Introduction to Polymer Composite

Academic content

• Plastic materials and the historical development of plastics and composites
• Applications of plastics and composites depending on their properties
• Polymer chemistry with Tg, polymerization and elasticity
• Fibers and core materials
• Mechanical properties of plastics and composites
• Standard testing of plastics and composites
• Different production processes for plastic and composite products
• Durability of plastics and composites
• End-of-Life, recycling and environmental impact of plastic and composite products

Knowledge: Students should: - be able to show broad knowledge and understanding of polymeric materials and the use of reinforcements in these (fibers and core materials) - be able to explain the concept of monomer, polymer and plastic - be able to explain the concept of glass conversion temperature (Tg) and explain kinetic and thermodynamic theories for Tg - be able to explain the properties and phases of polymeric materials by changing temperature - be able to explain the concept of degree of polymerization, Tg and be able to describe the hierarchical structure of the degree of polymerization of different polymers - be able to explain the concept of viscoelasticity of mixing two materials (rule of mixture) - be able to summarize the most common polymers and some areas of application for these. Skills: The student should be able to: - be able to demonstrate the most common standardized tests for polymeric materials - be able to build a simple structure in composite in the laboratory - be able to argue objectively and systematically and exercise source criticism (ethics) - be able to process and convey the subject matter in an independent way both written and oral - know «basic programming skills» (digitization) - be able to use digital collaboration tools (digitization) - know innovation, innovation and entrepreneurship (innovation) General competence: Students must: - be able to exchange information and experiences with others to be able to plan and carry out a project with phases and milestones. - knows group processes and can carry out projects in teams.

Learning methods and activities

Excursions, lectures, group work, laboratory exercises, and online learning. Mandatory work requirements include the completion of one laboratory exercise, submission of one laboratory report, and completion of three other assignments. Most lectures are given on campus, but can also be streamed or pre-recorded to accommodate the needs of students.

There will be two laboratory sessions designed to teach participants how to manufacture a composite and assess its mechanical properties. A mandatory lab report will be written individually or in a group (assessment will depend on the number of students enrolled).

The three other assignments correspond to exercises given during the semester.

Planned time for a 7.5 credit course:

• Lectures: 2h per week
• Organized supervision and work on mandatory assignments: 2h per week
• Laboratory work: 4 to 6h in the laboratory, 10h self-work
• Personal effort: 90 hours

TOTAL: 200 hours

If fewer than 6 students are registered, the course will be conducted as self-study with supervision.

Mandatory activities

• Laboratory work
• Laboratory report
• 3 assignments