Pre-requisites	Pass ML3101, ML3102, ML3103, ML3104, ML3105 and ML3106
Workload	25 lecture hours + 6 tutorial hours + 8 hours of assignments
Course Lecturer	Dr. Peter Ho    Tel: 68748781  S7 03-10

1. To introduce the advanced topics of polymeric materials, including their special structural formation (e.g. crystalline states) and the resulting mechanical (e.g. viscoelasticity), electrical and optical properties.
2. To teach the principles of polymer chain statistics, Flory-Huggins theory and the theories for solution characterization.
3. To introduce students to the research frontiers for the opto-electronic applications of polymeric materials.

Introduction to Polymeric Materials
• Nomenclature and Molecular Architecture
• Molar Mass and Degree of Polymerization
• Polydispersion index and Z-average
Polymer Solution Characterization
• Macromolecules in solution: Gaussian distribution
• Flory~Huggins Theory (Mean Field Approximation)
• Osmotic Pressure Measurement Techniques
• Light Scattering Measurements, Zimm plot
• Transport Measurements (Mark~Houwink Equation)
• Fractionation and Gel Permeation Chromatography
• Spectroscopic Analysis: FTIR and NMR
Solid Structure Issues
• Polymer Crystals and Crystallography
• Semi-crystalline Polymers, Spherulites.
• Crystallization, Avrami Equation, Hoffman theory
• Amorphous states, free volume.
Mechanical Properties
• Viscoelasticity, Maxwell and Voigt models
• Boltzmann Superposition Principle
• Dynamic Mechanical Testing
• Temperature-time superposition
• Stress-Strain behavior of elastomers
• Yield in Polymers
• Von Mises Yield Criteria
• Deformation Mechanism
• Polymer Fracture, Fatigue
Opto-Electronic Properties and Applications
• Electronically conducting polymers
• Ion containing polymers and their applications in batteries and fuel cells
• Polymer liquid crystals and LC display
• IC lithography and polymer light emitting devices

1. Introduction to Polymers, R.J. Young, Chapman and Hill, 1982.
2. Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modem Materials, J M G Cowie, Blackie A & P, 1991

1. Polymeric Materials Encyclopedia, J C Salamone, ed, CRC Press, 1996

After careful study of this module the student should be able to:
1. Have a general overview of the research frontiers on polymeric materials.
2. Read basic research literature on polymer physics and chemistry.
3. Understand the principle of Flory-Huggins Theory.
4. Understand the principle of Light Scattering Measurements, and the construction of Zimm plot.
5. Acquire the concepts of viscoelasticity, Maxwell and Voigt models, Boltzmann Superposition Principle and Temperature~time superposition.
6. Understand the basic principle of conducting polymers, and the construction of opto-electronic devices.

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