Fundamentals of Polymer Chemistry and Laboratory

Module Module 2

This course aims to describe the development and practical aspects of polymer syntheses. Chain and step-growth polymerizations will be approached, in both homogeneous and heterogeneous phases. 

Details of the expected learning outcomes:

-Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the main chemical and phenomenological aspects related to the synthesis of polymers and  the structure-property correlations;

-Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: being able to develop chemical synthesis processes in relation to the type of polymers to be obtained and their application. Acquiring the knowledge useful for the application of different instrumental/analytical techniques to investigate the polymer properties;

-Making judgements: allow the objective evaluation of the chemical-physical properties of the polymers correlated to the methods of preparation and to their fields of application;

-Communication skills: develop and/or improve the ability to expose even complex scientific concepts by implementing the technical terminologies suitable for polymeric materials;

Learning skills: Apply techniques and theoretical models for solving problems of macromolecular chemistry.

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.

In this case, it is advisable to contact the CInAP (Centre for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) professor of the Department where the Degree Course is included.

Experimental activities in the laboratory.

Didactic Program Prof. Nicosia (4 CFU): Monomer purification, bulk and emulsion radical polymerizations, anionic and cationic polymerizations, GPC and viscosimetry characterizations of polymers, thermal and spectroscopy analyses.

Didactic Program Prof. Mineo (2 CFU): Step Growth polymerization, ionic cross-linking of polymers, data analysis.   

 Before the laboratory experiences,  brief theoretical introductions are carried out in preparation for the subsequent experiences. 

These theoretical introductions allow to verify the preparation of the students and to inspect more deeply specific topics, preparatory to the laboratory activities, so as to better finalize the learning and improve the students' awareness in carrying out the laboratory experiences. 

During the course, suitable time is dedicated to data analysis using software and to the development of laboratory reports: the student will use suitable calculation software to determine the average molecular masses through the use of experimental data obtained by GPC and viscometric analysis. 

Attendance is mandatory.

Purification and stabilization of solvents, monomers and catalysts commonly used in polymer syntheses. 

Radical and ionic chain polymerization, through monophase and multiphase processes.

Step-growth polymerization, through bulk and solution approaches. Syntheses of block and statistical copolymers. Approach to ionic cross-linking of polymers. 

Characterization of the obtained polymers: solubility, viscosity, molecular mass distribution, thermal and spectroscopic properties.

Experimental data analysis through software and approaches to molecular modelling.

Lecture notes

Evaluation of the laboratory experiments reports and oral exam. The lab reports must be provided within the maximum term of two weeks before the exam. 

-At the beginning, will be asked for comments related to any mistake evidenced in the laboratory reports.

-The candidate should describe the preliminary operations, the instruments, and the procedures needed to perform the required polymer synthesis.

-The candidate should describe the theoretical approach and the maths operations used in the calculation of the mean molecular masses using the experimental data obtained from GPC analysis. 

-The candidate should describe the viscosimetric approach to the calculation of the mean molecular mass of polymers.