OVERVIEW

The physical properties of a polymeric product are dictated in part by the intrinsic characteristics of the macromolecular chains, but also by the thermo-mechanical history imposed during solidification. The knowledge of the different analytical techniques that allow to determine the characteristics of a polymer is an essential tool in order to understand the relationship between processing and structure, and therefore to optimize processes and materials to obtain the desired properties.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Acquisition of theoretical knowledge and experimental practice concerning the main instrumental techniques for the characterization of polymeric materials' properties (molecular, thermal, morphological, structural and mechanical).

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of the “Laboratory of polymeric materials characterization” course is to provide basic theoretical-practical knowledge on the methods for measuring the properties (molecular, thermal, mechanical, rheological, structural and morphological) of polymeric materials. At the end of the course the student will know the functioning of the main analytical tools used for the characterization of polymers, and will be able to interpret the typical results deriving from them in the light of the molecular characteristics of the polymer and of the manufacturing process. Specifically, he will know the applications in the field of polymeric materials of gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, optical microscopy in polarized light, thermogravimetry, rotational rheometry, dynamometry for tensile tests, FT-IR. 

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge on the chemistry and physics of macromolecules. Example: molecular characteristics (average molecular mass and distribution of molecular masses; chain constitution in homopolymers and copolymers); solid state organization of semi-crystalline polymers at different dimensional scales; main phase transitions and physical states (crystallization, melting, vitrification)

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures in the classroom, for a total of about 22 hours. In the frontal lessons some theoretical concepts relating to specific properties of polymers are recalled, and laboratory exercises are introduced. This is followed by 11 practical exercises in the laboratory, with the support of the teacher. For laboratory activities, students will be divided into groups. The total commitment for the student in this part of the course is approximately 40 hours.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The classroom lessons will focus on:

1. Introduction to polymers: molar mass and its determination
2. Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers
3. Semicrystalline polymers
4. Thermal properties of polymeric materials: differential scanning calorimetry
5. Thermal properties of polymeric materials: thermogravimetric analysis
6. Optical microscopy in polarized light of semicrystalline polymers spherulites
7. Wide and small angle X-ray scattering of polymers
8. Mechanical properties of solid polymers
9. Rheology of polymeric melts
10. Molecular orientation
11. Surface properties of polymeric materials: wettability and surface tension

The practical laboratory experiences will be on:

1. Gel permeation chromatography
2. Intrinsic viscosity
3. Differential scanning calorimetry of semicrystalline and amorphous polymers
4. Curing kinetics of a thermosetting polymer via DSC
5. Polymer thermal degradation measured by TGA
6. Spherulitic growth rate measured by polarized light optical microscopy
7. Crystallinity index and polymorphism via wide angle X-ray diffraction
8. Tensile, creep and impact tests on polymer samples
9. Viscosity of polymer melts: effect of temperature and molar mass
10. Infrared dichroism of oriented polymer films
11. Contact angle of liquids on polymer surfaces: wettability and surface tension

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Notes to the course and slides of the lectures available on AulaWeb

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

first week of the second semester

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Each group of students will be asked to draft a short written report describing the activities and results obtained for each laboratory exercise carried out. The reports will then be corrected and evaluated by the teacher, who will attribute a grade (to the group's activity). This grade will then be perfected in the oral exam, which focuses on the topics of the course, covered during the frontal lessons and exercises. The oral exam aims to evaluate the effective learning of the single student. The final grade is then assigned by the teacher taking into account both the student's contribution to the group activities (exercises and writing reports), and the individual oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the assistance of the groups of students in the laboratory exercises, the teacher will evaluate the effective involvement of the individual students in the experience, and the ability to carefully carry out the experimental measurements. Reading and correcting the laboratory reports presented by each group will allow to evaluate the ability to collaborate, the understanding of the topics covered and the use of correct technical-scientific language. The individual oral exam will allow to ascertain in detail the achievement of an adequate level of knowledge in the field of characterization of the properties of polymeric materials, and in general the ability to deduce relationships between molecular structure and properties, also on the basis of the knowledge acquired in previous courses in the polymer field.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.