The Department of Chemistry

Course Description

The scope of materials science, the importance of studying materials, interdisciplinary nature of materials science, principal aim to relate properties to structure, brief historical survey, the basic classification of materials – metals, polymer, ceramics, alloys, composites with a brief description of the structure, properties and applications.

The Structure of Solids: Structure of atom, molecules, bonding, the relationship between bonding and properties, thermal vibration and structure sensitivity, crystal structure, lattice parameters, crystal geometries, defects in materials, point defects, line defects, area defects, defects in polymers, strengthening mechanisms, alloys. Amorphous structure, microstructure, alloys and composites.

Phase Diagrams: Introduction, solubility limit, phases, microstructure, phase equilibria, unary and binary phases, interpretation of phase diagrams, lever rule, eutectic and eutectoid alloys (binary systems), Iron-Iron carbide phase diagram, the influence of alloying elements.

Polymers: Introduction, various polymer materials, molecular weight distribution, synthesis, properties, crystalline polymer, amorphous polymers, applications, models for various polymers.

Properties of Materials: Electrical properties, thermal properties, magnetic properties, optical properties, mechanical properties.

Assessment