Structure and classification of polymers Polymer synthesis and molecular characteristics such as weight, tacticity, and crosslinking. Morphology, crystallinity, melting and glass transition. Elasticity and viscoelasticity. Theoretical models for viscoelasticity. Dynamic mechanical propreties. Mechanical behaviors of polymers including creep, yielding, crazing, and fracture. Materials selection and performance under stress and temperature.

Introduce students to polymeric materials and the science that gives rise to polymer properties, with the target of being able to select, specify and use polymers in engineering applications.

Main textbook
• N. G. McCrum, C. P. Buckley, C. B. Bucknall, Principles of Polymer Engineering, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press.
Supplementary references
• A. Ram, Fundamentals of Polymer Engineering, Plenum Press.
• G. Odian, Principles of Polymerization, Wiley-Interscience.
• G. W. Ehrenstein, R. P. Theriault, Polymeric Materials: Structure, Properties, Applications, Hanser Publishing, Munich.
• L. H. Sperling, Introduction to Physical Polymer Science, John Wiley, New York.
• A. W. Birley, B. Haworth, J. Batchelor, Physics of Plastics: Processing, Properties and Materials Engineering, Hanser Publishing, Munich.
• F. W. Billmeyer, Textbook of Polymer Science, 3rd edition, John Wiley, New York.
• N. J. Mills, Plastics: Microstructure and Engineering Applications, Edward Arnold, London.
• R. J. Crawford, Plastics Engineering, Pergamon Press, Oxford.
Lecture materials
Lecture slides are shared as PDF files on SUCourse. Lectures are not recorded and detailed lecture notes are not distributed; students are expected to take their own notes during class.

• A scientific calculator is required for all exams and quizzes. You cannot use smart devices, phones, tablets, or smartwatches during the exams.
• Regular access to SUCourse+ is required; all announcements, slides, assignments, and grades are posted there.
• We use Zoom for online office hours.