Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25
None
Available as a Free Standing Elective
No
Successful completion of FHEQ Level 5 Physics/Astrophysics undergraduate programme
The application of physics and physical techniques to develop an understanding of structure property relationships in polymer materials. Topics covered in this module are: Structure of polymers, orientation, crystallinity and correlation between the structure and mechanical properties. In addition, details of the experimental and analytical techniques (wide and small angle x-ray scattering) used to investigate polymer crystallinity and orientation will be covered.
Aims
This module aims to develop an understanding of structure property relationships in polymer materials and the application of physical techniques to investigate the macrostructure, microstructure and mechanical properties of polymer materials.
Intended Learning Outcomes
Explain and discuss the structure of polymer molecules and the application of physical characterisation techniques: 1,2Explain and discuss crystallinity and molecular orientation in polymer materials; application of physical techniques to determine the crystallinity and molecular orientation in polymer materials: 1,2Explain and discuss macrostructure in polymer materials; application of small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques to probe macrostructure in polymer materials: 1,2Explain and discuss application of wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) techniques to probe microstructure in polymer materials: 1,2Explain and discuss mechanical properties of polymer materials and their yield behaviour: 1,2
Active learning hours:24 hours lectures6 hours tutorialsIndependent study:20 hours of work on problems sheets98 hours directed reading/private study, 2 hour examination
Description of Module Assessment
1: Problem Sheets weighted 20%4 PROBLEM SHEETSFour problem sheets which includes analytical, computational and numerical problems from the module content.
2: Unseen Exam weighted 80%Unseen Examination2-hour unseen exam - students should answer 3 questions out of 5.