This course provides an introduction to the statistical methods of determining thermodynamic properties of substances from basic information about the atomic and molecular units from which they are formed. Through calculation of thermodynamic quantities and the evaluation of chemical equilibrium constants, broad insights into the kinetic molecular theory and the significance of the concepts of entropy and energy are developed. The principal mechanisms of polymerization including radical, ionic and condensation, are covered in detail. Characterization of polymers by physical means. Mechanical behavior including bulk and solution properties of polymers.
Polymer syntheses and modifications including graft and copolymerization.
Structure, property and end use applications of plastic materials. Plastics processing, testing and technology. Survey of commodity plastics as well as engineering resins including their applications and economic considerations. Presentation of trade and technical literature in the field.