B1978 - Foundations of Chemistry and science of polymeric materials P

Learning outcomes

The course aims to train students in the development of chemical products, materials and processes used in the polymer and polymer composite sector, through the study of their production, their chemical and technological properties, their characterization, structure-property relationships. At the end of the course, the student has acquired knowledge concerning the industrial production processes and the properties of polymeric products and their composite materials, used both as components of formulations and as constituents of thermoplastic, elastomeric, thermosetting resin-based and in the form of fibers, their application and commercial relevance. He is also able to interpret and predict the behavior of these products on the basis of their chemical, chemical-physical, thermal and mechanical properties and to know and use the parameters necessary for the design and construction of polymer-based products. The course provides for the performance of preparatory activities for the characterization of polymeric materials and polymeric composites whose objective is to acquire the theoretical knowledge necessary for a correct approach to the characterization and identification of commercial products with complex polymer-based formulations which will then be deepened and put in practice in the laboratory course (in II year)

Course contents

1. Introduction, aim of the course and market of polymers and composites

2. definitions and structure of polymers

3. Main industrial polymers

4. Structure of polymeric solids and thermal properties

5. Additives for polymers and composites and properties

6. Mechanical properties

7. degradation, durability and aging test

8. rubbers and elastomeric properties

9. Rheology and viscoelasticity and measurement methods

10. Fibers and techno-fibers

11. Technologies for processing and forming polymeric materials

12. Composites and forming technologies

13. Recovery and recycling

14. Biopolymers and perspectives

15. 3D printing with polymers and composites

Exercises: thermal, mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties Insights: speeches by industry experts on composite materials

Readings/Bibliography

H. Ulrich - Introduction to Industrial Polymers, Hanser Publ., 1993, Munich

The Chemical Industry, A. Heaton editor, Blackie Acad., London

AIM - Fondamenti di Scienza dei Polimeri, Pacini Editore, 1998, Pisa

Handbook of plastics Recycling, Ed. F. La Mantia, Rapra Technology Publisher, Shawbury, 2002

Teaching methods

The course is carried out through lectures, practical activities in the classroom, visits to research and industrial laboratories.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment is performed through a final oral examination by which the achievement of a sufficient threshold of knowledges and abilities by the candidate is ascertained and evaluated.

Teaching tools

The contents of the course are presented by pc videoprojections. Printed copies of the presented topics are made available to the students.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Mazzocchetti