PST508 CHARACTERIZATION TECHNIQUES FOR POLYMERIC MATERIALS

Course Objectives

To give science and engineering graduate research students a basic theoretical background and practical information on various analytical techniques including rheological and mechanical characterization, thermal analysis, and particle size & zeta potential measurement. The students will gain some hands-on experience with some of the instruments available in the Central Laboratory. Using various case studies, the students will learn how to interpret the results obtained using various characterization techniques.

Course Content

Characterization techniques for polymers and other related materials, Thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimeter, thermo-gravimetric analyzer, differential thermal analyzer, dilatometer.) Particle size measurement using laser diffraction and photon correlation spectroscopy, and zeta potential measurement. Rheological characterization techniques (rheological models, capillary viscometer, rheometer, dynamic mechanical analyzer.) Mechanical testing of polymeric materials (tensile testing, compression testing, bending testing (3 point and 4 point), creep test, impact test, hardness testing (nano, micro and macro). X-ray diffraction.

Course Learning Outcomes

The basic purpose of this course is to provide graduate students an understanding of various materials characterization techniques which will be useful on their research. After a successful completion of this course, the student will gain sufficient knowledge of materials characterization techniques based on rheological characterization, thermal analysis, mechanical testing, particle size, and zeta potential measurement of materials.