91208 - Functional Polymeric Materials

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has acquired knowledge on structure-property relationships of polymeric materials designed to perform specific functions. The student will be able to identify the elements of the macromolecular chemical structure that influence the requested functionality, as well as the structural and morphological parameters that influence the final properties of the material.

Course contents

1) INTRODUCTION

• Review of macromolecular chemistry principles.
• Main polymer characterization techniques
• Introduction to structure-property relations in polymeric materials.

• Structure-property relations: copolymers and blends (Copolymers. Dependence of thermal and mechanical properties on composition and morphology; Binary polymer blends. Miscibility and phase diagrams in blends with amorphous and/or crystallisable components; Thermal transitions and mechanical properties dependence on composition; Interpenetrated polymer networks.
• Polymer composites.
• Nanocomposites. Organic-inorganic hybrids.
• Rubber-toughening of polymers.
• Vitrimers
• Hydrogels

 

2) THE COURSE WILL COVER VARIOUS FAMILIES OF FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS INCLUDING: High performance polymers; Smart stimuli-responsive materials; Specialty polymers for energy applications; Biomaterials for health applications; Self-healing polymers; Polymeric materials with liquid crystalline behaviour; Superabsorbent polymers; High modulus fibres; Recyclable thermosets and others.

A survey will be conducted among students to identify the most requested and relevant families of functional polymers, which will be prioritized in the course content.

 

3) ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND BIOPLASTICS (Polymeric materials from renewable resources; Biodegradable polymers; Plastic recycling)

 

Laboratory programme (16h):

This part of the course includes lessons in the laboratory. To have access to the laboratory students are required to attend Module 1 and 2 in e- learning mode [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio] and a Module 3 about health and safety in study places. Information about the dates and modes to attend module 3 will be published on the Degree Course website.

The laboratory activities will include the synthesis of a polyamide according with two different synthesis approaches, the investigation of the effect of the molecular weight on the polymer’s properties, the preparation of thermosets from epoxy resins. Most common characterization techniques for polymeric materials will be presented: Melt flow index (MFI), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and stress-strain tests.

Principles and basic concepts of each technique will be presented during the preparatory lesson to the laboratory session. A discussion on the results obtained during the laboratory session will take place during the conclusive lesson. Students will participate to lab activities in group of two to carry out the synthesis and tests on the polymeric materials. The laboratories activities and the discussion of the results will be object of a question during the exam.

The detailed program of lessons and lab experiences will be provided to students and will be published on https://virtuale.unibo.it/.

 

Readings/Bibliography

Books for consultation, copy of the material shown during lecturing and Power Point presentations provided by the lecturer.

Chapters relative to specific subjects of the course in:

- “Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali Polimerici” S. Brukner et al. Ed. Edises, Napoli, 2001

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

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

Teaching methods

The Course is structured into two parts:

1. 40 hours of lectures where the various parts of the course content are developed.
2. 16 hours of Laboratory experiments where the background of the experimental techniques that will be applied in the Lab is provided and the student will carry out the solid-state characterization on selected polymeric material. Several case studies will be discussed to provide tools for result interpretation.

Seminars will be given to the students on selected topics of the course.

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.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] online, while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme.

 

 

 

Assessment methods

Assessment will be carried out by an oral examination (40-45 minutes) during which the students will have to demonstrate their knowledge on the correlations between structure and properties in polymeric materials designed to perform specific functions.

The student is requested to answer three questions: (i) fundamentals of chemistry and physics of polymeric materials; (ii) a specific class of functional polymers and elements of environmental sustainability; (iii) case study on structure-property correlation and polymer characterization (lab module).

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

Teaching tools

Videoprojector, PC, laboratory

Office hours

See the website of Maria Letizia Focarete

See the website of Anna Liguori