Molecular structure of polymers: thermoplastics and thermosets, definitions and types. Polymer chain flexibility. Chain conformations in polymers. Review of classical and statistical thermodynamics, configuration and conformation of isolated polymer chains, the rotational isomeric state model, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of polymer solutions, scaling theory, single chain dynamics, scattering (light, x-ray, neutron).Rubber elasticity. Amorphous state and glass transition. Free volume theory &Tg. Crystalline state and crystallization.
Thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and thermomechanical analysis) is explained, together with brief description of instruments and data analysis. Characterization of orientation, morphology, superstructure in polymers using x-ray, light scattering, birefringence, dichroism. Crystallography, unit cell determination. Spectroscopy theory. UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Infra-Red Spectroscopy. NMR spectroscopy.
Definitions of Polymer Processing. Extrusion lines. Injection molding processes. Blow molding Processes. Application of Rheology in Polymer Processing: Simple die and injection mold design. Screw types and definitions. Screw design: metering zone. Isothermal and adiabatic extrusion equations.