Biopolymers

Recommended Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Teaching Methods

The teaching methodology for the module is adapted to the school model (theory classes last for two hours each and practical lessons for 4 hours). In the lessons, theoretical aspects are covered with practical elements (identification of the morphological elements of wood, biopolymer formulae, their derivatives, etc.). The module has a complementary practical component, which consists of an assignment "Synthesis and characterization of cellulose acetate", to be carried out in groups of 2, and leading to the preparation of a report to be discussed in a small seminar during OT. The OT sessions also invite enquiries about the subjects taught.

Learning Outcomes

This module aims: (i) to provide students with a basic knowledge of the chemistry and biopolymer structure of plants; with the knowledge acquired in this module, students should, based on the establishment of structureproperty relationships, understand and be able to explain the physical and chemical properties of polymers as well as the phenomena and chemical reactions involved in their processing; (ii) to make students aware of the potential offered by biomass as a renewable resource and the source of precursors for new materials, chemical products and energy. At the end of the module, students should have a basic knowledge of the chemistry and structure of biopolymers and the chemistry of the processes for obtaining them and transforming them into derivatives with added value.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Natural polymers of plant biomass

1.1. Introduction to the Structure, Morphology and Chemical Composition of Plant Biomass. The physiological role of natural polymers (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin).

1.2. Polysaccharides of Plant Biomass. Cellulose and hemicellulose. Chemical structure, molecular weight, reactivity, physical properties. Industrial sources of cellulose and hemicellulose.

1.3. Lignin. Chemical structure, molecular weight, reactivity, physical properties. Industrial sources of lignins.

2. Derivatives of natural polymers

2.1. Cellulose derivatives (synthesis, properties, applications)

2.1.1. Cellulose esters (nitrate, xanthates, acetates and carbamates).

2.1.2. Cellulose ethers (carboxymethylcellulose and cyano-ethylcellulose).

2.2. Cellulose derivative hybrids (organic and inorganic).

2.3. Introduction to derivatives of hemicellulose and lignins.

Practical work: Synthesis and characterization of cellulose acetate.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Consideration of a report and discussion of practical work : 30.0%
Completion of a written test at the end of the semester : 70.0%

Bibliography

1. Fengel, D. and Wegener, G. Wood. Chemistry, Ultrastructure, Reactions. Walter de Gruyter, Berlin and New York, 1989.

2. Rowell R. M. Handbook of Wood Chemistry and Wood Composites, 2nd Ed., CRC Press, New York 2013.

3. Klemm D., Philipp, B., Heinze, T., Heinze, U., Wagenknecht, W. Comprehensive Cellulose Chemistry: Fundamentals and analytical methods. Vol.1-3, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 1998.