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Polymers and Composites (MREN90001)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Students are introduced to Polymer Chemistry. The influence of chemical constituents on structure–property relationships is explained. Polymerisation reactions including free radical and ion are covered including initiation, step and chain growth and termination steps. The physical properties of polymers including MW and how to measure it with viscosity and GPC are described. Chemical characterisation including spectroscopy and NMR is elucidated. Polymer properties such as Tg, Tm and viscoelasticityare are described. The influence of polymer architecture including co-polymers and crystalline domains is discussed. Students are also introduced to other topics covering elastomers and rubbers. Description of polymers in solution including solubility parameter and chi are presented. The role of chain entanglement in polymer melts on viscoelasticity is described. Polymers as solids particularly mechanical behaviour is covered including thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. Polymer processing including injection moulding, compression moulding, blowing, extrusion, fibre and film formation is discussed. Students will be introduced to composites including all material classes. Particular detailed focus is on polymer matrix composites including particle and fibre reinforced materials. Mechanical properties of composites including, elastic modulus, strength and toughening mechanisms are covered.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Relate polymer physio-chemical properties to polymer behaviour
- Evaluate and select polymers for specific applications
- Compare and contrast behaviour of polymers in solutions, melts and solids
- Link processing technologies to types of polymers and shape capabilities
- Design composite microstructures to produce materials with tailored properties
Generic skills
- Capacity for independent thought. Awareness of advanced technologies in the discipline. Ability to apply knowledge of basic science and engineering fundamentals. Ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution. The ability to comprehend complex concepts and communicate lucidly this understanding. The ability to confront unfamiliar problems. In-depth technical competence in at least one engineering discipline. Ability to plan work and to use time effectively. Ability to apply engineering methods to solve complex problems.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
ENGR20003 Engineering Materials
AND
CHEM20018 Reactions and Synthesis or equivalent
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Recommended background knowledge
Fundamental concepts in materials science and engineering. Sound foundation in chemistry.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Assessment
Additional details
- Written Assignment 1 (10%). Written assignment of no more than 5 pages (not including diagrams, graphs and raw data); due throughout the semester; overall time commitment of 13 hours; Due week 4; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO’s) 1-5 assessed in the assignment
- Written Assignment 2 (10%). Written assignment of no more than 5 pages (not including diagrams, graphs and raw data); due throughout the semester; overall time commitment of 13 hours; Due week 8; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO’s) 1-5 assessed in the assignment
- Written Assignment 3 (10%). Written assignment of no more than 5 pages (not including diagrams, graphs and raw data); due throughout the semester; overall time commitment of 13 hours; Due week 12; Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO’s) 1-5 assessed in the assignment
- One three-hour end-of-semester written examination (70%), assesses Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 1 to 5.
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours Total time commitment 200 hours Teaching period 26 February 2018 to 27 May 2018 Last self-enrol date 9 March 2018 Census date 31 March 2018 Last date to withdraw without fail 4 May 2018 Assessment period ends 22 June 2018
Last updated: 3 November 2022
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Recommended texts and other resources
Introduction to Polymers, Third Edition 3rd Edition, R. J. Young, P. A. Lovell, CRC Press, 2011
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 3 November 2022