The course is aimed at providing information on characteristics of the main families of polymers for the industrial applications and polymers recycling techniques. The course also aims to provide the basis for a correct approach to the polymer selection for different applications. At the end of the course students should be able to compare the various families of polymeric materials in terms of properties, performance, costs and environmental impact.
1. Thermoplastic polymers
2. Thermosetting polymers
3. Elastomers
4. Degradation and stabilisation of Polymers
5. Plastics recycling
1. Thermoplastic polymers
Polyolefins:PE, PP;
PS and polymers with PS: SAN, HIPS, ABS;
Vinyl Polymers: PVC, PVAc, PVA, EVA, EVAL;
Florinated polymers: PTFE,PVDF;
Acrylic Polymers: PMMA, AMMA;
PC, PC copolymers and PC blends;
Polyamides and aromatic polyamides;
Aromatic polyesters: PET, PEN, PBT;
Polyethers and polyetherketons: PPE, PPO, PAEK, PEK.
POM
2. Thermosetting polymers
Epoxy Resins, polyesters resins, phenolic resins, polyurethane resins.
3. Elastomers
Cross-linked elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers.
4. Degradation and stabilisation of Polymers
Thermal degradation, thermooxidative degradation, photooxidation of polymers. Polymers stabilisation.
5. Plastics recycling
Mechanical recycling and related issues; reactive blending and compounding. The compatibility between polymers. Chemical recycling: depolymerization, chemical degradation. The energy recovery and energy plants.
Green plastics.
H. Saechtling "Manuale delle Materie Plastiche" Tecniche Nuove;
Francesco La Mantia "Handbook of Plastics Recycling" Rapra Technology;
S. Bruckner, G.Allegra, M.Pegoraro, F.P.La Mantia "Scienza e Tecnologia dei materiali polimerici", EdiSES srl (2015);
Lectures and application exercises
The exam is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the topics listed in the course program and the ability to use the theoretical knowledge to solve application problems. The exam consists of two written tests concerning respectively the first and second part of the course. These tests can be carried out in the official exam sessions or in itinere, precisely in the middle and at the end of the course. The evaluations are expressed in thirtieths and have the same weight for determining the final grade. Each tests is composed of 10-11 multi-choice short questions and 1-2 extended questions. Each written test is positively assessed with a score of at least 18/30 and it is valid for the current academic year.