Lecture
This lecture introduces the general aspects of polymer materials, including their historical context, societal relevance, major fields of applications, challenges, and their significance to EPFL. The 'Big 5' technical polymers are presented as lead examples for the course, covering topics such as polymer structure, properties, synthesis methods, and applications. The lecture also delves into the nanostructure and properties of spider silk, synthetic polymers, and the origin of polymers. It discusses the major application segments of plastics, the environmental impact of plastics, and the beneficial properties of plastics in various sectors. Additionally, it explores the activities of the Polymer Science department at EPFL and the course objectives.