Page 36 - Carrahers_Polymer_Chemistry,_Eighth_Edition

How to Study Polymers

Studying about polymers is similar to studying any science. Following are some ideas that may
assist you in your study.
Much of science is abstract. While much of the study of polymers is abstract, it is easier to con-
ceptualize, make mental pictures, of what a polymer is and how it should behave than many areas
of science. For linear polymers, think of a string or rope. Long ropes get entangled with themselves
and other ropes. In the same way, polymer chains entangle with themselves and with chains of other
polymers that are brought into contact with them. Thus, create mental pictures of the polymer mol-
ecules as you study them.
Polymers are real and all about us. We can look at giant molecules on a micro or atomic level or
on a macroscopic level. The PET bottles we have may be composed of long chains of poly(ethylene
terephthate), PET, chains. The aramid tire cord is composed of aromatic polyamide chains. Our

hair is made up of complex bundles of fibrous proteins, again polyamides. The polymers you study
are related to the real world in which we live. We experience these “large molecules” at the mac-
roscopic level everyday of our lives, and this macroscopic behavior is a direct consequence of the
atomic-level structure and behavior. Make pictures in your mind that allow you to relate the atomic
and macroscopic worlds.
At the introductory level we often examine only the primary factors that may cause partic-
ular giant molecule behavior. Other factors may become important under particular conditions.
The polymer molecules you study at times examine only the primary factors that impact polymer
behavior and structure. Even so, these primary factors form the basis for both complex and simple
structure–property behavior.
The structure–property relationships you will be studying are based on well-known basic chem-
istry and physical relationships. Such relationships build upon one another and as such you need
to study in an ongoing manner. Understand as you go along. Read the material BEFORE you go to
class.
This course is an introductory-level course. Each chapter or topic emphasizes knowledge about
one or more area. The science and excitement of polymers has its own language. It is a language
that requires you to understand and memorize certain key concepts. Our memory can be short term
or long term. Short-term memory may be considered as that used by an actor or actress for a TV
drama. It really does not need to be totally understood, nor retained after the final “take.” Long-

term memory is required in studying about giant molecules since it will be used repeatedly and is
used to understand other concepts (i.e., it is built upon).
In memorizing, learn how you do this best—time of day, setting, and so on. Use as many senses
as necessary—be active—read your assignment, write out what is needed to be known, say it, lis-
ten to yourself say it. Also, look for patterns, create mnemonic devices, avoid cramming too much
into too small a time, practice associations in all directions, and test yourself. Memorization is hard
work.
While knowledge involves recalling memorized material, to really “know” something involves
more than simple recall—it involves comprehension, application, evaluation, and integration of the
knowledge. Comprehension is the interpretation of this knowledge—making predictions, apply-
ing it to different situations. Analysis involves evaluation of the information and comparing it
with other information and synthesis has to do with integration of the information with other
information.

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