Introduction to Polymer Science and Technology

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and concepts from the Polymer Science and Technology lecture notes.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of repeating structural units called monomers, covalently bonded to form long chains.

Monomer

A small molecule that can join together with other monomers to form a polymer.

Degree of Polymerization (DP)

The number of repeating units in a polymer chain, calculated as the ratio of the molecular weight of the polymer to the molecular weight of the repeat unit.

Polydispersity Index (PDI)

A measure of the distribution of molecular mass in a given polymer sample, defined as the ratio of weight-average molecular weight to number-average molecular weight.

Thermoplastics

Polymers that can be repeatedly softened by heating and hardened by cooling.

Thermosets

Polymers that undergo irreversible chemical cross-linking when heated, resulting in a hard and inflexible network.

Elastomers

Elastic polymers that can be stretched and return to their original shape.

Viscoelasticity

A property of materials that exhibit both viscous and elastic characteristics when undergoing deformation.

Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)

The temperature at which a polymer transitions from a glassy (brittle) state to a rubbery (flexible) state.

Melting Temperature (Tm)

The temperature at which crystalline regions of a polymer melt, turning it into a viscous fluid.

Rheology

The study of the flow and deformation of materials.

Young's Modulus (E)

A measure of the stiffness of a solid material defined as the ratio of stress to strain.

WLF Equation

An empirical relationship that describes the temperature dependence of viscoelastic properties of polymers above the glass transition temperature.