OVERVIEW

Polymer-based materials are extremely versatile formulations and are therefore widely used in industrial practice and everyday activities. The teaching unit introduces the study of this class of materials, including the main production processes involved.

AIMS AND CONTENT

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

It is an introductory class in the science and technology of polymer-based materials, focused on formulations, applications, and recycling and recovery technologies for this type of compound.

The main objective of the teaching unit is to provide the fundamental knowledge needed to correlate the composition, structure, and properties of polymeric materials in relation to their use throughout the entire production cycle, including end-of-life stages, also through application-oriented examples.

The expected learning outcomes at the end of the teaching unit are:

• knowledge of the molecular structure, properties, and fields of application of the main polymers;

• knowledge of the main classes of polymers and polymer-based formulations (including copolymers and composites);

• knowledge of composition–structure–property relationships in polymer-based materials;

• knowledge of the main recovery and recycling methodologies for polymer materials;

• appropriate use of technical terminology.

Based on the objectives described, the teaching unit contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals of the ONU 2030 Agenda: Goal 4. Quality Education, Goal 5. Gender Equality and Goal 12. Responsible consumption and production.

PREREQUISITES

No official prerequisites, but it is recommended to have overcome the exam of Chemistry for Technical Professions.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching unit consists of lectures for a total of 16 hours (2 ECTS credits).

To support learning, lecture notes are uploaded to the AulaWeb portal in the section dedicated to the teaching unit concurrently with the delivery of the corresponding content in class. In addition, quizzes and one-hour tests are made available on the same webpage as complementary activities to be completed asynchronously with respect to the lectures to assess individual preparation.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs must contact the teacher and the inclusion representative of the Polytechnic (federico.scarpa@unige.it) by email at the lessons start to agree on teaching methods that, while respecting the objectives of the class, take into account individual learning skill. For more information about requesting services and adaptations see the link:  https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Polymers and polymeric materials: definitions.

General aspects of polymers: origin, composition, nomenclature, and molecular properties (polymer chain structure, molecular weight, and polydispersity).

Polymer classification: thermoplastic (amorphous, semicrystalline) polymers, thermosetting polymers, biodegradable and compostable polymers, elastomers.

Basic concepts of copolymers.

General aspects of polymer-based composites.

Technologies for the recovery and recycling of polymeric materials.

The detailed syllabus is available on the AulaWeb portal, where students can verify its consistency with the learning objectives of the teaching unit.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

The textbooks listed below are recommended as supporting material, limited to the topics covered in the teaching unit:

Scienza e tecnologie dei materiali, D. R. Askeland, P. P. Fulay, W. J. Wright – Edizioni Città Studi, 2017.

Fondamenti di Struttura, Proprietà e Tecnologia dei Polimeri- Testi AIM - Edizioni Nuova Cultura, 2011.

Fondamenti di Scienza dei Polimeri - M. Guaita, F. Ciardelli, E. Pedemonte - Pacini Editore, 2009.

Scienza e Tecnologia dei Materiali Polimerici - S. Bruckner, G. Allegra, M. Pegoraro, F.P. La Mantia- EdiSES, 2007.

Specific guidelines on the reference bibliography related to the class content will be provided by the professor at the beginning of the lectures.

Supplementary material is provided upon request in cases of valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs specific learning disorders (SLDs) or partial attendance due to work commitments.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The teaching unit takes place in the 2nd bimester of the academic year, according to the timetable available at the link provided below.

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The examination consists of a 90-minute written test. The number and schedule of exam sessions are established by the Manifesto degli Studi and the Regolamento of the Degree Course.

The test includes:

• 15 multiple-choice/true–false questions (1 point for each correct answers; 0 points for incorrect or unanswered questions; fractional scores are assigned to multiple-choice questions with more than one correct option);

• 5 open-ended questions (up to 3 points each).

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), disabilities, or other educational needs may request exam adaptations. Well in advance of the exam date (at least 7 days), they must fill out the appropriate online form  (https://modulionline.unige.it/richiesta-adattamenti#no-back) and contact the teacher and the inclusion representative of the Polytechnic School (Federico.scarpa@unige.it) by email. For more information about requesting services and adaptations see the link:  https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa/richiesta-servizi.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written test is aimed at verifying the effective achievement of the learning objectives, with particular reference to the acquired knowledge of the composition, structure, and properties of the most common polymers, and their correlation with application fields.

The examination will also assess the understanding of the teaching content, the appropriate use of technical language, and the ability to identify the main recovery and recycling technologies applicable to different classes of polymer-based materials.

If the learning objectives are not achieved, students will be encouraged to further develop their understanding and to seek additional explanations from the professor before retaking the examination.

FURTHER INFORMATION

None in particular.