Course Details
Subject {L-T-P / C} : PH6232 : Physics of Macromolecules { 3-0-0 / 3}
Subject Nature : Theory
Coordinator : Prof. Sidhartha S. Jena
Syllabus
Review of mathematical statistics, Variety of macromolecules, Synthesis of macromolecules, Distribution of molecular weight, Concept of mono dispersity and poly dispersity, Review of thermodynamics for small molecules, Thermodynamics of macromolecules, Entropy, enthalpy and free enthalpy of mixing, Flory-Huggins lattice theory, Static and dynamics of dilute polymer solutions, Rouse model, Zimm model, Chain conformations and configurations, Freely joined chain, Worm like chain, Random flight model, Excluded volume effect, Solvent quality, Semi dilute and concentrated polymer solutions, Diffusive dynamics , Experimental techniques: X-ray and neutron diffraction by macromolecules, Light Scattering, Viscosity, and Rheological Measurements, Concepts of electrolytes and polyelectrolytes, Debye-Huckle theory, Donnan equilibrium, Self-assembly, Scaling and universality.
Course Objectives
- Getting an insight to the world of macromolecules and polymers.
- Getting familiarization and understanding of different models used to study the dynamics of large molecules.
- Familiarization with different experimental techniques used to study the dynamics of macromolecules.
Course Outcomes
By the end of the course the students should be in a position to start their research carrier in the field of polymer physics
Essential Reading
- S. F. Sun, Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules, John Wiley & Sons , 2004.
- I. Teraoka, Polymer Solutions: An Introduction to Physical Properties, Wiley-Inter Science , 2002
Supplementary Reading
- G. Pattersom, Physical Chemistry of Macromolecules, CRC Press , 2007
- M. Doi and H. See, Introduction to Polymer Physics, Oxford University Press , 1999