2026 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Materials and Chemical Technology Undergraduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering
Polymer Rheology
- Academic unit or major
- Undergraduate major in Chemical Science and Engineering
- Instructor(s)
- Ken Nakajima
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Mon (S4-201(S421))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- CAP.Y302
- Number of credits
- 100
- Course offered
- 2026
- Offered quarter
- 1Q
- Syllabus updated
- Mar 5, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
Rheology is the science that deals with the deformation and flow of matter. This lecture, 'Polymer Rheology', aims to understand the viscoelastic behaviour exhibited by polymeric materials through both phenomenological, based on classical viscoelastic models, and molecular approaches. This enables the comprehension of the physical significance of various mechanical parameters obtained from stress relaxation measurements and dynamic viscoelastic measurements. Key concepts such as Boltzmann's superposition principle and the time-temperature superposition principle will also be addressed. The subject of rheology encompasses diverse polymer systems including melts, solutions, dispersions, rubbers, and gels. The course aims to cultivate practical thinking skills enabling the application of rheology to material design and development.
Course description and aims
Upon completion of this course, students will acquire the following competencies:
1) The ability to explain the viscoelastic behaviour of polymers based on phenomenological and molecular theories.
2) The ability to understand the physical significance of various mechanical parameters obtained from stress relaxation measurements and dynamic viscoelastic measurements.
3) The ability to understand time-temperature superposition principle and to interpret and construct master curves.
Keywords
Viscoelasticity, Classical viscoelastic models, Boltzmann's superposition principle, Time-temperature superposition principle, Rubber elasticity, Rouse model, Reptation
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
The lecture content will be delivered in a lecture format, utilising both handouts and slides projected via a projector. During the lecture, you will also be asked to work on exercises related to the lecture content.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Stress and strain, stress relaxation and creep |
Study stress and strain, stress relaxation and creep, and introduce the concepts of rheology. |
| Class 2 | Classical viscoelastic model |
Understand the viscoelastic properties of polymers using classical viscoelastic models such as Maxwell and Voigt models. |
| Class 3 | Boltzmann's superposition principle |
Understand Boltzmann's superposition principle, a fundamental principle in linear rheology. |
| Class 4 | Dynamic modulus |
Understand the physical significance of the complex elastic modulus obtained through dynamic viscoelastic measurements. |
| Class 5 | Molecular rheology |
Reconstruct rheology using molecular approaches such as rubber elasticity and Rouse model. |
| Class 6 | Time-temperature superposition principle |
Understand the physical empirical rule that changes in temperature and changes over time are mutually equivalent in viscoelastic materials, known as time-temperature superposition principle. |
| Class 7 | Exercises and explanations for checking comprehension |
Ensure you accurately understand the content of Lectures ＃1 to #6 and are able to answer the exercise problems. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance learning outcomes, students should consult the relevant sections of distributed materials and reference books to undertake preparatory and review work (including assignments) concerning the course content.
Textbook(s)
Lecture materials will be distributed.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
The Society of Polymer Science, Japan, ed., Kiso Kobunshi Kagaku (Introduction to Polymer Science) 2nd ed., 2020, Tokyo: Tokyo Kagaku Dojin, ISBN :978-4-8079-0962-9 (Japanese)
M. Rubinstein and R. H. Colby, Polymer Physics, Oxford University Press, 2003. ISBN 0-19-852059-X
Evaluation methods and criteria
Based on the final examination. In some cases, the results of practical exercises assigned as coursework may also be taken into consideration.
Related courses
- CAP.Y201 ： Polymer Chemistry Basics
- CAP.Y204 ： Polymer Physics I (Polymer Solutions)
- CAP.Y205 ： Polymer Physics II (Solid Structures)
- CAP.H204 ： Physical Chemistry IV (Statistical Mechanics)
- CAP.P581 ： Advanced Polymer Processing
Prerequisites
Students must have successfully completed Polymer Chemistry Basics or have equivalent knowledge.