Aims

The main objective of the course is to help students understand the structure and properties of polymeric multiphase materials, chiefly polymer blends and block copolymers. Besides a treatment of equilibrium and non-equilibrium structure development, the course provides numerous examples of systems taken from industrial practice or recent research. The link between processing, structure and properties is emphasized.

Content and teaching methods

The course first elaborates on the basic notions pertaining to polymer blends introduced in MAPR 2452. The ubiquitous phase separation of dissimilar polymers in the melt is explained based on thermodynamic considerations. Next, phenomena linked to the presence of interfaces are discussed, in particular morphology development by dispersion and coalescence during melt processing. The structure and properties of block copolymers are contrasted with those of polymer blends. The importance of chemical reactions in the melt for the control of properties and morphology is highlighted. Polymer blend compatibilization is described as an attractive route to new polymeric materials. Many examples taken from industrial practice or scientific literature are presented to illustrate the concepts.

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