LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to introduce the student to the different families of polymeric and composite materials made with a polymeric matrix. The different characteristics of the reinforcements used in combination with the matrices will be analyzed. The processing technologies of polymer and composite materials with particle reinforcement and long fiber will be studied. The ways in which the tests must be carried out to characterize these materials from a physical and mechanical point of view will be introduced.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The goal of the course is to provide students with the basic knowledge of polymeric materials and their physical, mechanical and fire resistance behavior, as well as describe the details of the production techniques of plastic pieces. Introduce composites, describe in detail the types of matrices and existing reinforcements, analyze the main technologies for making composite materials. The visits to laboratories and production plants allow to realize the theoretical aspects described in class, making students immerse themselves in some of the working realities in which they will be able to operate after graduation.

At the end of the course, students will have the tools to choose, among the composite materials, the one most suitable for a specific application. They will also be aware of the ways in which the tests must be carried out to characterize these materials from a physical and mechanical point of view.

PREREQUISITES

Chemistry, Mechanics of materials.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures, during which the teacher uses video to understand the various aspects of polymeric and composite materials and the operating principles of the machinery used to make pieces.

Visits are also made to industrial plants and laboratories, during which it is possible to attend the various stages of production and verification of the quality of the pieces made of polymeric or composite material.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

After introducing the classification of technopolymers (thermoplastic, thermosetting), the characteristics of the main families of polymeric materials will be analyzed. The mechanical and thermal characteristics of the various types of existing polymer-matrix composite materials will be analyzed. Subsequently, the types of usable processes (extrusion, molding, etc.) will be described according to the type of polymer or composite to be produced. During the course, the unified tests will also be described, which allow to establish the characteristics of polymers and composites.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

C. Gambaro, E. Lertora, C. Mandolfino, “Tecnologie dei materiali compositi”, Dipartimento di Ingegneria
Meccanica, Facoltà d’Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Genova, 2012.