We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Terry Alford
This course will introduce age hardening and how to use a phase diagram to identify an alloy that is eligible for age hardening. The key factors that affect nucleation and crystal growth will be investigated. In addition, an introduction to polymer science will be given. The key differences between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers will be introduced. Strengthening mechanisms will be introduced. We explore what happens to the properties of a polymer as you increase or decrease the extent of cross-linking. major polymer synthesis methods will be shown. We will review polymer selection for various applications. In addition, how structural properties vary with temperature will be presented. We explore the significance of the glass transition temperature of a polymer to its thermal and mechanical properties.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/r57zeq/hardening
Two deals to help you save
Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.
Valid until July 14
Coursera Plus Annual
Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.
Up to
40%
off
Get offer
Valid until August 30
Google AI App Builder
Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind
Take
100%
off
Get offer
What's inside
Syllabus
Hardening, Polymers, Properties
This course will introduce age hardening and how to use a phase diagram to identify an alloy that is eligible for age hardening. The key factors that affect nucleation and crystal growth will be investigated. In addition, an introduction to polymer science will be given. The key differences between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers will be introduced. Strengthening mechanisms will be introduced. We explore what happens to the properties of a polymer as you increase or decrease the extent of cross-linking. major polymer synthesis methods will be shown. We will review polymer selection for various applications. In addition, how structural properties vary with temperature will be presented. We explore the significance of the glass transition temperature of a polymer to its thermal and mechanical properties.
Read more
Syllabus
Hardening, Polymers, Properties
This course will introduce age hardening and how to use a phase diagram to identify an alloy that is eligible for age hardening. The key factors that affect nucleation and crystal growth will be investigated. In addition, an introduction to polymer science will be given. The key differences between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers will be introduced. Strengthening mechanisms will be introduced. We explore what happens to the properties of a polymer as you increase or decrease the extent of cross-linking. major polymer synthesis methods will be shown. We will review polymer selection for various applications. In addition, how structural properties vary with temperature will be presented. We explore the significance of the glass transition temperature of a polymer to its thermal and mechanical properties.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches age hardening, which is used in many industries to strengthen materials
Taught by Terry Alford, who is recognized as a leader in the field of material science
Examines how structural properties vary with temperature, which is a key concept in polymer science
Explores the significance of the glass transition temperature of a polymer, which is critical in predicting its behavior
Explores thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, which are two major classes of polymers with different properties
Requires students to have basic knowledge of chemistry and physics
Save this course
Create your own learning path.
Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save
Save
Reviews summary
Hardening and polymer fundamentals
According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in age hardening and polymer science, making complex topics such as glass transition temperature and phase diagrams accessible. Many found the explanations clear and the instructor's expertise evident, creating a highly valuable learning experience for understanding material properties. However, some students, particularly those with prior industry experience, found certain sections, like polymer synthesis methods and polymer processing, to be too introductory and suggested more in-depth practical examples or hands-on elements to cater to advanced learners. Overall, it is highly recommended for building core knowledge.
Suggestions for more hands-on labs or real-world case studies.
"I think a bit more hands-on lab simulation or case studies would elevate it further."
"While it provides a strong theoretical base, I'd appreciate more direct industry case studies."
"I found the course very theoretical; it would benefit from more practical, real-world examples."
Instructor effectively clarifies complex concepts like phase diagrams.
"The explanations were clear and the content was highly relevant to my work as a materials engineer."
"The instructor did a good job explaining complex topics like glass transition temperature."
"Absolutely fantastic! The instructor's expertise shines through, making complex topics like age hardening very accessible."
Provides a strong theoretical base in materials science fundamentals.
"This course provided an incredibly solid foundation in polymer science and age hardening."
"Excellent course for anyone needing a refresher or an introduction to the properties of materials..."
"A must-take for materials science students! The scope was exactly what I needed to build a strong foundation."
Polymer synthesis and processing modules lack sufficient depth.
"Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially the polymer synthesis methods, which could have used more depth."
"I felt the polymer sections, especially 'Polymer Processing,' were a bit basic and lacked practical examples."
"The module on polymer synthesis felt very rushed, and I had to consult external resources to fully grasp it."
Too introductory for advanced learners; lacks deeper insights.
"As someone with some industry experience, I was looking for more advanced insights."
"It's probably great for beginners, but not for those looking to expand existing knowledge much."
"For someone new to the topic, it's a good starting point, but for anyone beyond beginner, it might feel a bit slow or lacking in advanced detail."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Hardening, Polymers, Properties with these
activities:
Review basic chemistry concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your foundational knowledge in chemistry.
Browse courses on
Chemistry
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks from previous chemistry courses.
-
Practice solving basic chemistry problems.
Review polymer science concepts
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of polymer science principles.
Browse courses on
Polymer Science
Show steps
-
Review your notes or textbooks from previous polymer science courses.
-
Read articles or watch videos on recent advancements in polymer science.
Explore online tutorials on polymer characterization techniques
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of polymer characterization techniques through online tutorials.
Show steps
-
Identify online tutorials on polymer characterization techniques.
-
Choose a specific technique to focus on.
-
Follow the tutorial and learn about the principles, applications, and limitations of the technique.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Engineering material properties practice problems
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of material properties through practice problems.
Show steps
-
Identify a textbook or online resources with practice problems on engineering material properties.
-
Attempt to solve the practice problems on your own, referring to course materials as needed.
-
Check your answers against the provided solutions or consult with a tutor or instructor if needed.
Create a presentation on age hardening mechanisms
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of age hardening mechanisms by creating a presentation.
Show steps
-
Research different age hardening mechanisms and their applications.
-
Choose a specific age hardening mechanism to focus on.
-
Create a presentation that explains the mechanism, its advantages, and its limitations.
Compile and review course notes and assignments
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by organizing and reviewing course materials.
Show steps
-
Gather all course notes, assignments, and other materials.
-
Organize the materials into a cohesive structure.
-
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
Develop a polymer synthesis plan
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of polymer synthesis to develop a plan for synthesizing a specific polymer.
Show steps
-
Identify the desired polymer and its properties.
-
Research different polymerization techniques and select the most suitable one.
-
Develop a detailed synthesis plan, including the reactants, reaction conditions, and purification methods.
-
Estimate the yield and cost of the synthesis.
Design a polymer-based composite material
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of polymer science to design a composite material with specific properties.
Show steps
-
Research different types of polymers and their properties.
-
Identify potential reinforcing materials and their compatibility with the chosen polymer.
-
Design the composite material's structure and determine the desired properties.
-
Fabricate and test the composite material to evaluate its performance.
-
Analyze the results and make any necessary modifications to the design.
Contribute to open-source projects related to polymer science
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the polymer science community.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
-
Identify open-source projects related to polymer science.
-
Choose a project to contribute to and review its documentation.
-
Make a contribution to the project, such as fixing a bug or adding a feature.
Review basic chemistry concepts
Show steps
Strengthen your foundational knowledge in chemistry.
Browse courses on
Chemistry
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks from previous chemistry courses.
- Practice solving basic chemistry problems.
Review polymer science concepts
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of polymer science principles.
Browse courses on
Polymer Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or textbooks from previous polymer science courses.
- Read articles or watch videos on recent advancements in polymer science.
Explore online tutorials on polymer characterization techniques
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of polymer characterization techniques through online tutorials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online tutorials on polymer characterization techniques.
- Choose a specific technique to focus on.
- Follow the tutorial and learn about the principles, applications, and limitations of the technique.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Engineering material properties practice problems
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of material properties through practice problems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a textbook or online resources with practice problems on engineering material properties.
- Attempt to solve the practice problems on your own, referring to course materials as needed.
- Check your answers against the provided solutions or consult with a tutor or instructor if needed.
Create a presentation on age hardening mechanisms
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of age hardening mechanisms by creating a presentation.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different age hardening mechanisms and their applications.
- Choose a specific age hardening mechanism to focus on.
- Create a presentation that explains the mechanism, its advantages, and its limitations.
Compile and review course notes and assignments
Show steps
Enhance your understanding by organizing and reviewing course materials.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all course notes, assignments, and other materials.
- Organize the materials into a cohesive structure.
- Review the materials regularly to reinforce your understanding.
Develop a polymer synthesis plan
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of polymer synthesis to develop a plan for synthesizing a specific polymer.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the desired polymer and its properties.
- Research different polymerization techniques and select the most suitable one.
- Develop a detailed synthesis plan, including the reactants, reaction conditions, and purification methods.
- Estimate the yield and cost of the synthesis.
Design a polymer-based composite material
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of polymer science to design a composite material with specific properties.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research different types of polymers and their properties.
- Identify potential reinforcing materials and their compatibility with the chosen polymer.
- Design the composite material's structure and determine the desired properties.
- Fabricate and test the composite material to evaluate its performance.
- Analyze the results and make any necessary modifications to the design.
Contribute to open-source projects related to polymer science
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the polymer science community.
Browse courses on
Open Source
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify open-source projects related to polymer science.
- Choose a project to contribute to and review its documentation.
- Make a contribution to the project, such as fixing a bug or adding a feature.
Career center
Learners who complete Hardening, Polymers, Properties will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Polymer Scientist
Polymer Scientist
Polymer Scientists are responsible for studying the structure, properties, and synthesis of polymers. This course provides a solid foundation in polymer science, covering topics such as the key differences between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers, strengthening mechanisms, and major polymer synthesis methods. This knowledge is essential for Polymer Scientists, as it helps them understand how to create and modify polymers for a wide range of applications.
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists research and develop new materials, and improve existing ones. This course provides a strong foundation in materials science, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Materials Scientists, as it helps them understand how to create and modify materials for a wide range of applications.
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers design, develop, and test materials. This course provides a strong foundation in materials engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Materials Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design and develop materials for a wide range of applications.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design, develop, and operate chemical plants and processes. This course provides a strong foundation in chemical engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Chemical Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design and operate chemical plants and processes that produce a wide range of materials.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and test mechanical systems. This course provides a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Mechanical Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design and develop mechanical systems that are strong, durable, and efficient.
Metallurgical Engineer
Metallurgical Engineer
Metallurgical Engineers research and develop new metals and alloys. This course provides a strong foundation in metallurgy, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and properties. This knowledge is essential for Metallurgical Engineers, as it helps them understand how to create and modify metals and alloys for a wide range of applications.
Ceramic Engineer
Ceramic Engineer
Ceramic Engineers research and develop new ceramics and ceramic materials. This course provides a strong foundation in ceramic engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Ceramic Engineers, as it helps them understand how to create and modify ceramics and ceramic materials for a wide range of applications.
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace Engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems. This course provides a strong foundation in aerospace engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Aerospace Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design and develop aerospace systems that are strong, lightweight, and efficient.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design, develop, and test medical devices and systems. This course provides a strong foundation in biomedical engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Biomedical Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design and develop medical devices and systems that are safe, effective, and reliable.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course provides a strong foundation in civil engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Civil Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design and build infrastructure projects that are safe, durable, and efficient.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design, build, and operate systems to protect the environment. This course provides a strong foundation in environmental engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Environmental Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design and operate systems that protect the environment from pollution and other hazards.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers design, improve, and install integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment. This course provides a strong foundation in industrial engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Industrial Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design and improve integrated systems that are efficient and productive.
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Manufacturing Engineers plan, design, and oversee the production of products. This course provides a strong foundation in manufacturing engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Manufacturing Engineers, as it helps them understand how to plan, design, and oversee the production of products that are high-quality and cost-effective.
Mining Engineer
Mining Engineer
Mining Engineers design, develop, and operate mines. This course provides a strong foundation in mining engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Mining Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design, develop, and operate mines that are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers design, develop, and operate oil and gas wells. This course provides a strong foundation in petroleum engineering, covering topics such as hardening, polymers, and their properties. This knowledge is essential for Petroleum Engineers, as it helps them understand how to design, develop, and operate oil and gas wells that are safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/r57zeq/hardening
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Hardening, Polymers, Properties.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of polymer physics, including topics on molecular structure, dynamics, and properties. It can serve as a valuable reference for understanding the physical aspects of polymers.
Covers a wide range of topics in materials science and engineering, including hardening, polymers, and properties. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about these topics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of polymer engineering principles, including topics on polymer structure, properties, and behavior. It can serve as a valuable reference for understanding the engineering aspects of polymers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanical behavior of materials, including topics on stress, strain, and failure. It can serve as a valuable reference for understanding the mechanical properties of materials.
Provides a detailed examination of hardening, tempering, and heat treatment of steel. It can serve as a specialized resource for understanding the principles and practices of age hardening alloys.
Provides a broad overview of materials science and engineering, including topics on polymers and their properties. It can serve as a valuable reference for additional reading.
Focuses on the use of materials in design and manufacturing, including considerations for selection, processing, and performance. It can provide insights into the practical applications of materials discussed in the course.
Provides an introduction to materials science for engineers, covering a wide range of materials and their properties. It can serve as a helpful resource for gaining a general understanding of materials.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/r57zeq/hardening
Share
Similar courses
Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
Arizona State University
Instructor
Terry Alford
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Materials Science for Advanced Technological Applications. It's comprised of four courses:
- Ceramics and Composites
- Phase Diagrams
- Electrical Properties and Semiconductors
- Hardening, Polymers, Properties (viewing)
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser