29910 - Applied Chemistry

Learning outcomes

Fundamental principles of chemistry and stoichiometry; chemical and structural characteristics of matter; energetic and kinetic aspects of chemical transformations. Knowledge of the properties and performance of construction materials, enabling students to select the most appropriate material for different applications at the design stage.

Course contents

Introduction to the course

Introduction to Materials Science. Classification of materials. General properties of the different classes of materials. Relationships between microstructure and the physical and mechanical properties of materials.

Mechanical properties of materials

Mechanisms of elastic and plastic deformation. Tensile strength, stress-strain diagram, and Hooke's law. Fracture toughness. Fatigue strength. Creep.

Ceramic materials

General classification. Ceramic materials for construction: raw materials, manufacturing process, and principal properties.

Binders

General principles of air-setting and hydraulic binders.
Portland cement and related products.
Composition, properties, and applications of concrete. Characterisation of cement and concrete in accordance with the principal international standards.

Metallic materials

Introduction to binary phase diagrams. Steel production technology. Equilibrium microstructures as a function of carbon content. Heat treatment of steels. Deterioration of steel structures. Stainless steels.

Readings/Bibliography

L. Bertolini - Materiali da costruzione, Volume primo - Citta Studi Edizioni

W. F. Smith, J. Hashemi - Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali, 5th ed. - McGraw-Hill, Milan

V. Alunno Rossetti - Il Calcestruzzo. Materiali e Tecnologie - McGraw-Hill, Milan

Teaching methods

Modules 1 and 2 are two parts of the same Applied Chemistry T course and are separated for administrative purposes only.

Applied Chemistry T is the second part of the integrated course in Chemistry and Applied Chemistry T (9 ECTS credits). The Applied Chemistry part is worth 3 ECTS credits and comprises 30 hours of lectures.

Some lectures will be devoted to numerical exercises of the same type and level of difficulty as those included in the examination.

Assessment methods

Please note: the two modules of the Applied Chemistry part are not assessed through separate examinations. A single examination covers the contents of both modules. The assessment method described below therefore applies to Applied Chemistry T as a whole.

Learning outcomes will be assessed through a 60-minute written examination consisting of two open-ended questions, one numerical problem, and five multiple-choice questions. Incorrect answers to one or more multiple-choice questions will NOT incur any penalty.

In accordance with the University Code of Ethics, students are required to act with the utmost integrity. Any conduct intended to improperly influence the outcome of the examination is prohibited, including, for example, copying, plagiarism, access to online teaching resources, or the use of unauthorised AI tools. In particular, the mere possession of unauthorised equipment or materials during the examination will result in the immediate invalidation of the examination paper and referral to the relevant University offices.

Conduct in breach of this prohibition may result in disciplinary measures or, where it may constitute a criminal offence, referral to the competent authorities. In the latter case, the students involved may be subject to criminal proceedings.

Teaching tools

The teaching materials presented during lectures will be made available electronically on the Virtuale online platform. To facilitate participation in class, students are advised to print the materials provided and bring them to lectures.

The teaching materials presented during lectures, even when supplemented by students' own notes, are not a substitute for the recommended textbooks.

Office hours

See the website of Alberto Fregni