B1978 - Foundations of Chemistry and science of polymeric materials P

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with advanced training in the development of chemical products, materials, and processes used in the field of polymers and polymer composites through the study of their production, chemical and technological properties, characterization, and structure–property relationships.

Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired knowledge of the industrial production processes and properties of polymeric materials and their composites, used both as components of formulations and as constituents of thermoplastic, elastomeric, thermosetting resin-based products, and fibers, together with an understanding of their applications and commercial relevance. Students will also be able to interpret and predict the behavior of these materials based on their chemical, physicochemical, thermal, and mechanical properties, and will be familiar with the parameters required for the design and manufacture of polymer-based products.

The course includes preparatory activities focused on the characterization of polymeric materials and polymer composites. These activities are intended to provide students with the theoretical knowledge necessary for a correct approach to the characterization and identification of commercially available polymer-based products with complex formulations. These concepts will subsequently be explored in greater depth and applied in practice during the II year Laboratory course.

Course contents

1. Introduction, course objectives, and a sketch of the polymer and composites market
2. Definitions and structure of polymers
3. Major industrial polymers
4. Structure of polymer solids and thermal properties
5. Additives for polymers and composites and their properties
6. Mechanical properties
7. Degradation, durability, and aging tests
8. Rubbers and elastomeric properties
9. Rheology, viscoelasticity, and measurement methods
10. Fibres and high-performance fibres
11. Processing and manufacturing technologies for polymeric materials
12. Polymer composites and composite manufacturing technologies
13. Recovery and recycling
14. Biopolymers and future perspectives

Further insights: lectures delivered by industry experts on composite materials and visits to industrial production facilities.

Readings/Bibliography

The primary study materials for the course consist of the lecture notes and the teaching materials provided by the teacher, which are made available on the Virtual Learning Environment (Virtuale) starting from the day before each lecture.

For further reading, the following references are recommended:

• H. Ulrich, Introduction to Industrial Polymers, Hanser Publishers, Munich, 1993.
• A. Heaton (Ed.), The Chemical Industry, Blackie Academic & Professional, London.
• AIM, Fondamenti di Scienza dei Polimeri, Pacini Editore, Pisa, 1998.
• F. La Mantia (Ed.), Handbook of Plastics Recycling, Rapra Technology Publishers, Shawbury, 2002.

Teaching methods

Face-to-face lectures will be delivered according to the scheduled timetable and in compliance with the applicable safety protocols. Audiovisual materials will be used to illustrate the main concepts and industrial processes. The course also includes visits to industrial companies and seminars delivered by experts from industry.

Assessment methods

The examination is designed to assess the achievement of the following learning outcomes:

• Knowledge of the chemical, physical, mechanical, and technological properties of polymeric materials and polymer matrix composites, in relation to their microstructure and macrostructure.
• Ability to correlate the properties of polymeric materials with their structure and to evaluate the impact of these relationships on their applications.
• Knowledge of the main thermomechanical characteristics of polymeric materials.

Learning assessment is based on a final examination to be taken after the completion of the course. Students must register for the examination through the AlmaEsami platform. The final assessment consists of an unstructured oral examination (open-ended questions; maximum duration: 20 minutes).

The final grade is awarded on a 30-point scale (minimum 18/30).

Teaching tools

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's Disability and SLD Support Office as early as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/). The Office will propose any appropriate accommodations for the students concerned. Such accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability, taking into account the learning objectives of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Mazzocchetti