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Lab Component

Polymer Chemistry: Principles and Practice

Learn all you need to know about polymer chemistry through a novel combination of lectures and labs.

Blacksburg, VA
Dec 05 - Dec 10, 2021
Prices start at
$3595
Registration Info
In Person Course Brochure

About the Course

Receive a comprehensive overview of polymer chemistry through a novel combination of lectures and corresponding laboratory time. 

The course is taught by faculty at Virginia Tech University and is designed for all education levels. Key topics include:

  • Polymer synthesis, molecular weight determination, characterization of rheological and viscoelastic behavior
  • Polymer structure and morphology, mechanical testing
  • Elastomers, plastics, and fibers
  • Adhesion and composites
  • Measurement of properties of polymers, discussed as functions of chemical composition, molecular weight, topology, morphology, etc.

What You Will Learn

Through lectures and labs, you will:

  • Receive a thorough overview of polymer synthesis.
  • Gain a better understanding of polymer structure and morphology
  • Understand how to measure polymer properties including viscosity, rheology, and molecular weight determination

Who Should Attend

Any research chemist, engineer, physicist, or technician who works or is beginning to work with polymers and their applications.

Managers in the polymer industry will greatly benefit from this in-depth, lecture-laboratory course.

The course is structured for all educational levels, from bachelor degree through Ph.D. No prior knowledge of polymer science is assumed.

Course Outline

  • Sunday

    • Registration
    • Welcome and Outline of Course
    • An Introduction to Polymer Parameters and Terminology
    • Introduction to Step-Growth Polymerization

  •  Monday

    • Thermosets
    • Chain Growth Polymerization
    • Free Radical Copolymerization
    • Living Polymerization
    • Polymerization Labs,
    • Introduction to the Amorphous State of Polymeric Materials
    • Ring-Opening Polymerization
    • Morphology
    • Characterization of Morphology

  • Tuesday

    • Block and Graft Copolymers
    • Polymerization Labs,
    • Thermal Analysis
    • Polyolefins
    • Polymerization Labs,
    • Characterization of Molecular Weight

  • Wednesday

    •  Polymer Rheology and Processing
    • Thermal Analysis Lab,
    • SEC/APC Lab,
    • Design of Segmented Copolymers: Polyurethanes
    • Melt Rheology and Processing Lab, HHS and CRC

  • Thursday

    • Polymer Rheology Part I
    • Viscoelasticity and Free Volume
    • Accelerated Testing
    • Mechanical Testing I (calculators/laptops needed)
    • Mechanical Testing II 
    • Rheology Part II and Crystallization of Unoriented Polymers
    • ACS Networking Event 

  • Friday

    • Strain-Induced Crystallization of Polymers
    • Introduction to Biomaterials
    • Degradation and Stabilization of Polymers

Dates, Locations, and Prices

Lab Component

Dec 05 - Dec 10, 2021

Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center
901 Prices Fork Road
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Standard Member $3595 Non-Member $3795
Register Now
- Less Details+ More Details

Check in opens at 4:30 PM on the first day of the course. Course fee includes a course manual, continental breakfast, lunch, and networking event.

To complete your registration, you will be asked to log in using your ACS ID. If you are not already logged in, you may enter your credentials or create an ID from the next screen.

Log in or Register Now

About the Instructor(s)

Timothy E. Long
Professor, Arizona State University

Dr. Timothy Long is a faculty member in the School of Molecular Sciences and the School for Engineering Matter, Transport and Energy at Arizona State University (ASU), leading nearly 15 interdisciplinary researchers in macromolecular science and engineering with a recent focus on sustainable and green strategies for innovation. He currently serves as Director of the Biodesign Center for Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing at ASU.

Michael J. Bortner
Professor, Virginia Tech University

Michael J. Bortner is a faculty member in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech University. He has a decade of industry experience working in polymer and composite materials and process development.

Robert B. Moore
Professor, Virginia Tech University

Dr. Robert B. Moore is Professor of Chemistry at Virginia Tech University. He has more than 26 years of academic experience in the field of polymer physical chemistry.

John B. Matson
Professor, Virginia Tech University

Dr. John B. Matson, Assistant Professor, is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at Virginia Tech University.

Blacksburg, VA
Dec 05 - Dec 10, 2021
Prices start at
$3595
Registration Info
In Person Course Brochure