POLYMERS AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS AND LABORATORY

The course belongs to the “Core educational activities” of the Bachelor's Degree Programme in Sustainable Chemistry and Technologies. Specifically, the course is aimed at introducing the student to the interdisciplinary world of polymer chemistry and physics. Laboratory activities will also allow students to put into practice the knowledge acquired during lectures.

1. Knowledge and understanding
a) Basic concepts: monomer, repeating unit, macromolecule. Polymer architectures and stereochemistry.
b) Synthetic polymers polydispersion.
c) Polymerization reactions.
d) Polymer physics. Amorphous and cristalline polymers. Tm and Tg.
e) The most important plastics: polyolefins, polyesters nylons, polyurethanes elastomers.
2. Skill in applying Knowledge and understanding
a) polymer functionality in relation with thermoplastic and themosetting polymers
b) Polymer solubility.
c) Choice of methods for Molecular Weight determination .
d) Choice of a suitable polymerization reaction.
e) Sustainability of polymerization reactions.
3. Judgement capacity:
a) Causes of polymerization failures.
b) Causes of degradation of a polymeric material.
4. Comunication skills:
a) Acquaintance with the polymer chemistry terminology.
b) Capability in suitably disseminate the matter.
5. Practical laboratory skills:
a) Development of knowledge on the methodology of preparation of a polymer
b) Operating principles of an extruder, ignition printing
c) Techniques for the characterization of materials

Organic Chemistry with laboratory (first part)

Monomer, repeating unit, polymer, polymer architectures and stereochemistry.
Molar mass distribution.
Polymer solutions.
Average molecular weights and their determinations,
Gel permeation chromatography.
Polycondensations.
Polymer statistics: Schulz-Flory molar mass distribution.
Chain polymerizations: radical and ionic; ROP; polyinsertions.
Copolymers synthesis.
Amorphous polymers; semicrystalline polymers, Tg and Tm determination.
Polyolefins.
Polystyrene; suspension and emulsion polymerization.
Nylons.
PET.
Natural and synthetic rubber.
Polyurethanes.
Biopolymer and biodegradable polymers.
Recycle of polymeric materials.
Examples of synthesis, applications and characterization of polymeric materials in cosmetic, pharmaceutic, building,...

- M. Guaita, F. Ciardelli, F. La Mantia, E. Pedemonte: "Fondamenti di Scienza dei Polimeri", Pacini Editore, Pisa, 1998.
- Brucker et al.: “Scienza e tecnologia dei materiali polimerici” III ed., Edises, 2016.
- P. Stevens: "Polymer Chemistry: An Introduction", 3rd Ed., Oxford University Press,1999.
- J.M.G. Cowie, V. Arrighi “Polymers: Chemistry and Physics of Modern Materials” 3rd Ed., CRC press, 2007.
The student will be encouraged to consult the following well-known reference books:
- The “Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology” which is present in BAS library.
- The “Encyclopedia of Polymer Science and Technology” which is available in Ca’ Foscari intranet.
- The “Ullman’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry” which is available in Ca’ Foscari intranet.

The written examination aims at recognizing student acquaintance with polymer chemistry language and the aspects related to the synthesis of most important plastics.
During the course, exercises and questionnaires will be carried out to verify ongoing learning

The course is based on frontal lessons. Copy of the powerpoint presentations is available on moodle.unive.it
During the course, exercises and questionnaires will be carried out to verify ongoing learning

Italian

Accommodation and support services for students with disabilities and
students with specific learning impairments:
Ca’ Foscari abides by Italian Law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010)
regarding support services and accommodation available to students
with disabilities. This includes students with mobility, visual,
hearing and other disabilities (Law 17/1999), and specific learning
impairments (Law 170/2010). In the case of disability or impairment
that requires accommodations (i.e., alternate testing, readers, note
takers or interpreters) please contact the Disability and
Accessibility Offices in Student Services: disabilita@unive.it

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development