Industrial Chemistry

IOLANDA FRANCOLINI

The objectives of the course are the acquisition of knowledge on the main processes for the formulation of plastic materials for commercial use, on the technological processes of transformation of polymers, as well as on the development of high performance composite materials and on the recycling of plastics.
At the end of the course the students will acquire an advanced knowledge of the physico-chemical principles that regulate the transformation and formulation processes of polymeric materials. The course will provide students with a solid preparation in the field of traditional technologies of processing polymeric materials and their recycling as well as with the ability to conceive, plan, and design new materials or combinations of materials in order to redefine and/or extend the sectors of application of traditional polymeric materials.

The laboratory course will allow students to acquire knowledge on the main instruments suitable for the characterization of polymeric and composite materials. This knowledge will allow students to acquire skills in the choice and implementation of materials according to the particular conditions of use. Reports on the laboratory experiences will be drawn up and discussed in class in order to develop critical skills essential for the elaboration of solutions to potential industrial problems. In this regard, to promote the comprehension of industrial issues, one or two thematic seminars will be organized through the invitation of experts from the specific industrial area.
The knowledge of the specific terminology of the discipline and the ability to understand the topic also in English will be developed through the use of texts and teaching materials both in Italian and in English. Finally, the ability to communicate what has been learned will be developed through the preparation of reports and oral examination.

At the end of the course of Science and Technology of Polymeric Materials the student must be able to:

- know the molecular structure of the most common polymers and classify them according to different parameters;
- know the properties, advantages and disadvantages, of the new bioplastics
- relate the chemical, physical, mechanical and thermal properties of polymeric materials to their composition and structure
- know the main classes of additives used in the processing of polymers
- know and express themselves with adequate terminology about the manufacturing processes of polymeric materials
- know the properties and the main preparation methodologies of polymeric matrix composite materials
- understand the recycling methods of polymeric materials

There are no prerequisites but it is considered essential to have basic knowledge on macromolecules and on their behavior in the solid state and in solution.

Technology and application of polymers: Properties of common plastic materials. Thermoplastic polymers: polystyrene, polyethylene (high, medium and low density), polyvinylchloride, polycarbonate, PET, Nylon. Thermosetting polymers: phenol-formaldehyde resin, urea-formaldehyde resin. Application of IR spectroscopy to identify plastic materials.
Polymer compounding: Classification, general criteria for the selection of additives, polymer process aids and additives for long-term storage. Antioxidants: thermal degradation processes (the fish-eye and beta-scission phenomena). Classification and types of antioxidants, efficiency tests. Photo-stabilizers: photo-degradation processes, mechanisms of action of photo-stabilizing additives. Flame retardants: classification and mechanism of action. Fire-resistant polymers. Plasticizers: mechanism of action, choice of the plasticizer, classes of plasticizers, compatibility. Evaluation of the influence of plasticizer content on PVC mechanical properties. Process additives: mechanism of action of internal and external lubricants, and slip agents. Polymer blends: mechanical and thermal properties.
Particulate composite materials: Functional and inert fillers. Reinforcing fillers: rubber / carbon black composites. Anti-shock fillers (polystyrene elastomers).
Fibrous composite materials: Definition, classification, types of fibrous composites. Types of fibers: preparation, properties, uses. Fiberglass, fibers on graphite, polyarylamides. Mechanical properties of composites with oriented long fibers. Mechanical properties of composites with oriented short fibers. Surface treatments. Methods of fiber incorporation in matrices. Process of preparation of polymer composite materials. Technological processes of transformation of polymers: Extrusion, injection molding, calendaring, thermoforming, rotational molding and sintering, curing, spinning from fuse and from solution, wet and dry spinning.
Plastics and the Environment: Dissemination of plastics and environmental impact. Biodegradable polymers. Recovery and recycling of plastics: primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary recycling. Issues related to recycling: selection and differentiation, incompatibility and degradation. Polymer blends and compatibilization.

Scienza e Tecnologia dei materiali Polimerici di S. Bruckner et al., EdiSES editore.
Plastics materials di J.A. Brydson, BH Ltd editor.

The lessons will be delivered in the classroom, in a conventional way, using computer aids and slides. Practical exercises will be carried out in laboratory and will include 5 activities. After the experimental activity, the preparation of a report to be delivered to the teacher before the exam is required.

Class attendance is optional. Attendance at the laboratory exercises is mandatory.

The written exam will include open-ended questions and a numerical exercise

1. Describe the thermo-oxidation cycle of polymers
2. Catalysts to obtain the different types of Polyethylene
3. Fire-resistant polymers