Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

• Recall the basic concepts of the Science of Polymers and Macromolecules, the different types of polymerization, the basic principles of chemistry and kinetics of step-growth polymerization, chain-growth polymerization and copolymerization.
• Recognize the properties of polymers and their basic characterization techniques, the polymer synthesis processes, the basic characteristics of polymer solutions the mechanical properties and rheology of polymers.
• Describe the various types of polymerization and the differences between them.
• Solve the kinetic equations of the various polymerization reactions.
• Apply the characterization techniques required to determine specific properties of polymers.
• Evaluate the methods required to determine the mechanical properties of solid polymers.
• Describe the basic polymer formatting processes.

• Review, analyze and synthesize data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
• Work in interdisciplinary environment

1. Introduction to the science of polymers and macromolecules.
2. Nomenclature. Types and degree of polymerization. Molecular weight distributions.
3. Step-growth polymerization. Chemistry and kinetics of step-growth polymerization reactions (polymerization rate equations, molecular product distribution).
4. Chain-growth polymerization. Chemistry and kinetics of polymerization chain reactions (polymerization rate equations, degree of polymerization, kinetic constant).
5. Effect of monomer chemical composition, primers, chain reaction retardation / inhibition, catalysis.
6. Copolymerization. Chemistry and kinetics of copolymerization reactions. Ideal copolymerization, azeotropic copolymerization, alternating copolymerization.
7. Polymer characterization techniques (osmometry, viscometry, gel chromatography)
8. Polymer solutions. Phase equilibria, solubility, binary systems, stability conditions.
9. Melting and crystallization of polymers, thermodynamics and kinetics of crystallization of polymers. Glass polymers. Glass transition.
10. Mechanical properties. Elastomeric polymers. Viscosilicity of polymeric melts and solutions.
11. Polymer failure.
12. Polymer rheology.
13. Polymer formatting processes.

Use of Information and Communication Technology

• Power point presentations
• E-class support

Assessment Method

Ι. Written final examination (100%).

• Questions of theoretical knowledge.
• Problems to be resolved.

• Polymer Science and Technology, Κ. Panagiotou, Εκδόσεις ΠΗΓΑΣΟΣ, Thessaloniki.
• Synthetic Macromolecules, Basic Consideration, Α.Dodos, Εκδόσεις Κωσταράκης, Athens, 2012
• Polymers: Chemistry Physics of modern materials, J.M.G. Cowie, 2nd Ed., Blakie, London, 1991.