73369 - Materials Chemistry

Learning outcomes

The course is focused on the applications of the principles of chemistry to the description of the behaviour of the solid state. At the end of the course the student will have the basis to understand the relationships between the nature and arrangements of the atoms, ions or molecules comprising a material and its overall bulk structural and physical properties. The acquired competences on advanced materials will be focused on aerospace structural design.

Course contents

Solid State Chemistry:

• Amorphous and Crystalline solids
• Bondings in solids
• Ionic, metallic, covalent and molecular solids
• The crystalline state: unit cells and crystal structures
• Relationships between chemical bonds, crystal structures and physical properties
• Imperfections in solids and their role in influencing properties

  Materials Characterization

• X-ray Diffraction
• Optical, electron, scanning probe microscopies
• IR and RAMAN spectroscopies
• Thermal analysis
• Analysis of Mechanical properties

  Polymeric materials

• Polymer classifications: polymers and biopolymers
• Polymer structures. Thermoplastics and thermosets
• Polymerization mechanisms
• Processing and additives
• Polymer end of life and sustainability

  Metals

• Phase diagrams
• Iron-carbon system and ferrous alloys

  Ceramics

• Structures and properties

  Composite materials

• Classifications and properties
• Fibers- reinforced composites

  Nanomaterials

• Definitions and structural characteristics
• Carbon nanotubes, fullerenes and graphene: characteristics and properties
• Nanoclays

Readings/Bibliography

W.D. Callister J “Materials Science and Engineering”7th Edition Wiley (2007)

 A. R. West " Solid State Chemistry and its Applications" 2nd Ed. Wiley (2014)

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and seminars from experts in the field

Assessment methods

Learning outcomes are assessed through a final examination designed to verify the acquisition of the expected knowledge and skills. The examination consists of a 2-hour written test, to be completed without the use of notes, textbooks, electronic devices (e.g., smartphones or smartwatches), or any material other than that provided by the instructor. The use of basic calculators is permitted. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools is not allowed.

The use of AI, notes, textbooks, electronic devices, or any unauthorized material constitutes a violation of examination regulations and will result in the invalidity of the examination.

The written test consists of open-ended theoretical questions covering the topics addressed during the course. The examination is considered passed with a mark of 18/30 or higher.

Students will pass the examination if they demonstrate a sound understanding and operational competence with respect to the key concepts covered in the course and, in particular, achieve the following learning objectives:

• Knowledge of the relationships between the structure of a material (polymer, ceramic, metal, composite, or nanocomposite) and its properties.
• Knowledge of the strategies that can be used to tailor and modulate material properties according to their intended applications.

Teaching tools

pdf slides on https://virtuale.unibo.it

Office hours

See the website of Annamaria Celli