AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide students with the basic notions on: periodic table and reactivity of the elements of the main groups, metal extraction processes, for example pig iron steel and alluminum, binary diagram phases, the classification of polymers, organic coatings.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and active participation in the proposed training activities (lectures, exercises and drafting of a report in a group) and individual study will allow the student to:

• describe, discuss and make comparisons on the structures and properties of the elements (and compounds) of the main groups of the periodic table
• know the ways for: o production of cast iron and steel o extraction of aluminum
• know the use of binary phase diagrams
• know the classification of polymeric materials depending on reactions of synthesis (polyaddition, polycondensation), structure (amorphous and semicristalline polymers), nature (natural or synthetic polymers)
• know particular organic polymers, i.e. organic coatings
• evaluate the consumption parameters of organic protective coatings
• optionally, do a research, in groups of at least of three units, deriving from activities such as the study, updating or application of topics related to the program carried out during the lesson, and draw up a technical report on the developed activities.

PREREQUISITES

For a successful learning, basic knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and physics is required, but no formal prerequisites are foreseen.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures in the classroom. The presentation of theoretical contents alternates exercises aimed at favoring the learning and application of theoretical arguments to specific applications.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program develops the following topics:

Introduction to the course

Periodic table

Representative elements of main groups: structures, compounds and reactivity. Hydrogen. Group 1 and 2 (alkaline and alkaline-earth metals). Group 13 (Boron and Aluminum). Groups 14 (Carbon and Silicon). Group 15 (Nitrogen and Phosphorous). Group 16 (Oxygen and Sulphur). Group 17 Halogens. Transition metals and coordination compounds.

Metal production

Metal extraction: preliminary phases.

Pyrometallurgy: Ellingham diagram

The blast furnace: structure, functioning and main reactions. Scheme of a steel plant. Classification of cast irons

Steels: classification and characteristics.

Conversion processes: Linz-Donawitz, LD, process and electric ovens (induction and arc). Electrometallurgy: industrial production of aluminum.

Binary phase diagrams

Aqueous solutions

Solubility and colligative properties

Natural polymers

Structure of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins, nucleic acids.

Notes on the main instrumental analytical methods used in the study of organic compounds. Bibliographic research and drafting of a report

Synthetic polymers

Classification Copolymers •Amorphous polymers, Tg • Semi-crystalline polymers Poliaddition and policondensation • Average molecular weight: definition and determination

Organic coatings

Composition • Classification based on the the type of action, cycle and binder • Coatings for special uses • Degradation of coatings • Hints of defects in coatings • DFT, WFT, dilution, practical consumption, dead volume • The technical sheet, examples of calculations on organic coatings (exercises)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The didactic material used during the lessons will be available in Aulaweb. The notes taken during the lessons and the material in aulaweb are sufficient for the preparation of the exam.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MARINA DELUCCHI (President)

ATTILIO CONVERTI

ELISABETTA FINOCCHIO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

As indicated in the calendar of the University

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final test of the module consists in passing a written test, composed of 4 questions, which may require a theoretical answer or a numerical sequence. Each question can be evaluated at most 8 points based on the correctness and completeness of the answer.
Students who have passed the written test with a minimum grade of 18/30 will be able to:
• accept the vote obtained
• take an oral test: in the oral exam one can increase the evaluation, but one can also be rejected, in this case losing the vote of the written exam and therefore having to re-take the written exam in the subsequent sessions
• freeze the vote: whoever obtains a vote that he does not consider adequate for her/his preparation, may decide to repeat the exam in subsequent sessions. Attention: whoever evaluates the new written exam, definitively loses the vote of the previous exam.
The students who have chosen to perform the technical report will be able to choose to answer 3 questions of their choice on the 4 proposals. The written test will be considered sufficient if passed with a minimum score of 14.

The report, which must be presented to the teachers seven days before the exam, can be evaluated up to a maximum of 8 points.

Three exam sessions will be available for the 'winter' session (January, February and during the educational break provided by the Scuola Politenica at Easter) and 4 calls for the 'summer' session (June, July, September and during the autumn break provided by the Polytechnic School). No extraordinary appeals will be granted outside the periods indicated by the Polytechnic School, except for students who have not included in the study plan training activities in the current academic year.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of depth of each topic will be given during the lessons. The written test focuses on 3 theoretical questions, on the topics of the program, and 1 application calculation similar to the exercises done in class. The oral exam includes theoretical questions (not exercises) on the topics indicated in the program. The exam aims to ascertain the knowledge of the teaching and the ability to apply the theoretical bases to general or specific cases of practical interest. The quality of the writing/speaking, the correct use of the technical terminology, the schematic and the synthesis capacity will also be evaluated.

Exam schedule