SUSTAINABLE DESIGN OF MATERIALS

Course objectives

What is intended to be transferred as training objectives are the basic knowledge of the principles on which the analysis of the potential environmental impacts related to the production processes of the products and the growing problem of impacts on the environment is based. The above will be analyzed from the point of view of the different types and classes of materials in consideration of the volumes of use and the growing demand for energy involved in their production. A further objective of the course is to transfer to the students the approach of designing production processes and design choices aimed as much as possible at an evaluation of choices that allow a greater "circularity" of the resources used and a lower impact on the environment. . All this through an integrated vision between resource, contained energy and impact of production through the study and knowledge of the LCA philosophy.

Channel 1
MARCO VALENTE Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Basic analysis of the general characteristics of the various classes of materials: polymers, ceramic metals and composites, highlighting the strengths, criticalities and properties microstructure bonds of the various classes of materials. Subsequently, the production processes and especially the transformation of the different materials will be analyzed, which will be used in the second phase, relating to the LCA assessments. In a second part we will try to outline methods for the "strategic" design of components and systems considering the materials both from the point of view of the optimization of the functional and mechanical characteristics as well as of the processes and the impacts they have on the global costs of the processes and products; looking in particular at the entire life cycle of the components and the potential economic and industrial repercussions in terms of environmental costs. This last part will be addressed with the approach and philosophy of the Life Cycle Assessment.
Prerequisites
To take and follow this course, no specific skills gained in past years' courses are needed, but knowledge relative to materials science and the behavior and use of polymeric materials is useful.
Books
Notes and texts by the teacher
Frequency
two days a week
Exam mode
Oral exam
MARCO VALENTE Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Basic analysis of the general characteristics of the various classes of materials: polymers, ceramic metals and composites, highlighting the strengths, criticalities and properties microstructure bonds of the various classes of materials. Subsequently, the production processes and especially the transformation of the different materials will be analyzed, which will be used in the second phase, relating to the LCA assessments. In a second part we will try to outline methods for the "strategic" design of components and systems considering the materials both from the point of view of the optimization of the functional and mechanical characteristics as well as of the processes and the impacts they have on the global costs of the processes and products; looking in particular at the entire life cycle of the components and the potential economic and industrial repercussions in terms of environmental costs. This last part will be addressed with the approach and philosophy of the Life Cycle Assessment.
Prerequisites
To take and follow this course, no specific skills gained in past years' courses are needed, but knowledge relative to materials science and the behavior and use of polymeric materials is useful.
Books
Notes and texts by the teacher
Frequency
two days a week
Exam mode
Oral exam
  • Lesson code10592817
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseChemical Engineering
  • CurriculumChemical Engineering for innovative processes and products - in lingua inglese
  • Year2nd year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDING-IND/22
  • CFU6