Structure analysis and macromolecular synthesis practical work

These practical sessions are devoted to the synthesis and characterization of polymers in the solid state, in solution or in a dispersed medium. Polymers or copolymers are synthesized in bulk, in suspension and in emulsion. Physico-chemical measurements are used to calculate the thermodynamic and kinetic characteristics of the reactions involved. Phase transition temperatures and crystalline properties are also the subject of thermal and structural analyses. The formation of gels, i.e. three-dimensional structures assembled by covalent or hydrogen bonds, is also studied. Through all these manipulations, students discover the very special properties of polymers and learn to apply techniques adapted to the analysis of these molecules.

PC5SPPOL Structure and general properties of polymers
PC6RPPOL Polymerization reactions and processes

I. Polymer morphology
A) Study of thermal transitions by differential enthalpy analysis
B) Solid-state structural characterization of semi-crystalline polymers by optical microscopy

II. Chemical and physical gel formation
A) Polyacrylamide gels
B) Polyvinyl alcohol gelation

III. Polymerization in dispersed media
A) Radical suspension polymerization of methyl methacrylate: preparation of a filament for 3D printing
B) Radical emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate: formulation of a wood glue

IV. Kinetics
A) Mass radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate: kinetic study by dilatometry
B) Synthesis of a polyhydroxyurethane: determination of the degree of polymerization by FTIR monitoring

Molecular and Polymer Chemistry

Chemistry and physical chemistry of polymers, M. Fontanille and Y. Gnanou. Gnanou , Ed Dunod - Paris 2002