Subject Code & Name: PT25303 – Polymer Chemistry
Regulation: R-2025
Semester: III (Third Semester)
Branch: B.Tech. Plastics Technology (Plastics)
Credits / L-T-P: 5 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-4
Course Objectives
- The basic concepts of polymers, classification of polymers, copolymer types and tactility.
- The kinetics & mechanism of different types addition polymerization and free radical copolymerization.
- The kinetics & mechanism of two types of condensation polymerization and ring- opening polymerization.
- Various types of polymerization techniques.
- The molecular weight and its distribution and different methods of molecular weight determination.
Full Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit I – Basic concepts of polymers
Basic concepts of polymers–Monomers -degree of polymerization– significance of functionality – classification of polymers based on source, structure, thermal processing behaviour, composition and structure, mechanism, intermolecular forces – nomenclature of polymers –tacticity – copolymers and its types :alternate, random, block and graft copolymers.
Practical: Identification and classification of polymer samples based on physical properties.
Activities: Analyze classification of polymers, intermolecular forces. Differentiate copolymers such as block copolymer, random, graft, and alternating structures using diagrams.
Unit II – Addition polymerisation
Kinetics and mechanism of free radical polymerization: chain transfer, Inhibition and retardation– Kinetics and mechanism of cationic polymerisation and anionic polymerisation–livingpolymers–Ziegler-Nattacatalysts–coordinationpolymerisation– kinetics of free radical co polymerization.
Practical: Preparation of polystyrene (PS) by free radical polymerization, Preparation of Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)
Activities: Compare cationic polymerization and anionic polymerization with respect to kinetics. Understand living polymers and role of Ziegler–Natta catalysts in coordination polymerization.
Unit III – Condensation polymerisation
Kinetics of poly-condensation reactions (acid catalysed and self-catalysed) – ring-opening polymerization – multi chain polymerization: branching, cross- linking–step-wise copolymerization– methods of synthesizing copolymers: statistical, alternate and block copolymers.
Practical: Synthesis of Nylon-6,6 by interfacial condensation polymerization, Preparation of Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin (Bakelite).
Activities: Explore ring-opening polymerization and step-growth copolymerization mechanisms. Differentiate statistical, alternating, and block copolymers using structural representations.
Unit IV – Classification of polymerization Techniques
homogenous and heterogeneous polymerisation – bulk or mass polymerization – Trommsdroff effect–solution polymerisation–suspension polymerisation–emulsion polymerisation–interfacial polymerisation– melt polycondensation. Advanced Polymerization Techniques - Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP), Group Transfer-Polymerization (GTP), Reversible Addition Fragmentation Termination (RAFT).
Practical: Comparison of bulk and solution polymerization (yield and properties study).
Activities: Study different polymerization techniques such as bulk, solution, suspension, and emulsion polymerization. Compare homogeneous and heterogeneous systems and explain the Tromms dorff effect in bulk polymerization.
Unit V – Molecular weight and its distribution
Molecular weight of polymer – number, weight and viscosity average molecular weights – molecular weight distribution (problems) – molecular weight determination: end-group analysis, colligative properties, osmometry, light scattering, gel permeation chromatography and viscometry.
Practical: Estimation of intrinsic viscosity of polymer solution.
Activities: Explore experimental methods for molecular weight determination including osmometry and gel permeation chromatography. Compare techniques like viscometry, light scattering, and end-group analysis for accuracy and applicability.
Course Outcomes (COs)
- CO1: Understand the classification, nomenclature, structure and fundamental concepts of polymers.
- CO2: Apply the principles of addition polymerization to derive rate equations and solve polymerization related problems.
- CO3: Analyze condensation polymerization mechanisms and kinetic behavior to determine polymer formation characteristics.
- CO4: Evaluate various polymerization techniques based on process requirements, product quality, and industrial applications.
- CO5: Design and determine suitable methods for molecular weight characterization and interpret polymer properties based on molecular weight data.
Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)
- Weightage: Continuous Assessment 50% | End Semester Examinations 50%
- Internal methodology: Theory (30%), Practical (10%), Activities (10%)
Source: Official Anna University – B.Tech. Plastics Technology R-2025 Curriculum
Last Updated: September 2026
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