2020 Faculty Courses School of Materials and Chemical Technology Department of Chemical Science and Engineering Graduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering
Introduction to Polymer Physical Properties I
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering
- Instructor(s)
- Takane Imaoka / Keiji Nagai
- Class Format
- Lecture (Zoom)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 5-6 Mon (G114)
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- CAP.I436
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2020
- Offered quarter
- 2Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jul 10, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
This course enables students to understand how the unique properties of polymers which are distinguishable from those of small molecules are derived from their chain-like structure and to acquire fundamentals of the characterization procedures on the basis of the essential concepts on polymers. Thermodynamic treatments are also given for solution systems where interactions with solvents are essential for determining polymers' structures and properties, which are also available for understanding related matters such as polyelectrolytes and gels. For students in other graduate majors, this course provides the opportunity to learn about basic polymer structures as well as solution and gel properties.
Understanding their unique structure is critically important for students to grasp "What are polymers?" This is based on the fact that the specific properties of common linear polymers, which are made of many small components, are derived from unique intra- and inter-molecular interactions. In solution systems, matters are more complicated because of the additional interactions with solvents, which may be fully elucidated with rather simple thermodynamic treatments. Thus, students will understand how polymers assume their structure to reveal their properties in solution and what interactions are involved therein, by referring to relevant theoretical treatments.
Course description and aims
This course is intended to enable students who have no backgrounds in polymer science to acquire fundamental knowledge of the solution properties within polymer physics. By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1) Explain "what is unique about polymers?"
2) Explain the primary structures.
3) Explain how polymer chain expansion is correlated with the excluded volume effect.
4) Explain the meaning of the Flory-Huggins theory.
5) Explain the concept of average molecular weight and the principles of the measurements.
6) Explain how solution properties depend on concentration.
7) Explain the counterion binding phenomena.
8) Explain the gel swelling theories referring to the relevant solution theories.
Keywords
primary structure, configuration, conformation, average molecular weight (distribution), radius of gyration, excluded volume (effect), Flory-Huggins theory, θtemperature, χparameter, light scattering, intrinsic viscosity, counterion binding, gel (swelling)
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The classes are conducted by referring to the designated textbook, and important concepts and terms are mainly explained for students who are required to prepare for the relevant lesson. At the end of each class, a 15 minute examination including the explanation of the problem will be given.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Structure, molecular weight and distribution of macromolecules | Explain the concept of primary structure, higher order structure and molecular weight distribution of macromolecules |
| Class 2 | Intrinsic properties of polymer chain - Chain models and excluded volume effects - | Explain models expressing the extension of polymer chain and exclusion volume effect |
| Class 3 | Methods for the measurements of molecular weights and distributions | Explain the principle of GPC, light scattering and mass spectrometry as the molecular-weight analysis methods. |
| Class 4 | Higher-order structure of polymer solid | Explain the crystal structure, orientation, glass state of polymer solids |
| Class 5 | Characterizations of higher order structure of polymer | Explain analytical methods (small angle scattering, electron microscope, polarized light etc.) to study the structure of polymer solids |
| Class 6 | Phase transition of polymer solid | Explain phase transitions and their thermodynamics of polymers (glass transition and melting) |
| Class 7 | Polymer-based liquid crystals / polymer gels | Explain the characteristics of materials such as polymer-based liquid crystals and gels |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Fundamental polymer science (Tokyo Kagaku Dojin) ISBN978-4-8079-0635-2, Chapter 1-3, 5(sec.6) (Japanese)
Reference books, course materials, etc.
Materials will be provided at the class.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Understanding of the solution properties of linear polymers in terms of intra- and intermolecular interactions will be assessed.
15-minute examinations (30%) + final examination (70%)
Related courses
- CAP.I426 ： Introduction to Polymer Science
- CAP.I437 ： Introduction to Polymer Physical Properties II
- CAP.I427 ： Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of thermodynamics (B.S. level).
Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).
Takane Imaoka:E-mail:timaoka[at]res.titech.ac.jp
K.Nagai:E-mail:nagai.k.ae[at]m.titech.ac.jp
Office hours
Takane Imaoka: E-mail for an appointment.
K. Nagai: Contact by e-mail in advance to schedule an appointment.