Polymer Physics Laboratory Practice

-Introduction

Introduction of the goals of the subject. Guidelines for the preparation of the laboratory reports. general information about the subject. Safety instructions. 

-Synthesis and reactions of polymers

Basic introduction of the possible synthesis routes for different polymers. Basic synthesis reactions are carried out in laboratory scale.

-Identification of polymers and estimation of its molar mass

Fast identification methods for various polymers. Introduction of possible techniques of the estimatino of molar mass. Measurement of molar mass throughout viscosity measurements. 

-Rheology I

Basic terms of rheology. Characterization of flow in polymer melts. Estimation of melt flow index of polymers.

-Rheology II

Flow anomalies of polymer melts the their investigation. recording of flow curve of polymers using capillary rheometer. 

-Fourier transformed IR spectroscopy of polymers (FTIR) 

Study of the molecular structure of polymeric materials using FTIR technique. Sample preparation and the introduction of the measurement procedure.  Fast identification of polymer with FTIR and the basics of quantitative FTIR analysis. 

-Thermal analysis of polymers I

Introduction of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarized light microscopy (PLM) and thermo-optical microscopy (TOM) techniques. Evaluation of results obtained from thermal analysis of polymers. Basics of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and study the relaxation transition of polymers with DMTA.  

-Thermal analysis of polymers II

Investigation of thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation using DSC/OIT and TGA techniques respectively. Estimation of heat distortion temperature using instrumented HDT apparatus. 

-Fracture and impact resistance of polymers

Estimation and comparison of impact behavior of a polymer using different fracture tests methods. Standard fracture tests using pendulum apparatus, three point -Charpy - bending tests. Fractoscopy. Effect of load and notch on the fracture behavior. 

-Mechanical properties of polymers

Measurement of mechanical properties of amorphous, semicrystalline polymers, copolymers. Evaluation of the results obtained form tensile tests. 

-Preparation of fiber reinforced composites 

Crosslinking of unsaturated polyester resin in order to fabricate glass- or carbon fiber reinforced sheets (flat and corrugated). Determination and comparison of properties of composites based on polyester matrix and reinforced using different rovings.  

-Welding and joining of polymers

Introduction of welding techniques used in the polymer industry. Welding of polymer film using heat impulse welding apparatus and study the effect of welding parameters on te strength of welding. Introduction of glues used for joining polymers. Joining of thermoplasts and thermosets  to themselves, metals, ceramics and wood. Qualification of joining strength.