Chem 444/544 & Chem 447/547 Offered Fall Quarter 2020

In the coming fall, Chemistry department will offer Chem 444/544- Introduction of Polymers and Coatings and the lab course Chem 447/547.

Course description of Chem 444/544: Introduction of polymers and coatings: molecular weight averages, glass transition, polymerization methods, thermal analysis, viscoelastic properties, rheology, spectroscopic analysis and mechanical testing, and coating formulation. Prerequisite: CHEM 212 or CHEM 216 or CHEM 312 or CHEM 316; CHEM 351 or MATE 380; or consent of instructor.

Polymer and coating science is a multidisciplinary field incorporating chemistry, physics, materials and engineering. CHEM 444/544 is designed to introduce basic concepts in polymers and coatings. The topics include polymerization and copolymerization, molecular weight averages, thermal properties, solution properties, rheology, characterization methods and coating formulations.

Course Description of Chem 447/547: Laboratory experiments on polymer molecular weight analysis, glass transition and other thermal analysis, viscoelastic properties, rheology, spectroscopic analysis and dynamic mechanical testing, formulating and testing coatings. Prerequisite: CHEM 212 or CHEM 216 or CHEM 312 or CHEM 316; CHEM 351 or MATE 380; or consent of instructor.

Polymer and coating science is a multidisciplinary field incorporating chemistry, physics, materials and engineering. CHEM 447/547 is designed to apply hands-on skills to understand theoretical concepts learned in lecture. The topics include polymer synthesis, molecular weight determination, thermal analysis, viscoelastic measurements, VOC testing, rheology, spectroscopy and coating formulations and testing.

Contact Professor Shanju Zhang (szhang05@calpoly.edu) for any questions.