Class 1: Introduction to Polymers

1. Define monomer and polymer.

2. Describe the molecular structure of polymers: linear, branched, crosslinked, and network.

3. Calculate the average molecular weight and degree of polymerization of a polymer.

4. Describe the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers.

5. List polymers and composites used in skis, classifying each by terminology learned in this class (homopolymer, networked, thermoste, etc.)

Class 2: Polymer Synthesis and Crystallinity

1. Describe the initiation and growth of a polymer chain.
2. Describe the process of addition polymerization.
3. Describe the process of condensation polymerization.
4. Describe factors that control chain length.
5. Describe crystallinity in a polymer.
6. Define a spherulite.
7. List conditions that influence the amount of crystallinity in a polymer

Class 3 & 4: Mechanical Properties of Polymers

1. Calculate stress, strain, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio.
2. Draw and identify stress-strain curves for different materials (metal, polymer, ceramic, and composites).  Label the major points on each plot.
3. Emphasize how the stress strain plots of metals and polymers differ in terms of definitions of yield stress and tensile strength.
4. Describe the use of ASTM standards.

5. Use a stress/strain diagram for polymers to determine yield point, ultimate tensile strength, and Young’s modulus.

6. Determine the factors that influence mechanical properties of polymers.

7. Describe the impact strength of polymers.

Class 5: Introduction to Composites

1. Define and give examples of particle, fiber, and structural composites.
2. Calculate the limits of the modulus of elasticity in a particle reinforced composite.

Class 6: Fiber Reinforced Composites

1. Name  the three different types of fiber-reinforced composites.

2. Describe the distinctive mechanical characteristics of each type of fiber-reinforced composite.

3. Calculate longitudinal modulus and strength for an aligned and continuous fiber-reinforced composites.

    

This is a multi-university effort with contributions from:

Chemical and Materials Engineering Prof. Stacy Gleixner	Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Prof. Olivia Graeve	Materials Science and Engineering Prof. Elliot Douglas
Engineering Prof. Laura Demsetz		Materials Science and Engineering Prof. Amy Moll

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant number DUE #0341633.  Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

This page is maintained by Prof. Stacy Gleixner.  
San Jose State University
Questions or problems please send email to gleixner@email.sjsu.edu or call (408)924-4051.
The page was last updated 04/26/06 .