COVENANT UNIVERSITY

COURSE COMPACT FOR 2015/2016 ACADEMIC SESSION

College: Engineering
Department: Chemical Engineering
Programme: Chemical Engineering
Course Code: CHE518
Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO POLYMER ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING
Units: 3Units
Course Lecturer(s): Engr. (Dr) Efeovbokhan, V.E & Dr Udonne
Semester: Alpha
Time: 3Hrs contact per week
Location: Hall C35
a.

b.

Brief overview of Course

Polymer chemistry and polymerization systems. Polymer characterization, polymer
weight measurements, configuration, and conformation ,transition temperatures, solid
state properties, dynamics mechanical testing, rubber elasticity, rheology,polymer
processing
Course Objectives/Goals
At the end of this course the student is expected to
1. be able to appreciate and understand what polymer engineering is about.
2. Have learnt how polymers are formed and made.
3. Know, classify and determine the molecular weight of polymers.
4. Have good understanding of the rheological properties of polymers and how they are
processed in the industries.

c.

Methods of Lecture Delivery/Teaching Aids

Lecture Delivery Methods
Lecturing/Teaching Method
Interactive (Discussion method)
Tutorial Method
Teaching Aids
Visual Aids (Use of PowerPoint slides, Lecture templates-handouts)
Uploading of lecture notes into the college portal
Course Outlines
Modules & Details of Topics

WEEK 1:

introduction: Polymer Chemistry.

WEEK 2:

Polymer characterization.

WEEK 3:

Molecular weight measurements.

WEEK 4:

Molecular weight measurements contd.

WEEK 5:

Polymer configuration and conformation.

WEEK 6:

Polymer transition temperature and solid state properties.

WEEK 7:

MID-SEMESTER EXAMS

WEEK 8:

Solid state properties contd. Mechanical testing of polymers.

WEEK 9:

Rubber elasticity.

WEEK 10: Polymer rheology.

WEEK 11: Polymer processing.
WEEK12: Polymer processing contd.
e.

f.

g.

h.

Tutorials
Several tutorial questions that would also be discussed in class will be given out
to further help the students understanding of the topics discussed.
Structure of the Programme/Method of Grading
Continuous Assessment
This includes Test, Assignments- 30%
Examination
Final Semester Examination 70%
Ground Rules & Regulations
Separate notebook for the course
Lateness to lectures not condoned
Absenteeism will not be entertained
Noise making and all acts of distractions not allowed
Topics for Term Papers/Assignments/Students Activities
Assignments by way of further reading on some selected topics to help students
understanding of the course is encouraged.
Relevant term paper topics:
List any five polymer industries in Nigeria and write extensively on the role of a

i.
j.

k.

chemical engineer in these industries.

Alignment with Covenant University Vision/Goals: To train and graduate students to
be highly competitive and relevant at the local and global levels.
Contemporary Issues/Industry Relevance
The course is relevant as it will equip the student with the necessary skills and make them
ready man power for the numerous polymer industries that abound today.
Recommended Reading/Text

1.

The Chemistry of polymers 3RD Edition by John W. Nicholson

2.

Contemporary Polymer Chemistry 3RD Edition by Harry R. Allcork,

Fredrick W. Lampe, James E Mark