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MTT090 MTT090 Polymer processing and properties lp1 HT20 (7.5 hp)

Course is offered by the department of Industrial and Materials Science

Contact details

Course purpose

Polymeric materials are extensively used in increasing number of mainstream and advanced applications. In-depth knowledge, based on polymer science and processing, of polymer structure and properties, their interrelation and processing is given in course. Systematic procedures of how choose polymeric materials accounting for the geometry of a product and available manufacturing techniques are presented. Following polymer structure, a relatively detailed description of mechanical properties of polymers and rubbers is given. In the case of polymers, attention is given to their rheological properties, a key aspect for understanding their behavior.  The manufacturing techniques extrusion and injection moulding are subjected to an extensive treatment with regard to processing principles and effect on material properties. The treatment of the manufacturing processes is based on an in-depth description of the rheological properties of polymer melts. The present advanced course is a suitable introduction to in-depth studies, e. g. within PhD programmes, and is also valuable towards materials engineering (applications) and material development.

Schedule

TimeEdit

For exact time and dates see Zoom meetings.

L1. Introduction to the course. Introduction to polymer science. Crystalline state. Melting [Ch. 1,2 (MBB)]

L2. Introduction to polymer science. Crystalline state. Melting [Ch. 1,2 (MBB)]

L3. Glassy state, glass transition, [Ch. 2.6-2.10 (MBB)]

L4-1. Rheology [slides handout]

L4-2. Rheology [slides handout]

T5/L6-1. Tutorial on crystalline state, see problems for Ch. 1 (MBB)
Tutorial on Tg and amorphous state, see problems for Ch. 2 (MBB)
Polymer processing [Ch. 7 (MBB)]

L6-2. Polymer processing [Ch. 7 (MBB)]

L6-3. Polymer processing [Ch. 7 (MBB)]

T7. Tutorial on rheology and forming, see problems for Ch. 7 (MBB)

L8. Rubber elasticity and rubbers [CH. 3 (MBB)]

L9. Linear viscoelasticity [Ch.4 (MBB)]

L10. Yielding [Ch.5 (MBB)]

T11. Tutorial on yielding, see problems for Ch. 5
Tutorial on viscoelasticity, see problems for Ch. 4

P. Group project presentations

L12. Reinforced polymers [ pp. 239-253 & 257-263 (MBB)]

GL. Guest lecture (TG, Borealis AB)

T13/L14. Tutorial on reinforced polymers see problems for Ch 6
Course wrap-up

 

Course live recording

Live recordings will be uploaded to: https://chalmersuniversity.box.com/s/w9lfmiecguaeniu4cxw8l569jnili3my 

 

Course literature

Most of the topics are based on:

The polymer processing course relies mainly on 

Handouts for the rheology part in the form of slides

Course design

The following activities are included in the course:

  1. Lectures and tutorials
  2. Labs (compulsory)
  3. Project (compulsory)

1. Lectures and tutorials (see 'L' and 'T' in 'Schedule')

2. Labs

TBD

3. Project

Why Project? Nowadays, through the professional career of engineers and scientists, working both in industry and academia as well as other fields, preparing reports and presentations for different target audiences is a significant part of one’s work routine. You will face this many times: prepare an overview, grasp a developing area, summarize, sketch the background and present some sort of a summary. TTS falls into such categories. Clearly, you will need to find sources (literature). You may ask your lecturer for a hint, but most likely you will decide to proceed on your own. 

The project has two parts: (i) a written report and (ii) a video presentation of the project. 

Groups of max 3-4 students will choose one topic to study. For examples of topics, see the list below, however, feel free to explore preferred subjects. More than one group can deal with a given topic. Let the examiner know which topic you have chosen as well as the members of your group. 

(i) The report should be written in English, should be comprehensive enough for the topic chosen, however it should not exceed 10 pages. The written report should be submitted electronically to the examiner (roland.kadar@chalmers.se) - not later than October 1. You need to start TTS work early. An early-bird submission (before 01/10) is encouraged.

 

The written report should be seen as a high level technical report. Evaluation criteria:

  • is the project ‘on track’, clearly organized/structured, formatted and within the requested number of pages?
  • is the coverage of the application comprehensive and complete?
  • the accuracy of the report
  • the originality of the project
  • the correct use of literature references.

 

(ii) The access of the large public to easy ways to large exposure of self made multimedia video clips has exploded in the last decade through platforms such as youtube. For the scientists and engineers especially, the key is the realization of an effective and easy to understand video. This is not an easy task. A key skill that needs to be developed is thus to convert a complex scientific and engineering application into visual form. At the same time, the project aims to give you exposure to new forms of digital media and software, and finally, to have fun and be creative.

The video presentations should be regarded as a low level technical report, meaning that its main goal will be to explain your project to a non-specialized audience. You will premiere your video presentation summary during a presentations session (on October 3, see timetable). The video presentation should be not longer than 10 minutes. Evaluation criteria:

  • does the video presentation clearly describe the project for the intended audience?
  • how do the project members respond to questions regarding their application?
  • originality of the video
  • accuracy of the content
  • video realization quality.

Think freely, compromise and be positive to build up your application. Preferably form mixed international teams. The report carries max. 5p towards the 50p written examination, and must not be rejected.

Examples of topics (feel free to chose any other related topic of interest)

  • Poly(lactid acid)- a polymer from renewable resources
  • Liquid crystalline polymers-super polymers for today and tomorrow
  • Thermoplastic elastomers-the end for natural rubber?
  • Synthetic paper – worth bothering about?
  • Sealing of bottles-cork or plastics?
  • Bank notes- polymers or paper?
  • Gas-assisted injection moulding
  • Sandwich technology- making polymer components even lighter!
  • Calendering of polymers – operation and properties
  • Polymers containing grahphene- a new generation of composites?
  • My favourite engineering plastic!
  • Carbon fibres in automotives
  • Green composites in automotives

Groups must be formed and the topic chosen by Friday, September 4, 2020. Register the project by sending it to roland.kadar@chalmers.se by the deadline. Include a list of the group project members and the chosen topic. 

Changes made since the last occasion

2020: lectures and group presentations will be made through Zoom. More detail at the course start.

Learning objectives and syllabus

Learning objectives:

  • understand the fundamental properties of polymeric materials.
  • understand how material fundamental properties can be used through processing in order to obtain suitable properties
  • acquire an overview of relevant processes for design with polymeric materials.

Examination form

All topics covered in the lectures and tutorials are included in the exam, with the exception of the guest lectures.

An example of past examination question papers (gammal tenta) with solutions will be available. The examination question paper will contain approximately 10 questions. Max score is 45 p. Points from TTS, up to 5, are added. Swedish grades will be issued as follows: 0-19p (fail); 20-29p (3); 30-39p (4); 40-55p (5).

Allowed into examination venue are mathematical tables and approved (by Chalmers) type calculators.

Course summary:

Date Details Due