Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives On completion of this subject students will have an understanding of the terminology of crystallography and its role in determining material properties; the thermodynamics basis of phase equilibria; some different types of binary phase diagrams; the preparation, characterisation and properties of polymers; how to solve problems in these areas.
Synopsis This subject consists of three equal-weight units: crystallography - an introduction to crystal structure, symmetry and the study of crystals using diffraction techniques; phase equilibria and microstructures - a study of the thermodynamics leading to the construction of binary phase diagrams and the resulting microstructures; and chemistry and microstructure of polymers.
Assessment Examinations (4.5 hours): 70% + Laboratory work: 30%