11262 - Chemistry of Macromolecules

Learning outcomes

At the end f the course the student has acquired knowledge on synthesis and characterization of macromolecular substances, as well as on the dependence of their physical properties on chemical structure. The student is able to select the appropriate polymerization mechanism for a given monomer, to describe the experimental methods for molecular weight characterization and for determination of the main thermal transitions, and to correlate thermal and mechanical properties with chemical structure.

Course contents

INTRODUCTION

• Introduction: constitution, configuration, conformation of macromolecules; linear, branched, crosslinked macromolecules; homopolymers and copolymers

1. POLYMERIZATION PROCESSES

• Step-growth polymerization
• Free radical addition polymerization
• Ionic polymerization
• controlled free radical addition polymerization
• Copolymerization
• Polymerization technques
• Tacticity and stereoregular polymerizations

2. AVERAGE SIZE OF MACROMOLECULES IN SOLUTION. METHODS FOR MOLAR MASS CHARACTERIZATION. 

• titration terminal groups
• Osmotic pressure
• method viscosimetric
• light scattering
• GPC: gel permeation chromatography

3. SOLID-STATE PROPERTIES 

• Polymers in the amorphous state. Glass/rubber, glass transition.
• Partially crystalline polymers. Crystallization and melting.
• Structure-property correlations in polymers

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

J.M.G. Covie and V. Arrighi, "Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials", 3rd Edition, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2008.

Other books (in Italian language): F.Ciardelli et al., "Macromolecole, scienza e tecnologia", vol. I e II, Pacini, Pisa, 1986; M. Guaita et al., "Fondamenti di scienza dei polimeri", Pacini, Pisa, 1998.

Virtuale platform will  be used to deposit  power point documents and reading materials. prepared by the teacher.

 

Teaching methods

The course is composed of 40 hours of lectures

Attendance to course lessons is strongly recommended to understand the most fundamental aspects of the subject and the correlations among the different parts of the programme.

 

 

Assessment methods

Assessment by an oral examination (30-40 minutes) composed of three questions each focussing on one of the three main topics of the course: (1) polymerization processes, (2) macromolecules in solution and molar mass determination, (3) Solid-state properties and structure-property relations.

To pass the examination the student is requested to answer in a correct and complete way to the 3 questions, if one of the 3 questions is not answered the examination fails..

Good language properties and the ability to make connections among the different parts of the programme will involve a higher score.

Assessment Criteria

Failing grade: The student shows significant gaps in content knowledge, including deficiencies in fundamental polymer chemistry and physics concepts. The use of scientific language is inappropriate, and there is a lack of orientation and understanding of the topics covered in the course.

Passing grade: The student demonstrates a basic understanding of the exam topics, with minimally appropriate use of technical language and limited ability to construct coherent arguments.

Good evaluation: The student has a solid memorized understanding of the subject matter and shows a fair ability to synthesize and analyze content. Technical terminology is used correctly.

Excellent evaluation: In addition to comprehensive knowledge of the course content, the student is able to critically elaborate on the topics, shows a clear and integrated understanding of the subject, demonstrates strong argumentative skills, uses technical language fluently, and is capable of answering complex questions.

 

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

Video projector, PC

Office hours

See the website of Maria Letizia Focarete