Polymer degradation and stability
A.A. 2023/2024
Obiettivi formativi
TO EXPLAIN:
- the degradation phenomena affecting a polymer or a polymeric material (composite and nanocomposite) during the different phases of its life: from synthesis to processing/transformation and disposal;
- the degradation mechanisms in different scenarios due to heat, fire, UV-light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress, and indispensable stabilization processes;
- the influence of these phenomena on the physico-chemical properties of a specific polymer.
TO DESCRIBE:
- the main traditional and advanced analytical methods for assessing the degradation phenomena of polymeric materials.
TO DEFINE:
- the recycle, reuse, feedstock and energy recovery as key factors in the Circular Economy of polymeric materials;
- biopolymers and bioplastics and the environmental implications of the biodegradability and composting of polymers;
- the microplastics in the environment.
- the degradation phenomena affecting a polymer or a polymeric material (composite and nanocomposite) during the different phases of its life: from synthesis to processing/transformation and disposal;
- the degradation mechanisms in different scenarios due to heat, fire, UV-light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress, and indispensable stabilization processes;
- the influence of these phenomena on the physico-chemical properties of a specific polymer.
TO DESCRIBE:
- the main traditional and advanced analytical methods for assessing the degradation phenomena of polymeric materials.
TO DEFINE:
- the recycle, reuse, feedstock and energy recovery as key factors in the Circular Economy of polymeric materials;
- biopolymers and bioplastics and the environmental implications of the biodegradability and composting of polymers;
- the microplastics in the environment.
Risultati apprendimento attesi
Students will be able:
- to identify the degradation phenomena affecting the chemical stability and the resulting physical properties of polymeric materials during the different phases of their life: from synthesis to processing/transformation and disposal;
- to explain the degradation mechanisms in different scenarios due to heat, atmosphere, fire, UV-light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress, and indispensable stabilization processes;
- to describe and critically discuss the results collected by the main traditional and advanced analytical methods for assessing the degradation phenomena of polymeric materials.
- to explain the advantages and disadvantages of fossil-based plastics with respect to bioplastics;
- to discuss the existence of microplastics in the environment in a critical manner as an example of polymer degradation not monitored by society.
- to identify the degradation phenomena affecting the chemical stability and the resulting physical properties of polymeric materials during the different phases of their life: from synthesis to processing/transformation and disposal;
- to explain the degradation mechanisms in different scenarios due to heat, atmosphere, fire, UV-light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress, and indispensable stabilization processes;
- to describe and critically discuss the results collected by the main traditional and advanced analytical methods for assessing the degradation phenomena of polymeric materials.
- to explain the advantages and disadvantages of fossil-based plastics with respect to bioplastics;
- to discuss the existence of microplastics in the environment in a critical manner as an example of polymer degradation not monitored by society.
Periodo: Secondo semestre
Modalità di valutazione: Esame
Giudizio di valutazione: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Corso singolo
Questo insegnamento può essere seguito come corso singolo.
Programma e organizzazione didattica
Edizione unica
Responsabile
Periodo
Secondo semestre
Programma
The program of course focuses on three macro-topics:
· Macro-topic 1: The LIFE-CYCLE OF POLYMERS:
Contents: The life-cycle of polymers: from synthesis to disposal; Mechanical properties of polymers; Polymer composites; Polymer nanocomposites; Polymer coatings.
· Macro-topic 2: The SERVICE-LIFE OF POLYMERS.
Contents: Polymer degradation due to heat, oxygen, fire, light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress. Assessment of polymer thermal degradation and oxidation: traditional vs. advanced analytical methods; Assessment of polymer combustion: tests and standards; Assessment of polymer flame retardancy; Assessment of polymer ageing: tests and UV stabilization. The case study of the degradation and conservation of works of art.
· Macro-topic 3: The END-of-LIFE OF POLYMERS.
Contents: Plastic waste management; biodegradability, as an end-of-life option; biodegradability, as an end-of-life option for agriculture; LCA of plastics: case studies; Microplastics: an example of poorly managed degradation of plastics
· Macro-topic 1: The LIFE-CYCLE OF POLYMERS:
Contents: The life-cycle of polymers: from synthesis to disposal; Mechanical properties of polymers; Polymer composites; Polymer nanocomposites; Polymer coatings.
· Macro-topic 2: The SERVICE-LIFE OF POLYMERS.
Contents: Polymer degradation due to heat, oxygen, fire, light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress. Assessment of polymer thermal degradation and oxidation: traditional vs. advanced analytical methods; Assessment of polymer combustion: tests and standards; Assessment of polymer flame retardancy; Assessment of polymer ageing: tests and UV stabilization. The case study of the degradation and conservation of works of art.
· Macro-topic 3: The END-of-LIFE OF POLYMERS.
Contents: Plastic waste management; biodegradability, as an end-of-life option; biodegradability, as an end-of-life option for agriculture; LCA of plastics: case studies; Microplastics: an example of poorly managed degradation of plastics
Prerequisiti
The course is intended for students who have attended fundamental courses in Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, and with some bases in polymer science, and for students who plan to acquire advanced knowledge on the degradation phenomena affecting a polymeric material during the different phases of its life, from the synthesis, to the processing and transformation in plastics, the use (service-life), until the disposal (end-of-life).
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of organic and physical chemistry, polymer chemistry and science.
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of organic and physical chemistry, polymer chemistry and science.
Metodi didattici
Frontal lessons with the aid of slides (power point presentations), the pdf of which can be downloaded from the Ariel website. Two exam simulations to prepare students for the final exam.
Materiale di riferimento
- Each lesson will be available in the form of a downloadable pdf file.
- Scientific papers, including reviews, as downloadable pdf files, on specific topics for every lesson. In fact, the last slide of each presentation will be dedicated to the list of available bibliographic references.
- Useful links for videos dedicated to the testing of polymers in different scenarios, interviews to academic and industrial experts.
- Books:
· "Polymer Coatings. A Guide to Chemistry, Characterization, and Selected Applications", of G. deWith, Wiley-VCH, 2018.
· "Fire Retardancy of polymeric materials" of A.R. Horrocks and D. Price, edited by CRC Press, 2013.
· "Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers. Synthesis, Characterization and Applications" of A. Lendlein and A. Sisson, edited by Wiley, 2011.
· "Thermal degradation of polymeric materials" of K. Pielichowski and J. Njuguna, edited by Rapra Technology, 2005.
· "Polymer Photodegradation: Mechanisms and Experimental Methods" of J.F. Rabek, edited by Chapman & Hall, 1985.
- Scientific papers, including reviews, as downloadable pdf files, on specific topics for every lesson. In fact, the last slide of each presentation will be dedicated to the list of available bibliographic references.
- Useful links for videos dedicated to the testing of polymers in different scenarios, interviews to academic and industrial experts.
- Books:
· "Polymer Coatings. A Guide to Chemistry, Characterization, and Selected Applications", of G. deWith, Wiley-VCH, 2018.
· "Fire Retardancy of polymeric materials" of A.R. Horrocks and D. Price, edited by CRC Press, 2013.
· "Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers. Synthesis, Characterization and Applications" of A. Lendlein and A. Sisson, edited by Wiley, 2011.
· "Thermal degradation of polymeric materials" of K. Pielichowski and J. Njuguna, edited by Rapra Technology, 2005.
· "Polymer Photodegradation: Mechanisms and Experimental Methods" of J.F. Rabek, edited by Chapman & Hall, 1985.
Modalità di verifica dell’apprendimento e criteri di valutazione
The exam will consist of an oral interview lasting 30-35 minutes. The calendar with the dates of the various sessions will be published on the University system.
The score will vary between 18 and 30 out of 30 and will be proportional to the number of correct answers.
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 (DRAB) on all the topics covered in the course. In particular, the evaluation criteria will focus on the ability of the Student:
- to provide general definitions concerning polymer degradation;
- to identify and describe a specific scenario causing polymer degradation;
- to illustrate the basics of an analytical technique for studying a specific degradation scenario;
- to discuss a case study concerning a specific degradation scenario in a critical manner;
- to analyse a specific problem concerning polymer degradation and provide suitable stabilization solutions for avoiding this phenomenon.
The score will vary between 18 and 30 out of 30 and will be proportional to the number of correct answers.
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 (DRAB) on all the topics covered in the course. In particular, the evaluation criteria will focus on the ability of the Student:
- to provide general definitions concerning polymer degradation;
- to identify and describe a specific scenario causing polymer degradation;
- to illustrate the basics of an analytical technique for studying a specific degradation scenario;
- to discuss a case study concerning a specific degradation scenario in a critical manner;
- to analyse a specific problem concerning polymer degradation and provide suitable stabilization solutions for avoiding this phenomenon.
Siti didattici
Docente/i
Ricevimento:
Preferenzialmente su appuntamento
Edificio 5, Corpo B, 3° piano, stanza 3051