98848 - FONDAMENTI DI CHIMICA DEI POLIMERI

Learning outcomes

The course aims to provide students with a general understanding of polymers, their nomenclature, their classification based on their chemical structure, architecture and thermal behavior. Students will know the various mechanisms involved in polymerization reactions for the production of polymers of industrial interest and the main molecular weight determination techniques.

Course contents

Prerequisites

The student should possess basic knowledge of organic chemistry, general chemistry, and physical chemistry. In particular, concepts of chemical bonding and their formation, resonance structures, reactions between radicals and double bonds, and ester and amide formation reactions are recommended to be well understood.

 

Introduction to polymeric materials and macromolecular chemistry

Introduction to polymeric materials and general overview of possible application fields. Definition of a polymer, classification of polymers based on polymerization mechanisms, structure, and thermal properties. Homopolymers and copolymers, configuration and stereoregularity, conformation of macromolecules, polymerization processes, cross-linking reactions, molecular weights, and structure-property relationships. Hints of polymer processing and recycling.

 

Step-growth polymerization

Step growth polymerization reactions with examples. Main materials obtained by step-growth polymerization (polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, phenolic resins).

 

Chain polymerization

Chain polymerization reactions (polyaddition) with examples. Radical and ionic (anionic and cationic) polymerization, as well as hints of coordinated anionic polymerization, will be illustrated. Main materials obtained by chain polymerization (vinyl polymers).

 

Amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers, thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers.

Classification of polymers based on thermal properties and definition of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Amorphous and semi-crystalline polymers, requirements for the development of crystallinity. Definition of glass transition; internal and external parameters affecting the Tg. Hints of thermal characterization techniques (thermogravimetric analysis, TGA, and differential scanning calorimetry, DSC), degree of crystallinity and cross-linking degree.

 

Mechanical properties of polymers

Evaluation of the mechanical properties of polymeric materials, with particular reference to tensile testing. Mention the main factors affecting the mechanical properties of polymers.

 

Polymer processing

Polymer processing techniques, including extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, and calendering. Examples of thermoplastics’ processing for producing the most common polymeric products will be illustrated, as well as a mention of thermosets’ processing.

 

Recycling of polymeric materials

Types of recycling: mechanical (primary and secondary recycling), chemical (tertiary recycling) and combustion (quaternary “recycling”). Examples of recycling of thermoplastics and thermosets (thermoset matrix composites, vulcanized rubbers).

 

Main commercial polymers

The main polymers of industrial interest and their fields of application will be illustrated. Presentation of some examples of polymerization processes carried out industrially.

The teaching participates in the University's teaching innovation project.

The topics covered in this course will be integrated by an experimental part carried out within the course “Laboratorio di Fondamenti di Chimica dei Polimeri”.

 

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 course consists of frontal lectures in the classroom with the aid of screen-projected slides and other helpful materials (e.g., short videos). During the lectures, any interventions by the students are always welcomed and helpful for deepening the covered topics. A review "lecture" with exercises is scheduled at the end of the lectures.

 

IMPORTANT: Although attendance is not mandatory, maximum participation in frontal lectures is recommended.

Assessment methods

The final examination aims to ascertain the level reached for the objectives listed under "learning outcome".
The final examination consists of an oral test during which the knowledge acquired in the course will be verified. The student, at his or her discretion, may propose a particular topic on which to begin the examination; it is well understood that the teacher will also ask other questions concerning topics different from what the student may have proposed.
Students with disabilities may request appropriate support at least 15 days before the final examination date to enable us to better prepare for the exam.

Teaching tools

Video projection of the lessons is used in classroom. The students can download the supporting material, including PowerPoint slides, directly from Virtual, along with the other available teaching materials (e.g., videos).

Students with DSA or disabilities can contact Servizio Studenti con Disabilità e DSA dell’Università di Bologna (http://www.studentidisabili.unibo.it/ [http://http/www.studentidisabili.unibo.it/], Italian only), the Department contact person (Prof. Giorgio Bencivenni, giorgio.bencivenni2@unibo.it [mailto:giorgio.bencivenni2@unibo.it] ) or directly the teacher to address the most convenient approach for accessing teaching materials and supports, and to gain access to all the convenient services and areas of the Departments (i.e. room for frontal lectures).

Office hours

See the website of Emanuele Maccaferri