POLYMER CHEMISTRY RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Program goals:
The goal of this research project is to provide the high school students with the opportunities to have hands-on virtual research experience of (1) making samples by 3D printing/3D laser cutting of plastics and (2) characterizing plastic materials using FTIR spectroscopy, tensile mechanical property test, and thermal analysis instrument in polymer center at RPI. Student will (3) have better understanding on the thermal properties of polymers, such as glass transition and melting temperatures, which will be the main consideration to dictate the usage of polymers in modern life and (4) ultimately enhance their awareness of plastic recycling issues.
Learning Objectives:
1. Students will learn the fundamental knowledge on polymer chemistry. The faculty instructor will provide a few lectures to expand chemistry learning on periodic table, molecule drawing and monomer/polymer concepts.
2. Students will learn the 3D printing of polymers by having hands-on activities of making 3D printed polymer parts.
3. Students will learn the basic knowledge on plastic materials, which includes how different types of plastic materials that they used for soda bottles, soda bottle caps, milk jugs, grocery bags, etc.
4. Students will learn how to process the raw data into materials information to be reported in research. Specifically, during the "virtual polymer laboratory" sessions, students will learn how to process and extract materials information from Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile mechanical test and other instruments to characterize polymers.
Pre-requisite:
High-school Chemistry Course(s). Although it is optional, students may want to submit his/her transcript showing chemistry course(s) in the application to [email protected]. Recommendation letter from teachers is not required for the application.
Monday (8/9) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
Program Introduction (Prof. Ryu)
From Periodic Table to Molecule Drawing (Lecture, Prof. Ryu)
Lunch break
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (EST)
Virtual Polymer Laboratory Tour (YouTube Videos, Prof. Ryu)
>> Assignment: Each student should choose one or more topics for in-depth study. Each student will provide PPT presentations on their findings on the topic(s). PPT template will be provided, and students will submit the topic (s) of his/her choice by Tuesday 1:00 pm. (A google form will be used to collect the information)
Tues (8/10) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
Polymer Chemistry (Lecture, Prof. Ryu)
Polymer Synthesis (Lecture, Prof. Ryu)
>> Assignment: Raw data of FTIR spectra for a number of chemical are provided. Students need to submit the PPT containing the FTIR spectra and identify the chemical compounds from the list that had been provided by Prof. Ryu. (Due by Wed 1:00 PM)
Wed (8/11) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
Plastics Materials and Properties (Lecture, Prof. Ryu)
Polymer Characterization I, Mechanical Properties (Lecture, Prof. Ryu)
>> Assignment: Raw data of Stress-Strain Curve will be provided. Student needs to submit PPT containing the stress-strain curve plots and a numeric table showing the analysis table of mechanical properties, such as Young’s modulus, ultimate tensile stress and elongation at break. (Due by Thursday 1:00 PM)
Thurs (8/12) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
Plastics Materials and Properties II (Lecture, Prof. Ryu)
Polymer Characterization II, Thermal Properties (Lecture, Prof. Ryu)
Polymer Characterization III, Molecular Weight Distribution (Lecture, Prof. Ryu)
>> Assignment: Raw data of (i) DSC profile and (ii) GPC profile will be provided. Student needs to submit PPT containing the stress-strain curve plots and a numeric table showing the analysis tables. Table template will be provided for the assignment.
(Due by Friday 1:00 PM)
Friday (3/13) 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (EST)
No Lecture
Office Hours: Prof. Ryu.
– Students should finish his/her PPT presentation (15 mins)
– Students can ask questions regarding the preparation of PPT
– Students must submit the PPT to Prof. Ryu by 1:00 PM Friday.
1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (?) (EST)
Parents are welcomed to attend the presentation by the high school students. WebEx meeting invitation link will be available.
Student’ presentations. (Schedule to be determined)
Individual student needs to give a 15-min presentation to share what she/he learned from the program and provide more in-depth study of their chosen topic(s)
End of the Program.
Program guide link: Polymer Chem Info Chang Ry~1.pdf (453 KB)
