MEEN40110

This elective module will involve a series of lectures on the chemistry, physics, mechanics and rheology of polymers, all of which will serve to ensure students know about the viscoelastic nature of polymers, alternative ways in which polymers are processed and recycled, and how polymeric products are designed and manufactured. Given the importance of polymers to the medical devices industry, this module will give particular focus to relevant products and processes, both existing and emergent, including new micro/nano manufacturing processes and polymer based microfluidic diagnostic devices.

SYLLABUS:
Structure of polymer molecules and industrial synthesis; Microstructure and solid-state properties; Elasticity and viscoelasticity of polymers; Melt flow, rheology and processing of polymers; Additives, blends and composites; Moulding, forming and extrusion of polymers; Advanced polymers for medical, electronic and other industrial applications; Polymer micro and nano manufacturing technologies.

One lab of polymer micro injection moulding will be carried out. The labs will be carried out with reference to current School Health and Safety protocols. Students should follow these during all laboratory activities. Further information is available at https://intranet.ucd.ie/smme/index.html and within the Brightspace resources for this module.

The EDI principle will be applied in teaching & learning for a variety of activities including data sharing, lecture slides preparation, teamwork and assessment. The group assignment will be made available to teams with options of self-enrolment and automatic allocation. Groups are free to choose their assignment topic under defined guidelines. Team communication will be guided via Brightspace and in-person discussion.