C9534 - BIOPLASTICHE E BIOPOLIMERI: PROPRIETA' E APPLICAZIONI

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the different classes of bioplastics and biopolymers, and will be able to understand their chemistry and properties, as well as evaluate their potential applications.

Course contents

• Macromolecular chemistry and physics: definitions, polymer classifications, synthesis, thermal and mechanical properties, main characterization techniques, polymer processing, and structure- property correlations.

• Bioplastics: definitions and regulations
  • Definition of polymer form renewable resource and methods to define the amount of biobased content (ISO16620)
  • Biorefinery: production of monomers, building blocks and polymers
  • Polymer disposal and recycling, biodegradation and composting (definition, mechanism, ISO14855, EN 13432)

• Classes of bioplastics
  
  • Natural and bacterially derived polymers: polysaccharides (starch, cellulose and its derivatives, chitin and chitosan, hyaluronic acid, etc.) and bacterial polyesters.
  • Monomers from renewable resources and their polymers polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and its copolymers, aliphatic–aromatic polyesters, aliphatic polyamides, etc.
  • Polymers derived from vegetable oils

Readings/Bibliography

The lesson's notes will be fundamental.

Power point presentations shown during lessons will be available at the following website: https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Useful readings are publications on the website of the European Bioplastics (http://www.european-bioplastics.org/news/publications/ )

Further readings are:

“Monomers, Polymers and Composites from Renewable Resources” Ed. M. N. Belgacem and A. Gandini Ed.

“Biopolymers from Renewable Resources” D.L. Kaplan Ed.

“Bio-based Plastics Materials and Applications” S. Kabasci Ed..

Teaching methods

The course consists of 48 hours of face-to-face lectures delivered in person.

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning takes place exclusively through the final oral exam. The exam, lasting approximately 40 minutes, will assess the knowledge acquired in the areas of “bioplastics: definition and regulations” and “classes of bioplastics.” In addition, the student must demonstrate mastery of macromolecular chemistry and physics. During the exam, the ability to use appropriate technical-scientific language and the level of understanding of the topics covered will also be evaluated.

Failing grade: significant gaps in the course content; serious deficiencies in basic polymer knowledge, inappropriate language, and lack of orientation within the topics covered in the course.

Passing grade: barely appropriate language, poor argumentative skills, and minimal knowledge of the exam topics.

Good evaluations require at least a good memorized knowledge of the subject, and at least a fair ability to summarize and perform structured analysis, using correct technical language.

Excellent evaluations: in addition to competence, the ability to apply it is required; a clear and comprehensive understanding of the topics, strong argumentative skills, and mastery of broad and specific technical language.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

PC with a projector and large-screen display; Microsoft PowerPoint slides available on the Virtuale online learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Gualandi