TEACHING LEARNING PROCESS:

Conventional Chalk and Board Teaching, PowerPoint Presentation, Quiz, Interaction and Discussions,
Demonstration, Visits

ASSESSMENT METHODS:
As per the assessment method mentioned in introduction

KEYWORDS:
Mass Transfer, Energy Transfer, Distillation, Reynolds Number

SEMESTER-II

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To learn about the different polymerizations
2. To study kinetics of chain growth and step growth polymerization
3. To understand general concepts, principles, kinetics and methodology of polymerization

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After studying this paper, students will be able to
1. Know about overview of aspects of polymer engineering
2. Understand essential fundamentals and chemistry of the polymerization processes.
3. Learn about various terms such as reaction initiation, propagation and termination

THEORY: (100 MARKS)

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION 7L

Undergraduate Programme in B.Sc. Polymer Science Page 30 of 133 University of Delhi

 Introduction to polymerization process, control of polymer synthesis; thermodynamic and kinetic control,
diffusion control, polymer end chain control & control strategies, Introduction to reactor design,
Interpretation of batch reactor data; design equations for ideal reactors, namely batch, CSTR, plug flow,
design equation for single reaction systems using batch and semi batch, CSTR, PFR, Multiple reactor
system; reactor in series and parallel, preference of type of reactor used

UNIT 2: RADICAL CHAIN POLYMERIZATION 10 L

Introduction, thermodynamic and kinetic aspect of radical chain polymerization, rate of polymerization,
kinetic chain length, Mayo’s equation, cage efficiency, selection criteria of initiators, ceiling temperature,
Tromsdorff effect, inhibition and retardation Ziegler-Natta catalyst and stereoregular polymerizations,
Radical chain copolymerization (reactivity ratio, copolymer equations)

UNIT 3: REDOX & OTHER INITIATIONS 5L

Initiation in aqueous media, initiation in non-aqueous media, rate of redox polymerization, photochemical
initiation, rate of photo-polymerization, initiation by ionizing radiation, electrolytic polymerization, plasma
polymerization.

UNIT 4: IONIC CHAIN & CONTROLLED POLYMERIZATIONS 10L

Classification of ionic species, effect of solvents, initiation, propagation and termination in ionic
polymerization, cationic polymerization, anionic polymerization, introduction of Atom Transfer Radical
Polymerization (ATRP), Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization (RAFT) and
Nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP)

UNIT 5: STEP GROWTH POLYMERIZATION 8L

Reaction engineering of step growth polymerization: basic properties & examples of commercially
important polymers, reactivity of functional groups kinetics of step polymerization, self-catalyzed &
external catalysis of polymerization, molecular weight distribution in linear & nonlinear polymerization,
effect of non-equivalence of functional groups, equilibrium considerations,

UNIT 6: POLYMERIZATION TECHNIQUES 5L

Bulk, solution, precipitation, suspension & emulsion polymerization.

PRACTICALS: (25 MARKS)

1. To prepare polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) by bulk polymerization and determine the rate

of polymerization.
2. To study the effect of reaction temperature on free radical polymerization of styrene/MMA.
3. To study the effect on initiator concentration of free radical polymerization of styrene/MMA.
4. Redox initiated polymerization of MMA & investigate the effect of viscosity on polymerization
kinetics
5. Redox polymerization of acrylamide
6. To investigate Trommsdorff effect in bulk polymerization of MMA
7. Solution polymerization of methyl methacrylate/styrene.
8. Suspension polymerization of styrene/MMA.
9. Emulsion polymerization of styrene/ methyl methacrylate.
10. Preparation of Poly (vinyl butyral).

Undergraduate Programme in B.Sc. Polymer Science Page 31 of 133 University of Delhi

 REFERENCES:
1. Odian, G., (2004) Principles of Polymerization, Wiley-interscience.
2. Billmeyer F.A., (2011) Textbook of Polymer Science, John-Wiley & Sons.
3. Seymour R.B., Carraher C.E., (2003) Polymer Chemistry, Marcel Dekker.
4. Flory P.J., (2007) Principles of Polymer Chemistry, Asian Books Private Limited.
5. Levenspiel, O. (1998). Chemical reaction engineering. John Wiley & Sons.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
1. Brydson J.A., (2016) Plastics Materials, Butterworth Heinemann, 8th Edition.
2. Lenz, R. W. (1967). Organic chemistry of synthetic high polymers.
3. Gowarikar V.R., (2019) Polymer Science, New Age International Publishers Ltd, 3rd Edition

TEACHING LEARNING PROCESS:

Conventional Chalk and Board Teaching, PowerPoint Presentation, Quiz, Interaction and Discussions,
Demonstration, Industrial Visits

ASSESSMENT METHODS:
As per the assessment method mentioned in introduction

KEYWORDS:
Plug Flow, Chain growth polymerization, Mayo’s equation, Suspension polymerization, Ring opening
polymerizations, ATRP

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To enhance fundamental knowledge of flow behaviour of polymer melts
2. To understand the concept of mixing of polymers

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After studying this paper, students will be able to
1. Apply the knowledge of measurement of viscosity in handling of rheological instruments
2. Interpret rheology of polymer melts by mechanical models

Undergraduate Programme in B.Sc. Polymer Science Page 32 of 133 University of Delhi

 THEORY: (100 MARKS)

UNIT 1: RHEOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES 10 L

Viscosity and polymer processing, rheological properties of fluids, shear stress in polymers, Newtonian &
non-Newtonian flow, polymer melt viscosities (ideal molten chains, microscopic studies of melts), flow in
channels, simple shear flow, melt-flow index, Weissenberg effect, die swell, melt fracture, creep & creep
compliance, stress relaxation, isochronous stress-strain curves

UNIT 2: MELT FLOW ANALYSIS 15 L

Types of fluid & rheological models, rheological measurements by capillary, parallel plate and cone & plate
viscometers, simple elongational flow and its significance, dynamic flow behavior, time dependent fluid
behavior

UNIT 3: RHEOLOGICAL MODELS 10 L

The elastic and viscoelastic state of polymers – viscoelasticity, viscoelastic models: Maxwell model,
Voigt-Kelvin model, Boltzmann superposition principle, dynamic mechanical testing

UNIT 4: MIXING OF POLYMERS 10 L

Types of mixing, concept and importance of master batches, mixing of additives with the polymers, melt
compounding

PRACTICALS: (25 MARKS)

1. Determination of melt flow index of a polymer such as PP, PS, LDPE etc.

2. Determination of intrinsic viscosity by Ubbelohde viscometer.

3. Determination of rheological properties of polymer melts by rheometers.

4. Measurement of resin/paint viscosity by Ford cup 4.

5. Measurement of dynamic viscosity by Brookfield Viscometer.

6. Compounding of polymers and investigation of their rheological behavior.

7. Industry/R&D organization visit.

REFERENCES:
1. Mccabe W., Smith J., Harriott P., (2005) Unit Operations in Chemical Engg., McGraw-Hill
Education.
2. Chattopadhaya P., (2003) Unit Operations in Chemical Engg., Vol. 1 & Vol. 2, Khanna
Publishers.
3. Bennett, C. O., & Myers, J. E. (1982). Momentum, heat, and mass transfer (Vol. 370, p. 569).

Undergraduate Programme in B.Sc. Polymer Science Page 33 of 133 University of Delhi

 New York: McGraw-Hill.
4. Cengel, Y.A. and Ghajar, A.J. (2015) Heat and Mass Transfer Fundamentals & Applications. 5th
Edition, Grawhil Education, Stillwater.
5. Coulsan J.M., Richardson J.F., (2010) Chemical Engg., Vol. 1, Elsevier.
6. Gupta B.R., (2004) Applied Rheology in Polymer Processing, Asian Books.
7. Rosen S.L., (2012) Fundamental Principles of Polymeric Materials, Wiley-Interscience.
8. Ghosh P., (2010) Polymer Science and Technology of Plastic and Rubber, Tata McGraw Hill.
9. Aklonis J., Macknight W.J., (2005) Introduction to Polymer Viscoelasticity, John Wiley & Sons
10. Middleman, S. (1968). Flow of high polymers; continuum and molecular rheology.
11. De Gennes, P. G., & Gennes, P. G. (1979). Scaling concepts in polymer physics. Cornell
university press.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
1. Kumar D. S., (2009) Heat and Mass Transfer, S K Kataria & Sons.
2. Rao G. K., (2002) Solved Example in Chemical Engg., Khanna Publishers.
3. Treybal R., (2012) Mass Transfer Operations, Tata McGraw Hill.
4. Bird R.B., Armstrong R.C., Hassager O., (1977) Dynamics of Polymeric Liquids (volume 1),
John Wiley & Sons, New York.
5. Shaw M.T., (2012) Introduction to Polymer Rheology, John Wiley & Sons.
6. Dealy, J. M., & Wissbrun, K. F. (2012). Melt rheology and its role in plastics processing: theory
and applications. Springer Science & Business Media.
7. Hiemenz, P. C., & Lodge, T. P. (2007). Polymer chemistry. CRC press.

TEACHING LEARNING PROCESS:

Conventional Chalk and Board Teaching, PowerPoint Presentation, Quiz, Interaction and Discussions,
Demonstration, Visits

ASSESSMENT METHODS:
As per the assessment method mentioned in introduction

KEYWORDS:
Mass transfer, Energy transfer, Distillation, Boltzmann superposition, Weissenberg effect, Power law model,
Drag flow, Maxwell model

Undergraduate Programme in B.Sc. Polymer Science Page 34 of 133 University of Delhi

 COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To learn about the production, properties and applications of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers
2. To learn about the chemistry and manufacturing of flexible and rigid polyurethane foams
3. To understand the modification of unsaturated polymers

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

After studying this paper, students will be able to
1. Learn preparation of thermoplastic polymers
2. Learn preparation of thermosetting polymers
3. Apply the knowledge of polymer synthesis to obtain polymers with desired properties

THEORY: (75 MARKS)

UNIT 1: THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS 27 L
Manufacturing process, properties and applications of the following polymers:
● Polyethylene ( LDPE,LLDPE,VLDPE, HDPE)
● Polypropylene and related copolymers
● Polystyrene ABS, HIPS and related copolymers
● Poly (vinyl chloride) and related copolymers
● Poly (vinyl acetate) and related polymers
● Acrylic polymers (PMMA,PEA, PAA, PAN, Polyacrylamide)
● Aliphatic polyamides ( Nylon 6, Nylon 66, Nylon 6,10)
● Polyester (PET, PBT)

UNIT 2: THERMOSETTING POLYMERS 18 L

Manufacturing process, curing, properties, and applications of the following polymers:
● Unsaturated polyester resins
● Phenol formaldehyde resins (resols and novolacs)
● Urea and melamine formaldehyde resins
● Epoxides
● Polyurethanes (Flexible & Rigid foams)

PRACTICALS (25 MARKS)

1. Preparation of PMMA bone cement.
2. Preparation and testing of epoxy resins
3. Preparation of Nylon 6,10 by interfacial polymerization
4. Preparation of phenolic resin for adhesive applications.
5. Preparation of unsaturated polyester resin and determination of molecular weight by acid
value/hydroxyl value.
6. Synthesis of copolymer of styrene & maleic anhydride, and styrene & MMA and determination of
reactivity ratios.
7. To prepare melamine formaldehyde product viz. crockery etc.
8. Synthesis of Polyurethane Foams
9. Preparation of sodium polyacrylate salt and poly(acrylic acid) from polyacrylamide.

Undergraduate Programme in B.Sc. Polymer Science Page 35 of 133 University of Delhi

 REFERENCES:
1. Brydson J.A., (2016) Plastics Materials, Butterworth Heinemann, 8th Edition.
2. Mittal Vikas, (2011) High Performance Polymers and Engineering Plastics, Wiley.
3. Seymour R.B., Carraher C.E., (2003) Polymer Chemistry, Marcel Dekker.
4. Billmeyer F.A., (2011) Textbook of Polymer Science, John-Wiley & Sons.
5. Gowarikar V.R., (2019) Polymer Science, New Age International Publishers Ltd, 3rd Edition

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
1. Flory P.J., (2007) Principles of Polymer Chemistry, Asian Books Private Limited.
2. Mark J.E. Erman B., Eirich F.R., (2005) The Science and Technology of Rubber, Elsevier Academic
Press.
3. Sperling, L. H. (2005). Introduction to physical polymer science. John Wiley & Sons.
4. Crompton R.T., (1989) Molecular Motions in High Polymers, Pergamon Press N.Y.
5. Crompton T.R., ( 1989) Analysis of Polymers, Pergamon Press N.Y.
6. Treloar, L. R. G. (1983). Mechanical Properties of Solid Polymers, IM Ward, John Wiley & Sons
Ltd, Chichester.

TEACHING LEARNING PROCESS:

Conventional Chalk and Board Teaching, PowerPoint Presentation, Quiz, Interaction and Discussions,
Demonstration, Industrial Visits

ASSESSMENT METHODS:
As per the assessment method mentioned in introduction

KEYWORDS:
Polyethylene, Poly(vinyl chloride), Urea Formaldehyde resins, Polyester resins, Polyurethane

Undergraduate Programme in B.Sc. Polymer Science Page 36 of 133 University of Delhi