PES 340Polymer Characterization

2 credits · Polymer Engineering Science · Penn State

The standard techniques used to investigate and identify polymer systems will be discussed in detail. The fundamental theory that drive each technique will be taught, including Braggs law and the the use of Fourier transforms in data analysis. Lectures and demonstrations using molecular level characterization methods will teach the students the state of the art in determining molecular weight and molecular weight distributions, defining end groups, and assessing additives in a polymer formulation. Microstructural level analysis instruction will enable the students to select the proper technique to assess polymer microstructural features such as crystalline content and phase identification, local (micro, nano) properties such as hardness, the distribution of nanoparticles in a composite material, and the hierarchy of structure that can develop in complex polymer blend systems such as phase separation and interphase development. Thermal analysis techniques will emphasize the relationships between heating/cooling rates to final morphology formed during processing as well as more traditional aspects such as identifying the glass transition and melting enthalpy of polymers. X-Ray techniques will be introduced as a means to explore the micro, nanostructure, and orientation of semicrystalline polymers.