The aim of this module is to introduce non-crystalline materials: including amorphous and semi-crystalline polymer structures and fibre reinforcements. This will include their production and characterisation as well as physical and mechanical properties.
These link to the QAA Materials benchmark statements:
Structure
i atomic bonding, crystalline lattices, defects and disorder, amorphous materials
iii structure on the nano, micro, meso and macro scales.
Properties
iv mechanical behaviour - elastic and plastic deformation, creep and fatigue, fracture, strengthening, toughening and stiffening mechanisms
Characterisation
vi structural characterisation - optical and electron microscopy techniques, electron and X-ray diffraction, scanning probe techniques, thermal analysis
Processing
vii materials synthesis - vapour, liquid, colloidal, powder and solid-state deposition techniques
viii bulk processing, heat and mass transfer, and fluid mechanics
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Explain the main polymerisation mechanisms;
Describe structures of non-crystalline and partially-crystalline materials;
Select appropriate characterisation techniques for non-crystalline materials and analyse the results;
Describe and explain the formation of non-crystalline and partially-crystalline materials;
Describe and explain the properties of non-crystalline and partially-crystalline materials.
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)
Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (C12)
Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12)