Science and Formulation of Polymers

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

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.
Study visits to industries

Learning Outcomes

This curricular unit was elaborated in order to provide an introduction to polymeric materials addressing the most important topics related to synthesis, characterization and application. Special attention will be paid to connect the theoretical topics to several on-going research projects at DEQ. The main objectives of this curricular unit are: acquisition and development of knowledge/basic competencies and specific on polymer synthesis using conventional and advanced polymerization techniques; acquisition and development of knowledge/basic competencies and specific to establish logic relationships between different polymer structures and their properties; Acquistion and development og knowledge/basic competencies in formulation of polymers. Acquisition and development of knowledge/basic competencies in different case-studies related to the development of new polymers for specific industrial applications.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction to the discipline: objectives; course description; teaching methodology and timetable; assessment methods and criteria; task definition. References.
Introduction, Settings and Classification of Polymers. Synthesis of polymeric materials; polymerization mechanisms. Advanced methods for polymers synthesis (RDRP and Click Chemistry). Synthesis of complex structures. Polymerization processes. Industrial production of polymers. Copolymerization; Polymers modification methods. Biopolymers (examples, applications, modification methods); Intelligent Polymers (examples, applications in nanotechnology). Formulaton of polymers. Additives (types and applications). Practical classes (demonstration of industrial processes - Scale-down and structural, thermal and mechanical characterization of polymers). Seminar(s) given by invited specialists.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Mini Tests: 20.0%
Resolution Problems: 30.0%
Project: 50.0%

Bibliography

Stevens, M.P. Polymer Chemistry - An Introduction. 3rd ed, Oxford University Press, 1999.
Fried, J.R. Polymer Science and Technology, 3rd ed. Prentice Hall PTR, 2014.
Cowie, J.M.G.; Arrighi, A. Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials, 3rd edition, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2008.
Tolinski, M. Plastics and Sustainability - Towards a Peaceul Coexistence between Bio-based and Fossil Fuel-based Plasticsm , Scrivener Publishing, 2012.
Andrady, A. Plastics and Environmental Sustainability, John Wiley & Sons, 2015.
Greene J.P. Sustainable Plastics- Environmental Assessments of Biobased, Biodegradable and Recycled Plastics, John Wiley & Sons, 2014.