Introduction to Polymer Science - 515.661

The goal of this course is to provide students with an introduction to the preparation, properties and manufacturing of polymers. Methods for synthesizing polymers, manufacture of polymers and the techniques used to characterize polymer properties will be presented. The course topics include natural and synthetic giant molecules; inorganic and organic polymers; biomacromolecules; and elastomers, adhesives, coatings, fibers, plastics, blends, caulks, composites, and ceramics. The basic principles that apply to one polymer class can be used to understand all of the other classes and are integrated into the framework of this course.