73529 - Polymer Science, Technologies and Recycling M

Learning outcomes

The course provides notions on the correlations between chemical, mechanical and thermal behaviour of macromolecules and their structure and microstructure. The complete life-cycle of polymeric material is analysed and discussed.

Course contents

Prior knowledge/Requirements

A prior knowledge of inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry is required to attend with profit this course. Basic knowledge of the mechanical behaviour of materials is not mandatory but is usefull to understand some topics.

Fluent spoken and written English is a necessary pre-requisite: all lectures and tutorials, and all study material will be in English.

 

Course contents

Definition of macromolecules. Polymerization processes. Structure and microstructure of polymers. Molecular weight: definition and experimental determination. Glassy state, rubbery state crystallinity and crystallization rate. Experimental investigation of the thermal behaviuor. Mechanical properties. Recycling strategies, processes and related problems. Degradation. Processing technologies (extrusion and injection moulding).

Readings/Bibliography

“FUNDAMENTALS OF POLYMER SCIENCE” P.C. PAINTER, M.M. COLEMAN, Editor TECHNOMIC
“POLYMERS: CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS OF MODERN MATERIALS” COWIE, Editor BLACKIE
“PRINCIPLES OF POLYMER ENGINEERING” Mc CRUM , Editor OXFORD SCIENCE PUBLICATIONS

Teaching methods

Oral lessons according to timetable

Course lecture slides shown in class will be posted either prior to or after the lecture

Lectures may contain material not completely treated in the textbooks

Laboratory activities concerning the most important techniques used to study polymers properties (MFR, DSC, TGA and SEC)

Assessment methods

Achivements will be assessed by means of a final written exam.

The test (lasting about 2 hours) is composed of multiple choice or true/false questions and two open questions related to the most important topics of the Course.

Higher grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject, a high ability for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents .

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to at least demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject, some ability for critical application, and a comprehensible use of technical language.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject

Teaching tools

Overhead projector Blackboard

Laboratory lesson related to thermal analysis (Differential Scanning Calorimetry and ThermoGravimetricAnalysisA), Melt Flow Rate determination, Size exclusion Chromatography (molecular weight)

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Saccani