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 fibres and foams and polymers derived from olefin monomers such as styrene, vinyl chloride, and acrylates. 4) Describe examples of nanostructured thermoplastic elastomers, examples of biodegradable polymers and of polymers that can be used in medicine.

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, polyacrylonitrile, polyacrylates including superglue, polyethylene and polymers obtained via ring-opening polymerisations such as
Nylon-6, polyoxymethylene and polycaprolactone. A significant part of this module will deal with the synthesis of these materials, which in some cases will include details of reaction mechanisms. A large proportion of the chemistry is based on organic chemistry methology.

Engineering and physics students are encouraged to register for CHEM30090, but those students must take the 6 tutorials.
Chemistry students, and those who have achieved the learning outcomes of either CHEM20060 or CHEM10050 or equivalent modules covering the basis of organic chemistry do not need to take the tutorials.

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

The class will be informed about the correct answers to the continuous assessment exercises after the students have completed the respective assessment and they will be given on overview of typical errors made.