On completion of this module student are expected to1) Relate polymer properties to macromolecular structure when evaluating polymer crystallinity, glass and melt transition temperatures, and elastomeric vs. plastic behaviour. 2) Demonstrate knowledge of the main features of polymer chain growth in step and chain polymerisations. 3) Outline reactions and reaction conditions of industrial and laboratory processes relevant to the manufacture of polyamides, polyesters, polyurethanes and polymers derived from olefin monomers such as styrene, vinyl chloride, and acrylates. 4) Describe examples of nanostructure thermoplastic elastomers, examples of biodegradable polymers and of polymers that can be used in medicine. 5) Illustrate composition of high-temperature superconductor and the main characteristics of photovoltaic cells.

History of polymer discovery and design,
semisynthetic polymers via modification of natural polymers,
fully synthetic polymers made from petrochemicals
Structures and properties of commercial polymer materials manufactured via step growth polymerisation:
Nylons, polyaramides, polyesters, amorphous polycarbonate, flexible polyurethane foams, rigid polyurethane foams, thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers.
Structures and properties of commercial polymer materials manufactured via chain growth polymerisation involving free-radical, cationic, anionic and transition metal catalysis polymerisation methods. Examples include polystyrene and modified polystyrenes, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylates including superglue, polyethylene and polymers obtained via ring-opening polymerisations such as Nylon-6, polyoxymethylene and polycaprolactone.

Students should have achieved the learning outcomes of at least one of the following modules or the equivalent:
CHEM10010, CHEM10030, CHEM10050, CHEM10060, CHEM10070, CHEM10080, or CHEM10090

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

There will be two 20 minute in-class tests on polymer materials, and the correct answers to the questions will be given to the class immediately after the tests. Students will subsequently receive their letter grades for the performance. These tests will be performed during the teaching period of the semester. Students will give each an oral presentation on a recent research topic within the area of inorganic materials. Students will subsequently receive their letter grades.