Updated: 12/6/95
Required of B.S. Chemistry majors; elective to others. An in-depth study of a selected topic in chemistry that requires a thorough understanding of organic chemistry. Topics vary depending on student interest and instructor availability.
Prerequisites: CHEM 208, and CHEM 218; Three Credit Hours
Because of the nature of this course, the syllabus will change each time the course is offered to reflect the change(s) in the topics. The web page will retain all the syllabi with the most recent one first.
Specific Topic: Special Topics in Polymer Chemistry
Instructor: Dr. J.R. Blanton
Text: "Polymer Chemistry," Stevens, 3rd Ed.
The student will develop a firm understanding of the synthesis, analysis, morphology, and rheology of polymers. Once these goals are met, many traditional and nontraditional uses of polymers will be investigated.
There will be two (2) formal tests in this course: a midterm exam (25%) and a cumulative final exam (50%). The remaining 25% used for student assessment will consist of a special report (10%), presentation of this report to the class (10%), and misc assignments (5%). Since the assignments are classified as major works, copies will be maintained in the student portfolios maintained in the department.
This exam will be cumulative with respect to the work completed to the point 1 week prior to the stated midterm point in the schedule.
This exam will cover all topics covered throughout the semester.
The student may choose any topic of polymer chemistry. There is no requirement concerning the length of this report. However, the student should keep in mind that a 15 minute presentation will be required after the report is completed. The report is to be typed, double spaced (use of the graphics capabilities in Bond Hall is strongly encouraged).
Near the end of the semester, the student will make a formal presentation to the class. The topic of this presentation will be the written report. These presentations are open to all faculty and students.
Since this is a special topics course, unplanned assignments may be made throughout the semester to reflect current topics.
I. General Features (Chapter 1) A. Review Organic Mechanisms B. History of Polymers C. Polymeric Systems D. Naming Polymers II. Molecular Weight Analysis (Chapter 2) A. Number Based B. Weight Based C. Viscosity Based D. Distributions III. Step-Reaction Polymers (Chapters 10, 11, 12, 13) A. Preparation B. Kinetics C. Examples IV. Chain reaction Polymerization (Chapters 6, 7, 8) A. Radical B. Ionic i. Anionic ii. Cationic C. Coordination V. Analysis (Chapter 5) VI. Specific Uses A. Industrial Polymers (Chapters 3,4,5) B. Polymeric Reagents (Handouts & Lecture)