Undergraduate Courses

PLAS.3810 – Polymer Science for Engineers I

Description

An introduction to polymer science with a focus on making polymers. Topics covered include the chemistry, kinetics, and statistics of step and chain polymerizations and copolymerizations, polymerization processes. Industrially relevant polymers and commercial polymerization processes will be highlighted, with coverage of the health and safety aspects of various approaches to the preparation of various polymers given. Meets Core Curriculum Essential Learning Outcome for Quantitative Literacy (QL).

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: PLAS 2010 Polymer Materials I or PLAS 2020 Polymeric Materials II and CHEM 2040 Intro to Organic & Polymer Chemistry or CHEM 2210 Organic Chemistry I.

Next offering: Fall 2023 semester.

PLAS.3820 – Polymer Science for Engineers II

Description

An introduction to polymer science with a focus on polymer properties and behavior. Topics covered include analytical techniques (chemical, thermal, and microstructural analysis of polymers, measurement of molecular weight distribution, etc.), as well as the underlying physical, rheological and solution properties that make these techniques possible. Recommended Pre-Req: 26.381 Polymer Science for Engineers I

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: PLAS 2010 Polymer Materials I or PLAS 2020 Polymeric Materials II and CHEM 2040 Intro to Organic & Polymer Chemistry or CHEM 2210 Organic Chemistry I.

Next offering: Spring 2024 semester.

PLAS.3830 – Polymer Science I Laboratory

Description

Synthesis of polymers by step growth, condensation, suspension and free radical emulsion polymerization techniques. Fundamental concepts in polymerization kinetics and mechanism will be covered as well as structure-property considerations and polymerization with functional groups.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: CHEM.2040 Intro. Organic & Polymer Chem.; Co-Req: PLAS.3810 Polymer Sci. for Engineers I.

Last taught: Fall 2017 semester.

Co-taught in the Fall semesters with Prof. R. Nagarajan (2007 to 2017) and Prof. D. Schmidt (2007 to 2015).

PLAS.3840 – Polymer Science II for Laboratory

Description

Polymer characterization techniques including molecular weight distribution by gel permeation chromatography, crystallinity and order by differential scanning calorimetry; polymer morphology and surface properties, and spectroscopic (nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman, infrared) and mechanical (tensile, dynamic mechanical, rheological) techniques will also be covered. Recommended Pre-Reqs: 26.381 Polymer Science for Engineers I and 26.383 Polymer Science I Lab; Co-Req: 26.382 Polymer Science for Engineers II.

Prerequisites

Pre-Reqs: CHEM 2040 Intro to Organic and Polymer Chemistry or CHEM 2210 Organic Chemistry I; Co-Req: PLAS 3820 Polymer Sci for Engineers II.

Co-taught in the Spring semesters with Prof. R. Nagarajan (2007 to 2016) and Prof. D. Schmidt (2007 to 2014).

Last taught: Spring 2017 semester.

PLAS.4500 – Nanoscale Transport Phenomena for Manufacturing Nanodevices

Description

An interdisciplinary course taught by faculty from the Chemical, Mechanical and Plastics Engineering Departments, who have special knowledge in nanoscale fluid mechanics and heat transfer. The course on nanoscale transport phenomena constitutes a bridge between existing fluid and heat transfer courses in multiple disciplines and emerging nanoscale science and engineering concepts to reflect the forefront of nanomanufacturing. The course is designed to incorporate recent advances in manufacturing polymer based nanodevices. The course will prepare graduates for employment focused on designing and manufacturing nano/microfluidic systems, lab on ship devices, electronic devices, medical devices and other emerging technologies.

Prerequisites

Pre-Req: PLAS.3140 Fluid Flow, PLAS.3480 Heat Transfer, and PLAS.2180 Intro to Design.

Last taught: Fall 2015 semester.

Co-taught with Profs. C. Barry, H. Sun, Z. Gu and A. Donatelli.