Although natural polymers have been used by mankind for many centuries, the use of polymers has exploded with the development of synthetic polymers within the last 100 years. Due to satisfactory properties, ease of production, and lower costs, synthetic polymers have replaced many metal, wood, rubber, and fiber parts in many materials applications. In this lesson, we look at the molecular structures of polymers and the development of numerous polymers that are synthesized from small organic molecules. Several different types of end uses of polymers in materials applications including plastics, fibers, coatings, adhesives, films, foams, and advanced materials will be discussed.
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Lesson 8 will take us 1 week to complete. Please refer to Canvas for specific due dates.
To Read |
Read pp 215-231 (Ch. 11) in Introduction to Materials ebook Read pp 232-245 (Ch. 12) in Introduction to Materials ebook |
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To Watch | Plastic: The Secret Life of Materials |
To Do | Lesson 8 Quiz |
If you have general questions about the course content or structure, please post them to the General Questions and Discussion forum in Canvas. If your question is of a more personal nature, feel free to send a message to the instructor through Canvas email. The instructor will check daily to respond.