OVERVIEW

The teaching provides practical tools to develop knowledge on laboratory methods for the synthesis, formulation, and characterization of materials of significant industrial interest.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

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

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching is divided in two moduli of 5 ECTs held by two teachers. More information are available in the corresponding modulus forms.

Attendance and active participation in the proposed training activities and the individual study will allow the student to:

- know in depth the main polymerization techniques and be able to experimentally carry out some syntheses;

- identify and know how to use the main types of polymer characterization techniques;

- understand the potentiality and the limits of the methods of instrumental characterization;

- acquire a correct scientific terminology for the study of macromolecular chemistry.

PREREQUISITES

None.

TEACHING METHODS

Frequency of the laboratory activities, previously presented by lectures. Copies of slides presented in class will be available on AulaWeb and can be used as a basis for the study. The slides can only be a reference for the study of the topics, to be added to the frequency of the lessons or the study of texts.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Mod. I - 5 CFU

- 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.

Mod. II - 5 CFU

Synthesis of polymers in bulk and emulsion will be developed, after purification of monomers and initiator with different methods. Correlation between synthetic parameters as monomer and initiator concentration etc. with molecular weight and yield of polymers will be carried out.

The results will be discussed by the students, comparing data obtained with different synthesis conditions. This experience will allow students to apply some fundamental concepts analyzed in some theoretical courses dealing with macromolecular chemistry.   

Polymers will be fractionated and characterized by viscosimetric (with Ubbelohde viscosimeter), thermal (DSC) and spectroscopic measurements (FT-IR with ATR and DRIFT). Study of mixing of polymers will be performed, by thermal analysis and by using of empirical equations. Measurement of superficial properties of polymeric films, by determination of contact angle will be carried out.

The experiments carried out in the laboratory will end with a discussion on the results and with the description of the report, that will be discussed during the examination.  

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

S.R. Sandler, W. Karo, J.A. Bonesteel, E.M. Pearce. Polymer Synthesis and Characterization, Academic Press, New york

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

ORIETTA MONTICELLI (President)

MARINA ALLOISIO

MAILA CASTELLANO

DARIO CAVALLO

ANTONIO COMITE

SILVIA VICINI (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Teaching is held during the first semester of the academic year.

The first Modulus will start on 4 of October 2021.The second Modulus will start in the middle of November 2021, after the end of the first Modulus.

Timetable can be found in the websites:

https://corsi.unige.it/9020/p/studenti-orario

https://chimica.unige.it/node/390

Class schedule

INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final evaluation will be considered the following weights for the various examination parts: 30% for the oral examination, 30% for the laboratory skills and 40% for the laboratory reports.

The oral examination is conducted by two professors. They will verify the achievement of the learning outcomes and when these are not met, the student is invited to extend the study. To ensure uniformity between the examination topics and those actually carried out during the course, a detailed program is illustrated in the AulaWeb page, so that students themselves can verify adherence.

In case of emergency and only according to specific indications by the University of Genoa, the assessment method for the exam might be changed, including the possibility of an online procedure.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of depth of each topic will be given during the lessons.

Both through the reports of the laboratory experiences and through the oral examination, the student's ability to discuss critically on the teaching topics, to elaborate the concepts presented during the activities and to integrate the information coming from the various topics by a personal study will be assessed. The ability to describe the main polymer synthesis and characterization techniques in a clear way and with a correct scientific terminology will be evaluated; the quality of the oral presentation will be considered.

Exam schedule