66694 - Fundamentals of Polymer Science with Laboratory

Learning outcomes

The students will achieve basic knowledge of polymer science and will acquire the skills for the synthesis of polymeric products with different techiniques

Course contents

Prerequisites

 Basic knowledge of organic chemistry, general chemistry and physical chemistry

 

Introduction to macromolecular chemistry 
Homopolymers and copolymers, configuration and stereoregularity, macromolecules conformations, polymerization processes, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, structure - properties correlations 
  
Step growth polymerization 
Step growth reactions, experimental parameters effects on step growth polymerization , examples of step growth polymerization 
  
Chain polymerization 
Radical polymerization, radical polymerization techniques, cationic polymerization, anionic polymerization, Ziegler Natta polymerization. 
  
Copolymers 
Copolymers classification, reactivity ratio definitions and their effect on copolymer composition, copolymers synthesis 
  
Polymer reactions 
Functionalization of polymers, industrial examples of polymer reactions, polymer crosslinking 
  
Polymer crystallinity 
Crystallization from polymer melt, crystallization degree and its experimental determination, polymer crystallization kinetic 
  
Glass transition temperature 
Definition of glass transition, internal and external factors influencing glass transition, glass transition temperature determination 

Molecular weight 
Determination of polymer molecular weight by colligative properties, viscosimetry, size exclusion chromatography, other methods for molecular weight determination 
     
Polymeric materials degradation 
Thermal and chemical degradation of polymers, depolymerization techniques, polymer recycle, compatibilization, thermovalorization

 

Regarding the laboratory course some experiences will be carried out

Emulsion polymerization of styrene; determination of the molecular mass and polydispersity by gel permeation chromatography (GPC).

Preparation of nylon 6-10 from sebacoyl chloride and hexamethylenediamine by interfacial polymerization and nylon 6 from caprolactam

Analysis of fibres

Preparation of strong cationic exchange resins by sulphonation of styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer; determination of sulphonation degree and ionic exchange activity.

Structural analysis of the polymers prepared in laboratory by means of FTIR spectroscopy.

Readings/Bibliography

- Associazione Italiana di Scienza e Tecnologia delle Macromolecole, Fondamenti di Scienza dei Polimeri , Pacini editore (1998)

- Elisabetta Princi, Sintesi di Polimeri, Testi AIM, Edizioni Nuova Cultura (Roma) (2012)

- S. Bruckner, G. Allegra, M. Pegoraro, F.P. La Mantia, Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali Polimerici , Edises editore (2001)

Teaching methods

The institutional course consists of classroom lessons, the resolution of numerical example relating to the issues addressed and discussions with students.

The lab course, in addition to lectures is made of laboratory experiments, that must be carried out by students.

Assessment methods

The final examination aims to ascertain the level reached for the objectives listed under "learning outcome".

It consists in an oral examination aimed to verify the knowledge acquired both in the courses of "fundamentals of polymer science" and "polymer science laboratory".

Laboratory course attendance is mandatory for passing the exam. Laboratory work is done in groups and must be followed by the presentation of a report for each topic at least 15 days before the date of the examination.

 

Teaching tools

Videoprjection of the lessons is used in classroom.  
The students are also able to obtain directly the above material form the Univeristy Digital Library Service.

Office hours

See the website of Daniele Caretti

See the website of Elisabetta Salatelli

See the website of Massimiliano Lanzi