Principles of Materials Science

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Principles of Materials Science

Full course description

Polymeric materials are unique construction materials. Due to their low specific density and relatively mild processing/shaping conditions, which ultimately originate from their macromolecular nature, distinguish from conventional construction materials such as metals and ceramics. However, the long nature of the molecules entails very specific physiochemical behaviour that needs to be understood during birth of the molecules (polymerization), processing, and performance.

Polymeric materials are praised for their versatility in for example combining various mechanical properties combined with being lightweight. In order to develop new polymer materials, for example of biobased origin, and to mechanically position them in the strength  vs stiffness, one needs to understand and apply the design loop in which polymer chemistry, physics, processing and performance are interlinked. The common denominator in creation and application of this understanding is a profound molecular and thermodynamic understanding.

Course objectives

The overall learning goal is to bridge the interconnectivity of the subdisciplines of polymeric materials science, being (i) polymer chemistry, (ii) physics, (iii) properties and (iv) performance, from (sub)nanometer to macroscopic length-scales using a molecular generic understanding. Consequently, seven Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) are defined:

Create a molecular understanding of (sub) nanometer and macroscopic polymer structures, architectures and assembly.
Explain the fundamentals of step and chain growth polymerization
Explain thermodynamics and kinetics of phase transitions for glassy and semi-crystalline polymers
Explain a molecular and theoretical understanding of polymer dynamics; rubber-elasticity and visco-elasticity
Apply the effect of variations in (thermo)mechanical behaviour of polymer systems from a theoretical and practical perspective on performance; brittle, tough, plasticity, elasticity,…

Develop the underpinning research skills to pursue scientific research;

6. Create detailed insight in and hands-on experience with combining complementary polymer characterization and analysis techniques to answer your research questions.

7. Process, report, and assess your experimental findings – e.g. reflect to your observations and peer-reviewed articles (incl. adequate citing).

Principles of Materials Science