My OpenLearn Profile
Personalise your OpenLearn profile, save your favourite content and get recognition for your learning
Introduction to polymers
This free course, Introduction to polymers, examines the use of polymers and demonstrates how their properties are controlled by their molecular structure. You will learn how this structure determines which polymer to use for a particular product. You will also explore the manufacturing techniques used and the how the use of polymerisation can be used to control the structure of polymers.
Course learning outcomes
After studying this course, you should be able to:
- isolate the key design features of a product which relate directly to the material(s) used in its construction
- indicate how the properties of polymeric materials can be exploited by a product designer
- describe the role of rubber-toughening in improving the mechanical properties of polymers
- identify the repeat units of particular polymers and specify the isomeric structures which can exist for those repeat units
- estimate the number- and weight-average molecular masses of polymer samples given the degree of polymerisation and mass fraction of chains present.
First Published: 10/08/2012
Updated: 26/05/2016
Rate and Review
Create an account to get more
Track your progress
Review and track your learning through your OpenLearn Profile.
Statement of Participation
On completion of a course you will earn a Statement of Participation.
Access all course activities
Take course quizzes and access all learning.
Review the course
When you have finished a course leave a review and tell others what you think.
However, it may also be one of the most dated (e.g., "Sales now (1997)", mentions of the long defunct ICI and the inclusion of the very dated Flymo video). Perhaps a candidate for scheduling an update?