Polymer Testing and Analysis
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course focuses on the testing, analysis and characterization of polymers, including synthetic and natural or bio-based polymers. Classical and advanced testing methods of bulk polymers, polymer coatings, solutions and dispersions are covered.
The course illustrates tests performed according to specific ISO standards and analyzes the results collected for a wide range of polymer-based products and formulations for a variety of industrial applications. In all instances, the structure/property correlation of polymers is discussed.
The course illustrates tests performed according to specific ISO standards and analyzes the results collected for a wide range of polymer-based products and formulations for a variety of industrial applications. In all instances, the structure/property correlation of polymers is discussed.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
- identify the most appropriate test for a specific application of polymers,
- describe and critically discuss the data collected by a specific test.
- identify the most appropriate test for a specific application of polymers,
- describe and critically discuss the data collected by a specific test.
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
The course program focuses on four macro-topics:
Macro-topic 1 - Introduction to polymers
o Polymers in daily life
o Polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites
o Polymer formulations and coatings
o Additives for polymers
Macro-topic 2 - Structural characterization and molecular mass determination of polymers
o Chemical structure of polymers by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
o Chemical structure of polymers by infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy
o Chemical structure of polymers by Raman spectroscopy
o Characterization of molecular mass and size of polymers
o Morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
o Solid-State Structure by X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
Macro-topic 3 - Thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of polymers
o Thermal properties of polymers by conventional Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
o Thermal properties of polymers by modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry (MDSC)
o Thermal properties of polymers by ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA)
o Mechanical properties of polymers
o Thermo-mechanical properties of polymers
o Rheological properties of polymers
o Tribological properties of polymers
Macro-topic 4 - Other properties of polymers
o Optical properties of polymers
o Permeability properties of polymer films to gases and liquids
o Surface chemical and physical properties of polymers
Macro-topic 1 - Introduction to polymers
o Polymers in daily life
o Polymer blends, composites and nanocomposites
o Polymer formulations and coatings
o Additives for polymers
Macro-topic 2 - Structural characterization and molecular mass determination of polymers
o Chemical structure of polymers by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
o Chemical structure of polymers by infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy
o Chemical structure of polymers by Raman spectroscopy
o Characterization of molecular mass and size of polymers
o Morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
o Solid-State Structure by X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
Macro-topic 3 - Thermal, mechanical and rheological properties of polymers
o Thermal properties of polymers by conventional Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)
o Thermal properties of polymers by modulated Differential Scanning Calorimetry (MDSC)
o Thermal properties of polymers by ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA)
o Mechanical properties of polymers
o Thermo-mechanical properties of polymers
o Rheological properties of polymers
o Tribological properties of polymers
Macro-topic 4 - Other properties of polymers
o Optical properties of polymers
o Permeability properties of polymer films to gases and liquids
o Surface chemical and physical properties of polymers
Prerequisites for admission
The course is intended for students who have attended fundamental courses in Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry, with basic knowledge in polymer science, and intend to acquire advanced knowledge on polymer testing.
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of organic and physical chemistry, polymer science.
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of organic and physical chemistry, polymer science.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with the aid of slides (power point presentations), the pdf of which can be downloaded from the Ariel website.
Teaching Resources
o Each lesson will be available in the form of a downloadable pdf file.
o Scientific papers, including reviews, as downloadable pdf files, on specific topics for every lesson.
o Useful links for videos dedicated to the testing of polymers in different scenarios, interviews to academic and industrial experts.
o Books:
- "Properties of Polymers - Their Correlation with Chemical Structure, their Numerical Estimation and Prediction from Additive Group Contributions", 4th Edition, of D.W. van Krevelen, Klaas te Nijenhuis, Elsevier, 2009.
- "Handbook of Polymer Testing Physical Methods" Roger Brown, CRC Press.
o Scientific papers, including reviews, as downloadable pdf files, on specific topics for every lesson.
o Useful links for videos dedicated to the testing of polymers in different scenarios, interviews to academic and industrial experts.
o Books:
- "Properties of Polymers - Their Correlation with Chemical Structure, their Numerical Estimation and Prediction from Additive Group Contributions", 4th Edition, of D.W. van Krevelen, Klaas te Nijenhuis, Elsevier, 2009.
- "Handbook of Polymer Testing Physical Methods" Roger Brown, CRC Press.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will consist of an oral interview lasting 30-35 minutes. The score will vary between 18 and 30 out of 30 and will be proportional to the number of correct answers.
The calendar with the exam dates will be published on the University system.
The oral interview will aim to ascertain the achievement of the expected learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and understanding. The evaluation criteria will focus on the student's ability to answer open short answer questions on all the topics covered in the course.
The calendar with the exam dates will be published on the University system.
The oral interview will aim to ascertain the achievement of the expected learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and understanding. The evaluation criteria will focus on the student's ability to answer open short answer questions on all the topics covered in the course.
CHEM-04/A - Industrial Chemistry - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Alongi Jenny
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Alongi JennyEducational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours by appointment
Building 5, Body B, 3rd floor, room 3051