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

DESIGN OF FUNCTIONAL POLYMERIC MATERIALS

PART 1) LECTURES

The course covers the following topics. After introducing the fundamental concepts and theoretical background, each topic is illustrated through two representative case studies, one focusing on energy-related applications and the other on healthcare applications.

1. Introduction to functional polymeric materials, and classification of polymeric materials
   
2. Solid-state properties of polymeric materials
3. Fundamentals of polymer viscoelasticity: basic principles and rheological laws
4. Main characterization techniques for polymeric materials (thermal and mechanical- rheological characterization)
5. Structure-property correlations: general principles and design principles for functional polymeric materials
6. Structure-property correlations: copolymer design (dependence of thermal and mechanical properties on composition and structure)
7. Structure-property correlations: blends design (binary blends, miscibility and phase behavior, blends containing amorphous and/or semicrystalline polymers, thermal transitions, mechanical properties, and interpenetrating polymer networks).
8. Structure-property correlations: polymer composites design (fundamentals, fiber-reinforced polymers, nanocomposites, organic–inorganic hybrids, and graphene-based composites)
9. Structure-property correlations: design of smart and stimuli-responsive polymeric materials
10. Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) polymeric materials: principles of green polymer design, circularity, life-cycle thinking, and sustainable material selection.

PART 2) TUTORIALS, EXERCISES AND DISCUSSIONS

• Classroom exercises on polymer characterization
• Classroom exercises on the design principles for functional polymeric materials (materials with electrical conductivity, ionic conductivity, barrier properties, self-healing, shape memory, drug delivery, bioactivity, degradability, etc….)
• In-class discussions on the fundamentals of polymer materials design and sustainability
• Seminars by companies and expert researchers

 

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:

- 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 main parts:

1. 40 hours of lectures where the various parts of the course content are developed.
2. 16 hours of classroom exercises dedicated to the application of the covered topics, and in-class discussions on the fundamentals of polymer materials design and sustainability

Seminars by Companies and/or expert researchers 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.

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) exercise on the design of an example of functional polymeric material; ii) one question on one characterization technique; (iii) one question on a topic related to structure-property correlations 

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.

 

With regard to assessment, a limited, declared, and non-substantial use of AI is permitted for support activities (summarization, rewording). Substantial use to complete parts of the assessment is not permitted

 

 

Teaching tools

Videoprojector, PC, Virtuale

Office hours

See the website of Maria Letizia Focarete