OVERVIEW

Properties of polymers and polymer composites deals with polymeric materials and its viscoelastic properties. In this teaching the concepts for the understanding the viscoelastic behaviors of the polymeric materials, their implications in the production processes and their correlation between molecular characteristics and physical-mechanical properties, are provided. The rheological, mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of polymers and their composites are described in detail.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Understanding of the molecular origin of the structural and mechanical properties of polymeric matrices; knowledge of the basic concepts on polymeric matrix composites and nanocomposites; understanding of the structure-property correlations of polymers and polymeric matrix composites and nanocomposites; correlation of theoretical notions on polymeric materials with experimental data to formulate general criteria

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching is focused to develop the student's ability to correlate the theoretical notions on polymeric materials with experimental data to formulate general criteria for their characterization and use. To pursue this goal, traditional lectures are always accompanied by concrete examples related to everyday life as well as industrial practice. At the end of the course the student will be able to:

• correlate the chemical-physical, mechanical and rheological properties of polymeric materials and their composites to their composition and structure;

• identify and critically discuss the data available from mechanical, dynamical-mechanical and rheological characterization techniques of polymeric materials.

The teaching is also provided for the Master degree course in Industrial Chemistry for 4 CFUs only. Because of the reduced number of CFUs, the learning outcomes do not include the  part relating to resin-fiber composites for the students of Industrial Chemistry.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of traditional lectures for a total of 48 hours. Lesson notes are uploaded to the corresponding aul@web page simultaneously with their presentation in the classroom

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

First part (4 CFUs):

• Theory and modelling of linear viscoelastic behaviour.
• Mechanical properties of polymers at low and high deformation: Elastic modulus, yielding and fracture of polymeric materials.
• Rheology of polymer melts.
• Elastomeric materials, vulcanization, thermoelastic shrinkage and particle reinforcements.
• Nanofillers and nanocomposite materials preparation.

Second part (2 CFUs):

• Thermosetting matrices in polymer composites: polyesters, epoxides, polyamides, polyolefines.
• Cross-linking process.
• Fibrous reinforcements: glass, carbon, aramides.
• Manufacturing technologies of polymeric and composite products.

Based on the objectives described, the teaching contributes to the achievement of the following Sustainable Development Goals of the ONU 2030 Agenda:  4 (Quality Education), 12 (Sustainable consumption and development), 5 (gender equality)

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

M.T. Shaw, W.J. Mac Knight "Introduction to Polymer Viscoelasticity"

H.A. Barnes, J.F. Hutton, K. Walters " An introduction to rheology"

L.E. Nielsen "Mechanical Properrties of Polymers anc composites Vol 1 e 2"

 W.D. Callister Jr, C. Caneva " Scienza e ingegneria dei materiali"

Supplementary material is provided on request to working students or students with SLD to meet specific needs.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

MAILA CASTELLANO (President)

SILVIA VICINI

MARINA ALLOISIO (President Substitute)

DARIO CAVALLO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The teaching is annual

Lessons timetable is available at the links reported below.

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

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral examination conducted by two teachers for a duration of at least 30 minutes.

During the calendar year, seven exam dates are set up in the time intervals scheduled by the Manifesto degli Studi.

The oral examination usually consists of three parts, which of them are evaluated as specified below:

- in the first part, the student has to face a problem with the use of polymeric materials and composites for structural applications in order to verify his understanding and mastery of the course topics as well as his ability to apply the theoretical concepts to real situations; the first part is awarded a maximum rating of 15/30;

- in the second part, the student is required to describe in detail a characterization technique or a property-structure correlation model; the second part is awarded a maximum rating of 10/30;

- in the third part, the student is asked to describe the characteristics and main application areas of thermoset polymers for special applications; the third part is awarded a maximum rating of 5/30.

For students with disabilities or with SLD, the assessment methods refer to the specific regulations of the University of Genova (https://unige.it/disabilita-dsa).

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination is conducted by two professors. They are able to verify the achievement of the learning outcomes.

Particularly with regard to the acquired ability of the student to evaluate and critically seek to resolve real situations.

When these are not met, the student is invited to extend the study.

Moreover, the oral exam will avail to verify the achievement of the appropriate level of comprehension of the topics developed during the lectures and the capability to use a correct terminology.

To ensure uniformity between the examination topics and those actually carried out during the course, is present into the aul@web page a detailed program, so that students themselves can verify adherence.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Any pre-requisites are defined in the following documents: Regolamento Didattico and/or Manifesto degli Studi.

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.