The subject deals with polymer molecular and supramolecular structure, network formation, free volume concept, glass transition, crystallization, linear and rubber elasticity, viscoelasticity, melt flow properties, yielding and fracture, miscibility and swelling of polymers, electrical properties, transport properties. Fundamental knowledge of differential and integral calculi, combinatorics, thermodynamics and chemical structure of basic polymers are required. Exemplars and tasks for homework will be given at lectures. The exam consists of written (imposition with similar tasks) and oral part.

The student has to pass oral examination successfully to complete the subject. The assessment approval is required for the oral examination.

The approval is based on two written tests with total result of 60 % and more, or on closing test with 60 % and more.

Recommended:

• Strobl, Gert R.. The physics of polymers, concepts for understanding their structures and behavior. Berlin ;, New York: Springer, 2007, s. ISBN 978-3-540-25278-8.
• Mills, N. J.. Plastics, microstructure and [engineering] applications. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2005, s. ISBN 0-7506-5148-2.
• Ward, I.M., Hadley, D.W.. An Introduction to the Mechanical Properties of Solid Polymers. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons, 1997, s. ISBN 9780471938873.
• Mark, James E., Erman, Burak, Roland, C. M.. The science and technology of rubber. Waltham: Academic Press, 2013, s. ISBN 978-0-12-394584-6.

Molecular structure, conformation, intermolecular forces, morphology of polymers.

Molar mass distribution, its effect on polymer properties.

Network formation, crosslinking theory, network structure.

Glass transition and free volume concept.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of crystallization.

Theory of rubber elasticity, its applications.

Viscoelasticity, models, Boltzmann superposition principle.

Transitions and polymer structure. time-temperature superposition.

Polymer melt flow properties - effects of shear rate, molar mass, temperature.

Mechanical properties. Introduction to fracture mechanics.

Miscibility and solubility of polymers. Swelling equilibrium. Phase separation.

Effects of anisotropy (orientation) on polymer properties. Polymer composites.

Electrical conductivity. Dielectric properties.

Diffusion of gases in polymer membranes. Heat capacity.

1. Molecular structure, conformation, intermolecular forces, morphology of polymers.

2. Molar mass distribution, its effect on polymer properties.

3. Network formation, crosslinking theory, network structure.

4. Glass transition and free volume concept.

5. Thermodynamics and kinetics of crystallization.

6. Theory of rubber elasticity, its applications.

7. Viscoelasticity, models, Boltzmann superposition principle.

8. Transitions and polymer structure. time-temperature superposition.

9. Polymer melt flow properties � effects of shear rate, molar mass, temperature.

10. Mechanical properties. Introduction to fracture mechanics.

11. Miscibility and solubility of polymers. Swelling equilibrium. Phase separation.

12. Effects of anisotropy (orientation) on polymer properties. Polymer composites.

13. Electrical conductivity. Dielectric properties.

14. Diffusion of gases in polymer membranes. Heat capacity.