B8046 - SCIENZA DEI MATERIALI POLIMERICI CON LABORATORIO

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the chemical structure of polymeric materials, their main synthetic pathways—with particular emphasis on industrial production processes—and the methods used for their characterization. Students will explore the synthesis of the principal classes of structural and functional polymers, as well as the spectroscopic and analytical techniques employed to characterize them. The course also includes practical laboratory sessions, offering hands-on experience in the synthesis and characterization of polymeric materials. Overall, it provides a comprehensive introduction to both the theoretical principles and experimental approaches underlying modern polymer science.

Course contents

Prerequisites - The student should have a good knowledge of the basic organic chemistry: organic compounds nomenclature, rudiments on the properties and reactivity of the fundamental functional groups.

Introduction to macromolecular chemistry. General definitions. Homo- and co-polymers, configuration and stereoregularity, polymerization processes. Molecular weight and molecular weight distribution.

Mechanism of step polymerization. Polycondensation, polyaddition.

Mechanism of chain polymerization. Radical, cationic, anionic and coordinated anionic polymerization.

Random, alternating, block, graft copolymers. Copolymerization reactions, reactivity ratios of comonomers.

Polymer reactions. 

Crystalline and amorphous state of polymers. Glass transition, melting and crystallization temperatures.

Polymers structure and properties. Stress/strain plots. Thermoplastic and thermosetting materials. Elastomers.

Characterization of polymeric materials: DSC, TGA, GPC and IR.

Polymer processing.

The course includes lessons and practical experiences of laboratory concerning:

Identification of polymeric materials.

Synthesis of polymeric materials.

Characterization of synthesized polymers (spectroscopic, thermal and GPC analysis).

Natural and synthetic fibers.

 

Readings/Bibliography

E. Princi, Sintesi di Polimeri, Edizioni Nuova Cultura, 2012, Roma

AIM - Fondamenti di struttura, proprietà e tecnologia dei polimeri, Edizioni Nuova Cultura, 2012, Roma

AIM - Fondamenti di Scienza dei Polimeri, Pacini Editore, 2003, Pisa

J. W. Nicholson, The Chemistry of Polymers, RSC Paperbacks 2nd Edition, 1997, Cambridge

A. Ravve, Principles of Polymer Chemistry, Plenum Press, 1995, New York and London

N.G. McCrum, C.P. Buckley, C.B. Bucknall, Principles of Polymer Engineering, Oxforf Science Publications, 2nd edition, 1997

Documents and reading materials prepared by the teacher is avaliable on Virtuale.

Teaching methods

Teaching is delivered through lectures, complemented by laboratory sessions on selected topics that run in parallel with the theoretical course to provide hands-on experience.

In addition, all students are required to complete the University's mandatory health and safety training. Modules 1 and 2 are delivered online, while Module 3 must be attended in person. Information on the schedule and attendance for Module 3 is available on the degree programme website.

Assessment methods

Attendance at a minimum of 75% of the laboratory sessions is mandatory to be eligible for the final examination. Attendance will be monitored and verified by the teacher.

Laboratory reports must be submitted no later than one week before the date of the final examination. Students will be admitted to the examination only after all required laboratory reports have been submitted.The use of Artificial Intelligence is not permitted when writing laboratory reports.

Student learning is assessed through a final oral examination designed to evaluate the achievement of the intended learning outcomes. The examination assesses the student's understanding of the course topics, their ability to apply the acquired knowledge, and their competence in discussing the fundamental concepts of polymer chemistry using appropriate scientific terminology.

As this is an integrated course, the final examination consists of a single oral assessment covering both teaching modules (theory and lab). The two modules are examined together and cannot be taken or assessed separately.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to support individual learning by providing additional explanations, summaries, and opportunities for self-assessment. However, the use of AI during the in-person examination is strictly prohibited. Any unauthorized use of AI during the examination constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Teaching is supported by  PowerPoint presentations, and videos. All teaching materials used during the course are made available to students through the University's online learning platform Virtuale

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.

Office hours

See the website of Tiziana Benelli