27581 - Chemistry and Technology of Polymeric Materials

Learning outcomes

At the end of this Course the student is able to evaluate the main parameters that influence the performance of polymeric materials during use and during processing: The student has gained knowledge of the principles of melt rheology, of the main industrial polymer processing technologies and of the environmental impact and recycling of plastics. In particular the student will be able to design and to characterize polymeric objects through the choice of the useful processing technology. In additon the student will have practical knowledge of the most common solid-state characterization techniques of polymeric materials.

Course contents

Pre-requirements: the student must have knowledge of macromolecular chemistry, polymer synthesis, solid-state properties of the main polymeric classes.

The following topics will be part of this course:
1) Introduction and review of the main concepts of macromolecular chemistry
2) Thermal and oxidative degradation processes.
3) Additives (plasticizers, heat stabilizers, flame retardants, processing additives) and their role in polymeric materials.
4) Melt rheology: molecular and technological aspects. Viscoelasticity of polymer melts. Viscosity dependence on temperature, pressure, structural parameters and test conditions.
5) Industrial processing technologies of synthetic polymers (extrusion, forming, injection molding, film blowing, etc.).
6) Plastics and environment. Recycling (mechanical, chemical, incineration) of heterogeneous and homogeneous plastics.Concepts of biodegradation and compostability.
7) Power point presentation of the life cycle of plastic objects by the students
8) visit to a company

 

 

Readings/Bibliography

Chapters relative to the different subjects of the course in:


- “Fondamenti di Scienza dei polimeri” M.Guaita et al. Ed. Pacini, Pisa,1998


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


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

Teaching methods

The course consists in room lessons.


The course includes the preparation of a power point presentation, by a group of two-three students that will be given to the whole class.


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


The students will be provided with copy of the material shown during lecturing. Presentations will be available for the students through the Virtuale platform.


A visit to a industrial company working in relation to the topic of the course.

 

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is based on:


- a power point presentation, during the lessons, on the life cycle of a material. This presentation is not mandatory, but it adds two pints to the exam score.

-a final written examination designed to verify the acquisition of the course learning outcomes. The written exam will last 120 minutes and will consist of two open questions and five multiple-choice questions.

The questions will cover the course program and will focus on: the fundamentals of the chemical, physical, and rheological properties of polymeric materials; polymer processing technologies; recycling and end-of-life management of polymeric materials (the concepts of biodegradability and composting might be included).

The examination is considered passed if the student provides satisfactory answers to both open questions and correctly answers at least three of the five multiple-choice questions. The final grade will depend on the completeness and quality of the answers to the open questions, as well as on the number of multiple-choice questions answered correctly.

For the purposes of assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Failing grade: The student shows significant gaps in content knowledge, including deficiencies in fundamental 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 good understanding of the subject matter and shows a fair ability to  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

Lectures with the aid of PC, projector.

Office hours

See the website of Anna Liguori