Chemical Sciences

ANTONELLA PIOZZI

The course aims to provide the Student with the basic knowledge of Macromolecular Science. Definitions and classifications of Macromolecules will be discussed as well as polymerization mechanisms and processes, their properties in solution, morphological aspects of the solid state, thermal behaviors, mechanical and rheological properties. The student will acquire skills regarding basic principles and terminology of Macromolecular Science, polymerization mechanisms and processes, the different types of polymer chains, macromolecular stereochemistry, their molecular weight characteristics (heterogeneity and distribution, methods of determination) and average size, thermodynamics of polymer solutions, the molten and solid state of polymeric materials, their crystallization, thermal and mechanical properties and elastic and viscoelastic rheological behaviors, as well as on classical thermodynamics and statistics of the ideal elastomer. Laboratory experiments are also planned to acquire further skills regarding the synthesis and characterization of polymers.


Finally, the students will gain ability to face challenges of the Chemical Industry of polymer materials thanks to their knowledge about correlations between structure and physical properties of polymers as well as will possess the necessary background to attend specialist courses to continue its academic formation.

The course target is to provide the student with basic knowledge of macromolecular science. Definitions and classifications of polymers will be illustrated as well as polymerization mechanisms and processes. In addition, properties of polymer solutions, morphological aspects of solid state and thermal, mechanical, rheological, electrical behaviour of polymer materials will be also studied. The course includes some numerical exercises and laboratory experiences.
The student will achieve knowledge on basic principles of the Macromolecular Science and right terminology of the discipline. In particular, he will be provided with right skills about polymerization mechanisms and processes, molecular weight characteristics, macromolecular stereochemistry, thermodynamics of polymer solutions, polymer crystallization, rheological and mechanical as well as thermal and electrical properties of polymer materials. The laboratory exercises will allow the student to also acquire skills concerning the synthesis and physical characterization of some polymers of industrial interest. In addition, laboratory activity reports will be drawn up and discussed to develop critical and analytical skills.
Finally, the student will gain ability to face challenges of the Chemical Industry of polymer materials thanks to their knowledge about correlations between structure and physical properties of polymers as well as will possess the necessary background to attend specialist courses to continue its academic formation.

Definitions and classifications. Natural and synthetic macromolecules. Omopolymers and copolymers.
Macromolecular classification as a function of their mechanical properties. Examples of polymer materials.
Configurational characteristics. Random flight chain. Gyration radius of macromolecules. Conformational characteristics and semiempirical calculations of the potential energy of a macromolecule. Different defects of the polymer chain. Different structures of proteins.
Outlines of polymer solution behaviour. Variation of mixing entropy of a polymer solution. Volume fractions. Flory temperature. Excluded volume concept for a polymer in solution.
Polymer molecular weights and their distribution. Determination of the polymer molecular weights: Number and weight average molecular weights. Z-average molecular weight. Viscosity average molecular weight. Mark-Houwink-Sakurada equation. Gel Permeation Chromatography.
Morphological features of the polymer crystal. Fringed micelle model. Lamellar long spacing of polymer cristals. Chain folding. Kinetic theory of the polymer crystallization. Elongational force field influence on the polymer crystallization. Polymer crystallization from melt. Spherulites. Annealing process. Roe experiment.
Thermal properties of polymers. First and second order thermodynamic transitions. Thomson-Gibbs equation. Melting temperature and polymer-structure correlations. Thermal transitions evidenced by the dynamomechanical spectroscopy. Structure effects on the glass transition.
Rheologial and mechanical properties of polymers. Stress-strain diagrams of different materials. Viscous behaviour of polymer materials. WLF equation. Rubber elasticity.
The electrical behaviour of polymers. Inorganic and organic semiconductors. Polyacetylene synthesis and doping.
Polymerization reactions. Mechanism and processes of polymerization. Polymerization kinetic.
Numerical exercises on the determination of molecular weights, polymerization average grade, polymerization yield, polydispersity index of condensation and chain polymers.

Ciardelli F., Farina M., Giusti P., Cesca S., Macromolecole. Scienza e Tecnologia Vol. I e II, Pacini Editore
Guaita M., Ciardelli F., La Mantia F., Pedemonte E., Fondamenti di Scienza dei Polimeri, Pacini Editore
Helias H. G., Macromolecules, J. Wiley
Billmayer F. W., Textbook of Polymer Science, Interscience Publishers, New York, London
W. Hellerich, G. Harsch, S. Haenle, Prontuario delle Materie Plastiche, Tecniche Nuove
Flory P. J., Principles of Polymer Chemistry, Cornell University Press
Young R. J., Lovell P. A., Introduction to Polymers, CRC Press

Lectures and numerical exercises in the classroom and practical exercises in the laboratory.

Written examination plus oral examination to increase the mark