LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to give knowledges about the polymerization methods and the characterization of polymer materials, composites and lubrificants.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, by means of the attendance and active participation in the proposed educational activities and individual study, the student will be able to:

- know the main techniques for the characterization of lubricating oils and polymer nanocomposites/composites,

- relate the chemical-physical properties of materials with their formulation,

- plan a laboratory activity.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching includes lectures, where the experimental activities will be explained in detail (about 8 hours), and the attendance in the laboratory. It is important to underline that that attendance, both in the laboratory activities and in the preparatory lessons, is mandatory. The lessons will also include moments of discussion on the results obtained and on the presentation of data by reports compilation, related to laboratory activity. A copy of the slides presented in class will be available on AulaWeb and can be used as a basis for studying. The slides can only be a reference for the study and they have to be combined with the lectures attendance as well as with the study of texts.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

- PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FORMULATIONS BASED ON LUBRICANT OILS.

The formulations will be prepared by applying compounds generally applied in the lubricating oil industry and taking into account the knowledge acquired in some theoretical teachings. Concerning the characterization of the prepared formulations, viscosity measurements will be carried out by using Hoppler and Engler viscometer. The viscosity index will be evaluated by means of the Cannon-Fenske viscometer and the closed and open cup flash points. Rheological measurements will also be performed by exploiting a rotational viscometer. The students will be able to correlate the preparation conditions of the formulations with their final properties by analysing the characterization data collected by the various working groups. During the course, the most effective method for describing the experimental results will be illustrated, by drawing up a report. The experiments carried out in the laboratory will end with a discussion on the results obtained. An industrial expert will also participate to the discussion.

- PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FORMULATIONS BASED ON POLYMER MATERIALS.

Polymer-based formulations will be developed, combining polymer matrices with inorganic nanofillers. In particular, a commercial nanofiller will be modified, by the use of different types of compatibilizers. This laboratory activity will be designed directly by the students, starting from procedures reported in the literature. The modified nanofillers will be characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction measurements. The results will be discussed by the students and through the elaboration of reports, comparing the results obtained with those reported in the literature. For this purpose, methods for carrying out a detailed bibliographic search will be provided. The prepared systems will be used to nanocomposites based on polyamide 6, using the in situ polymerization approach. This experience will allow students to apply some fundamental concepts analyzed in some theoretical courses dealing with macromolecular chemistry (see for example the detailed program of “Synthesis and Industrial Production of Polymers”). The prepared systems will be characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements, microscopic analysis and mechanical tests.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

S.R. Sandler e collaboratori, Polymer Synthesis and Characterization, Academic Press;

W. Dresel, Lubrificants and Lubrification, Wiley;

Didactic material provided by the teacher.