Introduction to Materials and Characterization

Year
2
Academic year
2019-2020
Code
01009453
Subject Area
Chemical Engineering
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Compulsory
Level
1st Cycle Studies

Recommended Prerequisites

General Chemistry; Analytical Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; The student should be enrolled in Physical Chemistry of Surfaces.

Teaching Methods

Considering the descriptive nature of this curricular unit, the lectures will be accompanied by several examples to improve the understanding of the matters.

This course also comprises a practical component, where demonstrations of the techniques for materials characterization and polymerization processes (hands-on) are foreseen, as well as the resolution of exercises and the use of databases for materials selection. With these approaches, it is expected that students consolidate and materialize the theoretical topics and be motivated to the taught matters and to proactive learning thereof.

Learning Outcomes

This course subject aims to give students a basic knowledge about the various types of materials - metals, ceramics and polymers, specifically in terms of their structure, properties, processing and/or synthesis, and applications. Moreover, the students should become familiar with various techniques for materials characterization in respect to granulometry and structural properties, as well as the thermal and mechanical behavior.

The theoretical/practical knowledge acquired will enable students to appropriately understand the solid materials used in different production sectors; thus, they will be in an privileged position to make the selection of materials for specific purposes.

Students will also develop generic skills: instrumental - analysis and synthesis, problems solving, decision; personal - critical thinking, understand the language of other specialists; and systemic - independent learning, practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Types of materials and relation of their properties with the chemical bonds

Crystal structures: Crystallographic systems; Lattice parameters; Miller indices; XRD.

Metallic materials: Solidification; Solid solutions; Electrical and mechanical properties; Mechanical tests; Plastic deformation, hardening and recovery; Fracture; Fatigue; Processing; Alloys.

Ceramics: Crystalline structures; Silicates; Processing; Electrical, mechanical and thermal properties; Glass.

Polymeric Materials: Step-growth and chain-growth polymerizations; Polymerization processes; Molecular weights; Thermal and mechanical properties of polymers; Processing of thermoplastic/thermoset materials.

Imperfections and diffusion in solids: Defects and impurities; SEM; Diffusion mechanisms.

Selection of materials

Characterization of granular materials: Particle size distributions; Techniques for granulometric characterization and determination of porosity/pore size distribution, density and specific surface area.

Head Lecturer(s)

Luísa Maria Rocha Durães

Assessment Methods

Continuous assessment
Frequency: 100.0%

Final assessment
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

Smith, W.F. Princípios de Ciência e Engenharia de Materiais. McGraw-Hill, New York, 1998.

Callister, Jr., W.D.; Rethwisch, D.G. Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering: An Integrated Approach. 4th ed, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey, 2012.

Fried, J.R. Polymer Science and Technology. 2nd ed, Prentice Hall, New Jersey, 2003.

Ebewele, R.O. Polymer Science and Technology. CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2000.

Stevens, M.P. Polymer Chemistry: An Introduction. 3rd ed, Oxford University Press, New York, 1999.

Allen, T. Particle Size Measurement  (Vol.1 and Vol.2). Kluwer Academic Publ., Dordrecht, 1999.

Webb, P.; Orr, C. Analytical Methods in Fine Particle Technology. Micromeritics Instrument Corp., Norcross, 1997.

Gregg, S.J.; Sing, K.S.W. Adsorption, Surface Area and Porosity. Academic Press, London, 1982.