Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KgaA, Weinheim, Germany, 2007. ISBN: 3-527-31173-6
Odian, George. Principles of Polymerization. 4th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience, 2004. ISBN: 9780471274001.

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme STIAMN Doctoral

    branch PM , 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme STIAMN Doctoral

    branch AM , 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme STIPMNK Doctoral

    branch PM , 1 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
    branch PM , 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

  • Programme STIAMN Doctoral

    branch PM , 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional