Course detail
Macromolecular Chemistry
FSI-TOM Acad. year: 2025/2026 Winter semester
Macromolecular chemistry and its place in polymer sciences. Structure and nomenclature of polymers. Basic definitions and relations, conditions of macromolecule formation. Polymerization reactions. Overview of basic industrial polymers, their properties and applications. Natural polymers, functions, and applications. Nanostructured polymers and composites and their use in practice.
Language of instruction
Czech
Number of ECTS credits
5
Supervisor
Department
Entry knowledge
General and Physical Chemistry, General Physics and Thermodynamics.
Rules for evaluation and completion of the course
Maximum number of 100 points.
1. Written test, max 60 points: written test from lectures (end of semester).
2. Seminar work, max 40 points: seminar paper on assigned topic.
Preparation of seminar paper on assigned topic and its presentation.
Aims
The subject makes students familiar with principles of macromolecular chemistry in frames suitable for studying some engineering disciplines, e.g. nanotechnology. The goal of the subject is seen in explaining basic properties of macromolecular compounds, technologies of production, and processing of important polymers as well as their applications in materials engineering, medicine, pharmacy, and cosmetics.
The course makes easy orientation of students at a choice of diploma project. Getting basic knowledge in the field of macromolecular compounds will enable them to improve their understanding new technological processes applicable in development of modern materials.
The study programmes with the given course
Programme B-FIN-P: Physical Engineering and Nanotechnology, Bachelor's, compulsory-optional
Type of course unit
Lecture
26 hours, optionally
Syllabus
Subject and development of macromolecular chemistry and its place in polymer science. The principle, significance, and history of polymers. Basic definitions, conditions of macromolecule formation (1 – 3).
Structure of macromolecules – constitution, configuration, and conformation of macromolecules, nomenclature of polymers. Division and properties of polymers (4 – 7).
Classification of polyreactions – stepwise polyreactions (polycondensation, polyaddition), chain polyreactions (radical polymerization, copolymerization, ionic polymerization), other polymerization methods, technique of polymerization (8 – 13).
Degradation and aging of polymers, methods of protection (14 – 15).
Important industrial polymers: technology of production, properties, and applications (16 – 17).
Natural macromolecules, bioanalogous and biocompatible polymers, polymers in medicine, cosmetics, and pharmacy, biomimetic macromolecules. Enzymatic synthesis of biopolymers, biocompatibility, toxicity – characterization and testing of materials in vitro and in vivo (18 – 22).
Nanostructured polymers and composites. Their use in practice. Nanoparticles from natural biopolymers (micelles, liposomes, polysaccharides) (23 – 26).
Exercise
26 hours, compulsory
Syllabus
Important industrial polymers: technology of production, properties, and applications.
Natural macromolecules, bioanalogous and biocompatible polymers, polymers in medicine, cosmetics, and pharmacy, biomimetic macromolecules. Enzymatic synthesis of biopolymers, biocompatibility, toxicity – characterization and testing of materials in vitro and in vivo.
Nanostructured polymers and composites. Their use in practice. Nanoparticles from natural biopolymers (micelles, liposomes, polysaccharides).
Plastic recycling and dispose of plastic waste.