Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LM Advanced Polymer Systems
School	Metallurgy and Materials
Department	Metallurgy & Materials
Module Code	04 24362
Module Lead	Dr Mike Jenkins
Level	Masters Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-20 hours Practical Classes and workshops-2 hours Guided independent study-78 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module will consider a range of advanced topics in polymer science. The module will detail the following: The ageing of polymers through secondary crystallisation and enthalpy relaxation; Processing of polymers using super-critical fluids; Advanced thermal analysis; Crystallisation kinetics in polymers – secondary nucleation; Polymer blends and the Flory-Huggins theory; Copolymers, cyclic polymers and characterisation; Plastics electronics - materials and mechanical reliability of flexible displays; Polymer tribology – friction and wear of polymers. These link to the following topics in the 2017 QAA Materials Subject Benchmark Statements:i atomic bonding, crystalline lattices, defects and disorder, amorphous materials vi structural characterisation - optical and electron microscopy techniques, electron and X-ray diffraction, scanning probe techniques, thermal analysis vii compositional analysis - spectroscopic methods (electron/X-ray probe/ infra-red/ultra-violet techniques), chemical analysis vii materials synthesis - vapour, liquid, colloidal, powder and solid-state deposition techniques viii bulk processing, heat and mass transfer, and fluid mechanics ix joining methods, surface treatment and the application of coatings xii materials selection - consideration of all material types, materials processing methods, and product costs xiii degradation/durability of materials - effect of environment upon performance, corrosion, wear, and biodegradation
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Relate the chemical structure, processing, microstructure development and properties in a range of thermoplastic materials; Describe the effect of temperature and time on the ageing behaviour of thermoplastic polymers; Outline the benefits of using super-critical fluids in the processing of biopolymers and the re-cycling of engineering thermoplastics; Relate crystallisation temperature to polymer microstructure and crystallisation kinetics; Explain the principles of the Flory-Huggins theory of polymer miscibility for blends; Describe the principles of cyclic polymers and explain characterisation methods to distinguish their blends and copolymers; Outline the mechanical and materials reliability issues for flexible optoelectronics devices; Explain the principles of polymer tribology with examples; These link to the AHEP v4 learning outcomes Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study (C1) Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems and minimise adverse impacts (C7) Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (C12/M12) Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (C13/M13) Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering (M1) Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts (M7)
Assessment	24362-01 : Exam mark : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (70%) 24362-02 : Case Study Report : Coursework (20%) 24362-04 : Presentation : Coursework (10%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Two hour written exam (50%), coursework (50%)
Other	None
Reading List