B1784 - PROGETTAZIONE DI MATERIALI POLIMERICI E SOSTENIBILITÀ​

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide basic knowledge of synthesis and characterization of macromolecular substances and the relationship between chemical structure and physical properties of polymers. The student can recognize: polymerization mechanisms, experimental characterization methods, and thermal transitions of a polymer. They can correlate thermal and mechanical properties with chemical structure and associate the characteristics of a polymeric material with its environmental sustainability.

Course contents

Course Content – Theoretical Part

1. Fundamentals of Polymer Science

• Chemistry of polymeric materials: definitions, structure, molecular weight
• Classification of polymeric materials
• Synthesis and production processes of polymeric materials
• Physical and mechanical properties of polymers in the solid state: amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers
• Viscoelasticity
• Structure–property relationships in synthetic and natural polymers (biopolymers)

1. Sustainability of Polymeric Materials

• Bioplastics: polymers from renewable resources and biodegradable polymers
• End-of-life: mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, biodegradation, composting
• Principles of ecodesign in the polymer sector; introduction to LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) for polymeric materials

1. Advanced Polymeric Materials

• Polymers for functional applications; smart polymers (stimuli-responsive and self-healing polymers); composites, nanocomposites, and biocomposites

Course Content – Practical Sessions

The practical sessions aim to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications and include:

• Numerical exercises to reinforce theoretical concepts
• Characterization techniques for polymeric materials
• Design of polymeric materials with specific functions
• Sustainability strategies in the design of polymer material
• Discussion of real-world case studies

 

 

 

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, reading materials and exercises prepared by the teacher.

Teaching methods

The course includes 32 hours of lectures, delivered using a combination of traditional blackboard teaching, slides, videos, and in-class discussions on the fundamentals of polymer materials design. In addition, 24 hours of classroom exercises will be dedicated to the application and discussion of the topics covered.

Attendance is strongly recommended in order to grasp the key critical aspects of the subject and understand the connections between the various parts of the program.

 

 

Assessment methods

Learning is assessed through an oral examination lasting approximately 30–45 minutes, structured around three questions:

1. Fundamentals of polymer materials science
2. Discussion of a case study on polymer material design selected from those presented during the course
3. Aspects of sustainability in the design of polymeric materials

The exam is considered passed only if the student provides correct and complete answers to all three questions.

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; Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Maria Letizia Focarete