Polymeric Ingredients
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to provide the students the basics of polymer chemistry, defining the parameters required to correctly describe and identify polymers, such as their chemistry, molecular weights, existence of copolymer and polymeric blends. Insights on biopolymers, bioplastics and on the issues related to polymer production and disposal will be provided and also the characterization of polymers and polymeric materials will be discussed in terms of chemical/physical properties and on rheological behavior.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the teaching the students should
- recognize the different classes of polymers, correlating their chemical parameters with their possible behaviour;
- have a knowledge about the existence of different kinds of copolymers and blends;
- be able to recognize which polymers and polymeric materials should have the lowest environmental impact;
- know some important trademarks related to polymers used in cosmetics, correlating them with the chemistry of the polymers and their properties;
- have a knowledge of the main analytical techniques used in the field of polymers and polymeric materials.
Through the laboratory experiences students should be able to develop some practical skills related to the understanding and prediction of the rheological behaviour of polymers and formulations containing polymers.
- recognize the different classes of polymers, correlating their chemical parameters with their possible behaviour;
- have a knowledge about the existence of different kinds of copolymers and blends;
- be able to recognize which polymers and polymeric materials should have the lowest environmental impact;
- know some important trademarks related to polymers used in cosmetics, correlating them with the chemistry of the polymers and their properties;
- have a knowledge of the main analytical techniques used in the field of polymers and polymeric materials.
Through the laboratory experiences students should be able to develop some practical skills related to the understanding and prediction of the rheological behaviour of polymers and formulations containing polymers.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Definition of "polymer" with a basic focus on the differences between polymers, macromolecules and low molecular weight molecules.
Main chemical families of polymers (ex. Polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides etc) and correlation between the chemical family and possible chemical structures.
Definition of Blends: distinction between homogeneous and heterogeneous blends, role of compatibilizers and application of blends.
Copolymers: definition of copolymers and of the different kinds of copolymers (ex. Random, block etc.). Reactivity ratios between monomers and rules related to the prediction of the structure of the copolymers.
Molecular weights, correlated metrics and their definition. Practical examples of the influence of these parameters on chemical/physical properties of polymers.
Basics of polymer synthesis: correlation between chemical structure and expected chemical-physical features of polymers.
Biopolymers and bioplastics: definition of biopolymers and bioplastics, industrial state-of-the art, issues related to bioplastics.
Biodegradable/compostable polymers and low environmentally impact polymers.
Microplastics: definition, occurrence, rules and state-of-the-art
Polymeric materials: definition of polymeric material, additives for polymers.
Main industrial Trademarks of polymers used for cosmetics and correlated chemical structures, if known (ex. Cationic polymers, SAP, amphiphilic, hydrosoluble polymers)
Basics on silicones and rubbers
Polymers and polymeric materials characterization: thermal, molecular, structural characterization
Basics of rheology: solid and fluids, viscoelastic materials, influence of shear on viscosity, oscillatory measurements, modululs etc
Laboratory of rheology (1 CFU): experiences on the difference between Brookfield viscosity and rheologic curves, preparation of formulations and influence of ingredients on the rheological properties of the final product.
Main chemical families of polymers (ex. Polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides etc) and correlation between the chemical family and possible chemical structures.
Definition of Blends: distinction between homogeneous and heterogeneous blends, role of compatibilizers and application of blends.
Copolymers: definition of copolymers and of the different kinds of copolymers (ex. Random, block etc.). Reactivity ratios between monomers and rules related to the prediction of the structure of the copolymers.
Molecular weights, correlated metrics and their definition. Practical examples of the influence of these parameters on chemical/physical properties of polymers.
Basics of polymer synthesis: correlation between chemical structure and expected chemical-physical features of polymers.
Biopolymers and bioplastics: definition of biopolymers and bioplastics, industrial state-of-the art, issues related to bioplastics.
Biodegradable/compostable polymers and low environmentally impact polymers.
Microplastics: definition, occurrence, rules and state-of-the-art
Polymeric materials: definition of polymeric material, additives for polymers.
Main industrial Trademarks of polymers used for cosmetics and correlated chemical structures, if known (ex. Cationic polymers, SAP, amphiphilic, hydrosoluble polymers)
Basics on silicones and rubbers
Polymers and polymeric materials characterization: thermal, molecular, structural characterization
Basics of rheology: solid and fluids, viscoelastic materials, influence of shear on viscosity, oscillatory measurements, modululs etc
Laboratory of rheology (1 CFU): experiences on the difference between Brookfield viscosity and rheologic curves, preparation of formulations and influence of ingredients on the rheological properties of the final product.
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of organic chemistry is required. Moreover, also a basic knowledge of polymer chemistry and characterization could help, as well as some basic notion of rheology, since the use of polymeric ingredients in cosmetics is often deeply correlated to their physical and rheological features.
Since in the experimental laboratory part of the course some chemicals will be used, a basic knowledge of the risks associated with handling chemicals is required. Some manual skill and lab practice could help as well.
Since in the experimental laboratory part of the course some chemicals will be used, a basic knowledge of the risks associated with handling chemicals is required. Some manual skill and lab practice could help as well.
Teaching methods
Lectures will be held both off-line, on-line and in presence using slides and other digital instruments. They will be accompained by self-verification activities to be carried out online and/or offline. At least one seminar will be held by experts in the field to bring students closer to the reality of work/production.
1 CFUs (16 hours) dedicated to individual laboratory experiences, which will entail the drafting of a final report.
1 CFUs (16 hours) dedicated to individual laboratory experiences, which will entail the drafting of a final report.
Teaching Resources
Lesson slides available at the teacher's Ariel website.
Bibliographic material provided by the lecturer and/or found by the students through databases
Bibliographic material provided by the lecturer and/or found by the students through databases
Assessment methods and Criteria
The assessment related to the learning of the topics taught during the course will be performed through written tests performed during the course in the lessons' time and through a final written exam having both closed- and open-ended questions (the latter in a minimum number of 3). In order to pass the exam, the candidate must score a minimum of 18/30.
An oral interview may also be necessary to clarify the contents of the written tests and to help improve the final grade.
Laboratory experiences' report is considered part of the final exam, comprising 20% of the final evaluation.
An oral interview may also be necessary to clarify the contents of the written tests and to help improve the final grade.
Laboratory experiences' report is considered part of the final exam, comprising 20% of the final evaluation.
CHIM/04 - INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Single bench laboratory practical: 16 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Ortenzi Marco Aldo
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Every day - better if by appointment
Building 5, "B" side, 3rd floor, room 3050