66694 - Fundamentals of Polymer Science with Laboratory

Learning outcomes

The students will achieve basic knowledge of polymer science and will acquire the skills for synthesis and characterization of polymeric products.

Course contents

Basic knowledge of organic chemistry, general chemistry and physical chemistry

 

Introduction to macromolecular chemistry 

 Homopolymers and copolymers, configuration and stereoregularity, macromolecules conformations, polymerization process, 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, Example of industrial polymerizations.  
   
Copolymers 
Copolymers classification, reactivity ratio definitions and their effect on copolymer composition, copolymers synthesis

Polymer crystallinity 
Crystallization from polymer melt, crystallization degree and its experimental determination, polymer crystallization kinetic  
   
Molecular weight 
Determination of polymer molecular weight by colligative properties, viscosimetry, size exclusion chromatography, other methods for molecular weight determination  
   
Glass transition temperature 
Definition of glass transition, internal and external factors influencing glass transition, glass transition determination  
       
Recycle and reuse of Polymeric materials
Thermal and chemical degradation of polymers, depolymerization techniques, polymer recycle, compatibilization, thermovalorization

 

 

In laboratory some experiences related to the Polymer Science will be carried out:

• Synthesis and characterization of polymers copolymers 
• Polymeric materials identification
• Determination of phisico - chemical parameters of polymers

Participation in laboratory experiences is mandatory

Knowledge of laboratory experiences is an integral part of the exam.

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 part of the course consists of classroom lessons,  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

Assessment of the course will be via an oral exam.  

During this test knowledge related to both the institutional and the laboratory part of the course will be verified. 

Participation in laboratory experiences is mandatory

To fulfill the obligation to attend, it is necessary to attend at least 75% of the practical experiences provided for the laboratory part. Attendance will be ascertained by signing an attendance sheet both at the beginning and at the end of each laboratory experience.

 

Teaching tools

Lectures and  exercises carried out in the classroom are integrated with practical activities in the chemical laboratory.

The teacher uses a video projection of a Powerpoint presentation in the lesson that students can download directly from the university's digital library.

As concerns the teaching methods of this course unit, all students must attend Module 1, 2 [https://www.unibo.it/en/services-and-opportunities/health-and-assistance/health-and-safety/online-course-on-health-and-safety-in-study-and-internship-areas] online, while Module 3 on health and safety is to be attended in class. Information about Module 3 attendance schedule is available on the website of your degree programme.

Students with DSA or Disability can contact the Students Service with Disabilities and DSA of the University of Bologna (http://www.studentidisabili.unibo.it/) and the Department's representative (giorgio.bencivenni2@unibo.it) or the course teachers to agree on the most suitable ways to consult the teaching materials and access the classrooms for the frontal lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Massimiliano Lanzi