88385 - BIOPOLYMERS AND SUSTAINABLE POLYMERS

Academic Year 2018/2019

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Low Carbon Technologies and Sustainable Chemistry (cod. 9246)

Learning outcomes

Polymers and production processes from renewable sources, processes of recovery and recycling of polymeric materials, depolymerization and degradation of polymeric materials, production of biodegradable polymers. Membranes and polymeric technologies and composite materials for the environment and energy.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of organic chemistry, general chemistry and physical chemistry concepts.

Syllabus

  • Basic knowledge of polymer science:
    • Polymerization processes;
    • Molecular weight distribution and its assessment;
    • Amorphous phase and glass transition
    • Crystal phase
    • Structure properties correlation in polymers: thermoplastics, thermosettings, elastomers and fibers.
  • Different aspects of sustainability in polymer science
  • Definition of Sustainable Polymers and biopolymers
  • Overview of the main relevant international standards (ASTM and ISO).
  • Polymers from renewable resources:
    • Naturally occurring polymers: direct use and modifications
    • Biorefinery: Monomers form renewable resources and their chemical conversion
  • Biodegradable and compostable polymers:
    • Biodegradable polymers from renewable resources
    • Fossil-based biodegradable polymers
  • The fate of polymers: recycling and disposal of polymeric materials

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material (power point presentations and, when necessary, scientific articles ) will be available on line at the beginning of the course.

Teaching methods

Room lectures with the aid of power point presentation. The presentations will be available on line for the students at the beginning of the course.

Assessment methods

Learning assessment is based on oral examination at the end of the course. In order to attend the final examination, students have to register online within the given deadlines (registration usually closes one day prior the exam date). The oral examination will last about 20 to 30 minutes and it will assess:

  • the comprehension of the main aspects affecting sustainability of the macromolecules
  • the ability to correlate the structure of a polymer with its application and fate
  • the ability to discuss case studies addressing sustainability issues and standards application.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Mazzocchetti

SDGs

Industry, innovation and infrastructure Sustainable cities Responsible consumption and production Climate Action

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.