Course Overview

The course covers the three main synthesis methods of polymers,
including chain-growth and step-growth polymerization reactions, as
well as the chemical modification of already existing polymers.

> Students will learn how to:

- Apply key elementary reactions of molecular chemistry to the
construction of macromolecular chains, taking into account the
intrinsic reactivity of polymeric growing chains,
- Anticipate the effect of initial experimental conditions on some of
the properties of the resulting polymers,
- Master the main concepts consisting in chemically modifying a
pre-existing polymer, knowing the possible effect of the
macromolecular features of the latter on its reactivity,
- Master principles and concepts associated with the main
polymerization processes used in the chemical industry, which mostly
includes bulk, solution polymerization, and polymerization in
dispersed media.

Learning Achievement

Competence

Course prerequisites

- Academic level: BSc.
- Selection criteria: basic knowledge in chemistry and/or physical
chemistry.
- Language prerequisites: English or French.
- Selection procedure: evaluation of the student's CV.

Grading Philosophy

The first session will take place in December (7th-16th).

> Evaluation of practical sessions based on results obtained in the
labs and evaluation of the written reports = 20 % of the overall mark

- Written final exam: 1h 30 = 80 % of the overall mark

> In case of failure, a second session will be organized for the final
exam, either as a written final exam (1h 30) or an oral session
depending on the number of failing students = 80 % of the overall
mark. The marks of written reports will be kept from session 1 = 20%
of the overall mark. This 2nd session will take place at the end of
June.

Course schedule

I. INTRODUCTION

- General feature of chain-growth and step-growth polymerizations.
- Main polymerizable monomers.

II. STEP-GROWTH POLYMERIZATION

- Monomer functionality: main elementary reactions and side
reactions.
- Linear polymers: stoichiometry, molar masses, kinetics, examples.
- Non-linear (3D) polymers: gel point, typical examples.

III. CHAIN-GROWTH POLYMERIZATION

- Free-radical polymerization: initiation, propagation, transfer and
termination.

- Kinetics.

- Copolymerization and reactivity ratios.
- Coordination polymerization: Ziegler-Natta, metallocenes.
- Anionic polymerization: initiation, propagation, transfer, and
termination; “living” anionic polymerization (intro) and block
copolymer synthesis.
- Cationic polymerization: initiation, propagation, transfer and
termination.

IV. Chemical modification of polymers
V. Polymerization techniques

- Bulk polymerization; Solution polymerization; Polymerization in
dispersed media (suspension vs. emulsion); Interfacial
polycondensation.
- Practical session 1: Synthesis of Nylon-11.
- Practical session 2: Free-radical polymerization of styrene in
bulk: kinetic investigations.
- Practical session 3: Radical copolymerization of styrene and methyl
methacrylate in suspension.
- Practical session 4: Synthesis of acrylic cements.

PRACTICAL SESSION 1: SYNTHESIS OF NYLON-11

PRACTICAL SESSION 2: FREE-RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF STYRENE IN BULK:
KINETIC INVESTIGATIONS 

PRACTICAL SESSION 3: RADICAL COPOLYMERIZATION OF STYRENE AND METHYL
METHACRYLATE IN SUSPENSION  

PRACTICAL SESSION 4: SYNTHESIS OF ACRYLIC CEMENTS

Course type

- Lectures (main lectures are taught in French but all written supports are available in English or French): 19 x 1 hour and 20 minutes. - Exercise session (in French or English): 7 x 1 hour and 20 minutes. - Practical session (in French or English): 4 x 4 hours. - Tutoring (for non-French speaking persons): 9 * 1 hour 20. - Teaching supports available on the Moodle platform. - 105 Self-study hours: (50 hours private reading, 20 hours exam preparation, 20 hours exercise preparation, 15 hours preparation/report of practical session.

Online Course Requirement

Instructor

Other information

- Main lectures will be taught in French but all written supports will
be available in English or French (lectures, exercises, practical
sessions manuals, final exam written texts ) - Tutoring in English
will be available for students who do not speak French - Exercise
sessions will be taught in both English or French  - Practical
sessions will be taught in both English or French 



Language of instruction: French and English* (see other information)
Mode of delivery: Face-to-face teaching

Site for Inquiry