OVERVIEW

The class provides the students with the fundamental concepts for knowledge and understanding of the phenomena underlying technological applications involving materials and chemical reactions. To this end, the class is divided into two modules.

The first module, Polymers and Advanced Materials (code 107810), introduces students to the study of polymer-based materials, which are widely used in industrial practice and everyday activities, and the basic knowledge of the production stages in which they are used, including recovery and recycling technologies.

The second module, Elements of Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics (code 107811), introduces students to the study of thermodynamics and kinetics applied to real chemical systems as a function of selected environmental and process variables.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning outcomes of the class are related to the learning outcomes of the modules composing the class, reported below:

For the module Polymers and Advanced Materials (code 107810):

The student will acquire basic knowledge about the structure and properties of the most common polymers in industrial practice.  Furthermore, the student will acquire basic knowledge on the structure and properties of innovative materials and polymer-based composites for advanced technological applications. At the end of the course the student will be able to relate structure and properties of the materials to their use in technology and their end-of-life management.

For the module Elements of  Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics (code 107811):

The teaching aims to provide students with the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics applied to chemical systems, such as the heat and energy associated with phase transformations and chemical reactions. The concept of chemical equilibrium is considered as a function of environmental variables, typically pressure and temperature, so the student will be able to evaluate the most energetically favorable conditions for predicting how to advance (or move backward, whether necessary) a reaction as a function of the equilibrium and its evolution along time. Fundamental aspects of reaction kinetics for both gas-phase systems and aqueous solutions will also be presented, intended to support the ability to define the reaction order and determine the kinetic equation; the progress of chemical reactions in the presence of catalysts, both homogeneous and heterogeneous, will also be explored.

PREREQUISITES

No official prerequisites, but it is recommended to have passed the exams of Elements of Chemistry and Elements of Materials Science.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is divided into two written tests, one for each module, each lasting 120 minutes.

The written test related to the Advanced Polymers and Materials module consists of:

-15 multiple-choice or true/false type questions: up to 1 point will be awarded for each right answer, 0 points for each wrong or null answer; for questions with more than one correct answer, the score may also be expressed in fractional terms according to the number of correct answers identified;

-5 open-ended problems/questions: up to 3 points will be awarded for each problem/question.

The written test related to the Elements of Thermodynamics and Chemical Kinetics module consists of 10 open-ended questions, for each of which up to 3 points will be awarded.

The two written tests may be taken at different dates among those scheduled according to the guidelines established by the Study Manifesto and the Regulations of the Study Degree.

The final grade in thirtieths recorded for the class corresponds to the average obtained in the two written tests.

Further details of exam preparation methods will be provided during the lessons.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss any accommodations or other circumstances related to classes, courses and examinations should speak with both the lecturer and Prof. Federico Scarpa (federico.scarpa@unige.it), dedicated contact person for the Polytechnic School.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The two written tests are intended to verify the achievement of the learning objectives of the two modules in which the class is structured, namely with regard to:

- having acquired knowledge of the composition and structure of the different types of polymer-based materials;

- know how to describe the main properties of polymer-based materials in relation to their fields of application;

- having acquired knowledge of the basic principles of thermodynamics and kinetics for the study of chemical systems;

- be able to recognize and describe the main techniques of physico-chemical characterization and be able to propose experimental analyses to study unknown systems.

The two written tests will also be used to test the achievement of an adequate level of basic knowledge of the class program and understanding of the topics covered.