Macromolecular Chemistry
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge necessary to tackle the study of polymer science. It will discuss the classic polymerization mechanisms that are used in the industrial synthesis of polymers. Particular emphasis will be given to their characterization, which presents peculiarities linked to their macromolecular nature. As laboratory practice, students will become familiar with the basic topics covered in the theoretical section.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge on the classical methods of synthesis of industrial polymers and on classical methods of determination of molecular weights.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Course syllabus
Theoretical section
1. Introduction and general definitions: definition of polymer, monomer, molecular weight distribution, copolymers, conformation and configuration, glass transition temperature, melting temperature, etc.
2. Synthesis of polymers: polymerization with radical, step-wise and ionic mechanisms. Introduction to polymerization with coordinated mechanism (Ziegler-Natta catalysts).
3. Radical polymerization processes: mass, solution and suspension processes. Suspension polymerization: suspension stabilizers. Polymerization site. Polymerization rate and molecular weights. Recovery of the polymerization product in powder form.
4. Radical polymerization processes: emulsion process. Definition of emulsion. Polymerization site. Polymerization rate and molecular weight dependence on polymerization parameters. Recovery of the polymerization product in the form of latex.
5. Determination of molecular weights of polymers: SEC chromatography.
6. Synthesis and properties of: polystyrene (PS); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene terephthalate; Nylon 6.6; polyethylene (PE): polypropylene (PP).
Laboratory section
1. Synthesis of linear polymers by step-wise polymerization in aqueous solution.
2. Synthesis of polyhexamethylene maleate by bulk step-wise polymerization.
3. Synthesis of polystyrene with radical mechanism by a suspension process.
4. Synthesis of polymethylmethacrylate with radical mechanism by an emulsion process.
5. Synthesis of polyethyl methacrylate by polymerization with anionic mechanism.
6. Determination of the molecular weights of the synthesized linear polymers.
7. IR and 1H NMR analysis of soluble polymers.
1. Introduction and general definitions: definition of polymer, monomer, molecular weight distribution, copolymers, conformation and configuration, glass transition temperature, melting temperature, etc.
2. Synthesis of polymers: polymerization with radical, step-wise and ionic mechanisms. Introduction to polymerization with coordinated mechanism (Ziegler-Natta catalysts).
3. Radical polymerization processes: mass, solution and suspension processes. Suspension polymerization: suspension stabilizers. Polymerization site. Polymerization rate and molecular weights. Recovery of the polymerization product in powder form.
4. Radical polymerization processes: emulsion process. Definition of emulsion. Polymerization site. Polymerization rate and molecular weight dependence on polymerization parameters. Recovery of the polymerization product in the form of latex.
5. Determination of molecular weights of polymers: SEC chromatography.
6. Synthesis and properties of: polystyrene (PS); polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polyethylene terephthalate; Nylon 6.6; polyethylene (PE): polypropylene (PP).
Laboratory section
1. Synthesis of linear polymers by step-wise polymerization in aqueous solution.
2. Synthesis of polyhexamethylene maleate by bulk step-wise polymerization.
3. Synthesis of polystyrene with radical mechanism by a suspension process.
4. Synthesis of polymethylmethacrylate with radical mechanism by an emulsion process.
5. Synthesis of polyethyl methacrylate by polymerization with anionic mechanism.
6. Determination of the molecular weights of the synthesized linear polymers.
7. IR and 1H NMR analysis of soluble polymers.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge in organic chemistry
Teaching methods
1st section: lecturing by following slide presentations made available by the instructor.
2nd section: lab experiences on topics covered in the theoretical section of the course.
2nd section: lab experiences on topics covered in the theoretical section of the course.
Teaching Resources
"Textbook of Polymer Science" Fred W. Billmeyer, Wiley 3rd edition.
"Introduzione alla scienza dei materiali polimerici", Vincenzo Villani, Aracne
Instructor notes will be available.
Course home page: https://eranuccicm.ariel.ctu.unimi.it
"Introduzione alla scienza dei materiali polimerici", Vincenzo Villani, Aracne
Instructor notes will be available.
Course home page: https://eranuccicm.ariel.ctu.unimi.it
Assessment methods and Criteria
Theory:
Written test with open questions. Students will be asked to answer general questions and discuss the topics covered in the course.
Laboratory section:
Evaluation of the student's written reports on all laboratory experiences. Evaluation of the performance in laboratory in terms of commitment, critical judgment on the experiment progress and compliance to the safety rules.
The final score will be expressed with a number varying between 18 to 30 out of 30 and will be averaged over the scores received in the two course sections.
Written test with open questions. Students will be asked to answer general questions and discuss the topics covered in the course.
Laboratory section:
Evaluation of the student's written reports on all laboratory experiences. Evaluation of the performance in laboratory in terms of commitment, critical judgment on the experiment progress and compliance to the safety rules.
The final score will be expressed with a number varying between 18 to 30 out of 30 and will be averaged over the scores received in the two course sections.
CHIM/04 - INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Laboratories: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Professor:
Ranucci Elisabetta
Shifts:
-
Professor:
Ranucci ElisabettaCorso A
Professor:
Ranucci ElisabettaCorso B
Professor:
Ranucci ElisabettaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Free time, preferable appointment by e-mail
Office 3rd floor Department of Chemistry