Biopolymers

Recommended Prerequisites

Polymer Science.

Teaching Methods

Oral exposition class – Theoretical concepts will be explained using audiovisual support materials (mainly powerpoint). Whenever feasible some demonstrations will be performed in the class room.

Practical Lectures – Examples of industrial processes and research projects

Doubt sessions/extra classes – Whenever required by the students doubt session or extra classes can be scheduled.

Special seminars – Whenever possible seminars can be scheduled. An renowned specialist will be invited to give a lecturer about specific topics of interest in the scope of this class.

Learning Outcomes

This curricular unit aims to introduce the subject of biopolymers. Special attention will be paid to: natural polymers, polymer prepared by microorganisms and polymers prepared form renewable sources. Besides the synthesis of polymers the characterization methods will be also discussed.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction to curricular unit; objectives, syllabus, teaching methodology and calendar, methods and evaluation standards, task description, main bibliography. Natural polymers. Polymers synthesized by microorganisms. Polymers from renewable sources. Characterization methods.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Stevens, M.P. Polymer Chemistry - An Introduction. 3^rd ed, Oxford University Press, 1999.

Fried, J.R. Polymer Science and Technology, 2^nd ed. Prentice Hall PTR, 2007.

Cowie, J.M.G.; Arrighi, A. Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials, 3rd edition, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2008.

Ebnesajjad, S. Handbook of Biopolymers and Biodegradable Plastics: Properties, Processing and Applications,  Elsevier, 2012.