The subject deals with polymer molecular and supramolecular structure, polymer network formation, free volume concept, glass transition, crystallization, rubber elasticity, viscoelasticity, melt flow properties, fracture mechanics, solubility and compatibility, electrical properties, transport properties.

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 60 % and more, or on closing test with 60 % and more.

Strobl G.: The Physics of Polymers. Third edition. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2007. ISBN: 978-3-540-25278-8.

Mills N.J.: Plastics. Microstructure and Engineering Applications. Third edition. Elsevier, Oxford, 2005. ISBN-13: 978-0-7506-5148-6.

Ward I.M., Hadley D.W.: An Introduction to the Mechanical Properties of Solid Polymers. Xiley, Chichester 1998. ISBN: 0-471-93887-4.

Mark J.E., Burak Erman B., Eirich F.R.: Science and Technology of Rubber. Third edition. Elsevier, Oxford, 2005. ISBN: 0-12-464786-3.

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.

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 melts 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.

Strobl G.: The Physics of Polymers. Third edition. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2007. ISBN: 978-3-540-25278-8.

Lecture notes (available at the lecturer).

Students will be able to:

understand and describe fundamental physical properties of polymer materials;

select suitable polymer material(s) for the product/application.