Module 1: Introduction to Polymers

Welcome to the wonderful world of polymers! In this section we will learn all about how polymers are used and why they’re so interesting. In addition, we’ll discuss their basic structure and learn a lot of necessary nomenclature, so we can all describe polymers and understand what polymer scientists are talking about. Don’t miss the “What Is a Polymer?” video and the Paper versus Plastic debate.

Read Chapter 1: Introduction to Polymer Materials of the Polymer Science and Engineering eBook  (or the equivalent in a print version). You should focus on Section 1.2: Definitions, but I encourage you to look over Section 1.1: Origins: Early History of Synthetic Polymers (particularly Figure 1.7).

Download the TE 200 Module 01 Study Guide and Checklist.

Study Guide for Module 01 (Can you do the following?):

• Define:
  • polymer,
  • macromolecule,
  • monomer,
  • repeat unit,
  • degree of polymerization,
  • homopolymer,
  • copolymer,
  • blend,
  • thermoset, and
  • thermoplastic.
• Describe the importance of polymers, including some of their many uses, and how they differ from small molecules.
• Explain, typically by using an analogy, how big/long polymers are, as compared to solvents/monomers/other small molecules.
• Explain how and why polymers are unique compared to small molecules, in terms of:
  • molecular entanglements,
  • summation of intermolecular forces, and
  • time scale of motion.
• Describe an amorphous polymer when it is:
  • Above its T_g
  • Below its T_g
• Describe a semi-crystalline polymer when it is:
  • Above its T_m and T_g
  • Between its T_m and T_g
  • Below its T_m and T_g