Macromolecular science has had a major impact on the way we live. It is difficult to find an aspect of our lives that is not affected by polymers. Polymers are currently used for various applications to various forms of plastics, packagings, electronics, and biology. This course presents the basic principles of polymer science with respect to the underlying physics and physical chemistry of polymers in solution and solid state. Topics include chain structures and conformation, polymerization reactions, thermodynamics of polymer solutions, characterization, polymer structure, mechanical properties.

Not necessary

Class Participation 10%
1 Mid-Term Test 35%
1 Final-Term Test 35%
Individual Presentation 20 %

• L. H. Sperling, Introduction to Physical Polymer Science (4th Ed), A John Wiley & Sons, Inc, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA (2006),


• H.-G. Elias, An Introduction to Polymer Science, Cambridge University Press, New York, USA (2002),

• Stephen L Rosen, Fundamental Principles of Polymeric Materials, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, USA (1993),

• Other materials (Journal Review Papers and etc) will be distributed as well.

1. Introduction (1st)
- Course introduction - Introduction to Polymer Science

2. Chain Structures and Conformation (2nd)
- Molar Mass and Molar Mass Distribution - Configurations and Conformation
- Stereochemistry of Repeating Units - Common Types of Copolymers

3. Dilute Solution Thermodynamics, Molecular Weights, and Sizes (3rd)
- The Solubility Parameter - Thermodynamics of Mixing
- Molecular Weight Averages - Intrinsic Viscosity

4. Polymer Chain Characterization (4th)
- Polymer chain dimensions - Excluded volume

5. Friction Properties of Dilute Polymer Solution (5th)
- Solution viscosity - Molecular weight and size

6. Measurements of Molecular weights (6th)
- Number-Average Molar Mass (Osmotic pressure) - Weight average molar mass (Light scattering)
- Molar Mass Distribution (Chromatography)

7. Phase separation of Polymers (7th)
- Phase diagram of polymer blend - Phase separation of polymers
- Block copolymer

8. Polymers in Amorphous State (9th)
- Non-crystalline polymer - Melt state of crystalline polymers

9. Polymer Crystals (10th)
- Structure of single crystals - Structure of semicrystals
- Growth kinetics of semicrystals - Molar Mass Distribution (Chromatography)

10. Types of Polymerization (11th)
- Step-Growth Polymerization  - Chain-Growth Polymerization 
- Living Radical Polymerization  - Ionic Chain-Growth Polymerization

11. Living Radical Polymerization (12th, 13th)
- Ionic Chain-Growth Polymerization 
- RAFT polymerization - ATRP polymerization

12. Spectroscopy (14th, 15th)
- IR Spectroscopy  - NMR Spectroscopy 
- UV-Vis Spectroscopy 

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