2024 Faculty Courses School of Materials and Chemical Technology Department of Chemical Science and Engineering Graduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering
Advanced Polymer Structures
- Academic unit or major
- Graduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering
- Instructor(s)
- Hidemine Furuya
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Thu
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- CAP.P522
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2024
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 14, 2025
- Language
- English
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
First, primary structures of polymer chains and three-dimensional structures formed are outlined. This course describes how to evaluate the conformation and physical properties of single polymer chains based on the rotational isomeric state approximation. In addition, the amorphous structure, dynamic structural characteristics, and orientation structure of the polymer assembly will be explained. Finally, this course covers structure transitions of polymer chains and changes in physical properties associated with the transition, and introduce examples of application to the control of physical properties of polymer materials.
Polymer chains exhibit unique physical properties by forming various three-dimensional structures from countless primary structures due to the diversity of combinations of bonding modes. Understanding the intrinsic properties and intermolecular interactions of single polymer chains is indispensable in basic research on polymer structures, and is also useful in applied research aimed at creating new polymer materials.
Course description and aims
At the end of this course, students will get the knowledge about structures of polymer systems.
That is, they will be able to explain and/or understand
1) the conformational properties and physical properties of polymer chains.
2) the characteristics of amorphous and dynamic structures of polymers.
3) transition behaviors and mechanisms of structures formed by polymers.
Keywords
Conformation, Amorphous, Orientation Structure, Dynamic Structure, Structure Transition
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
Lectures will be given in a face-to-face style using slides. A check test for understanding will be given during the lecture.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Primary structure and three-dimensional structure of polymer-overview | Understand the primary structure of polymers and the three-dimensional structure formed. |
| Class 2 | Conformation and properties of polymers | Understand the conformation of polymer chains and the physical properties depending on conformations. |
| Class 3 | Amorphous structure | Understand the characteristics of amorphous structures formed by polymers. |
| Class 4 | Dynamic structure 1 | Understand the dynamic properties of polymer chains in bulk structures. |
| Class 5 | Dynamic structure 2 | Understand the characteristics and evaluation method of the dynamic structure of the bulk state. |
| Class 6 | Orientation structure | Understand the orientation structure and anisotropic physical properties of polymer chains. |
| Class 7 | Structure transition | Understand the structure transition and the transition mechanism. |
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 course materials.
Textbook(s)
None
Reference books, course materials, etc.
References: 1. The Society of Polymer Science Ed., " Fundamental Polymer Science", Tokyo Kagaku Dojin, 2006.
2. Y, Matsushita et. al., "Morphology and properties of polymer systems", Kodansha Ltd, 2013.
3. M. Rubinstein and R. H. Colby, "Polymer Physics", Oxford University Press, 2003.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Evaluations will be based on attendance, comprehension tests given in class, and assignment reports.
Related courses
- CAP.P221 ： Polymer Physics I (Polymer Solutions)
- CAP.P202 ： Statistical Mechanics for Polymers
- CAP.P222 ： Polymer Physics II (Solid Structures)
Prerequisites
It is desirable to have a knowledge of polymer physics.