Ateneo - UPO

The course provides an introduction to the chemistry and technology of industrial polymeric materials. It covers structure-property relationships, the main synthetic methodologies (polyadditions and polycondensations), and molecular weight determination techniques (GPC/SEC). Special emphasis is placed on sustainability and circular economy topics, examining bio-based polymers, biodegradability criteria, and mechanical and chemical recycling strategies for plastic materials.

AIM - "Fondamenti di scienza dei polimeri", Pacini Editore SpA.
“Polymer Chemistry” P. Hiemenz, T. Lodge, CRC Press
“Principles of polymerization” G. Odian, Wiley Interscience
Material prepared by the teacher.

Knowledge and Understanding:
Gain a solid understanding of the fundamental relationships between chemical structure, macromolecular architecture, and macroscopic properties of polymeric materials (glassy state, crystallinity, elasticity).
Master the primary mechanisms of industrial synthesis (step-growth and chain-growth polymerizations), modern molecular weight characterization techniques (GPC/SEC), and the key principles of sustainable polymer chemistry (bio-based polymers, biodegradability, and recycling).

Applying Knowledge and Understanding:
Be able to identify and classify major industrial polymeric materials, correlating their chemical structure with specific application performance.
Be able to define appropriate synthetic strategies and evaluate technical solutions for the end-of-life recovery of plastic materials (mechanical and chemical recycling) or for transitioning toward bio-based and eco-designed solutions.

Making Judgements:
Develop the ability to critically evaluate the environmental sustainability, circularity, and technical-economic feasibility of a polymer material or process.
Foster critical judgment when analyzing and comparing the performance of fossil-based polymers, recycled materials, and biopolymers in light of industrial requirements and current regulations.

Communication Skills:
Master and apply the specialized technical vocabulary of macromolecular chemistry, materials technology, and circular economy with scientific rigor, clearly articulating technical evaluations.

Learning Skills:
Develop the necessary autonomy to consult and critically interpret scientific literature, product datasheets, industry environmental regulations (e.g., compostability standards), and technical documentation for continuous professional development.

Organic Chemistry I

Lectures in classroom, exercises and classroom discussion.

During the course, at the end of each key topic, the students will be involved in solving exercises and problems. At the end of the course two hours will be used for the solution of all problems concerning the topics of the course.

_Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special
Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the __Staff
Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli
Studenti__, consulting the University webpage:
__https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities._

_Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education
needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the
tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities,
concerning academic aspects._

The assessment is designed to evaluate the acquisition of course contents, the ability to apply theoretical concepts to numerical problem-solving, critical judgment in technology selection, and the mastery of specialized technical terminology.
The examination consists of a compulsory written exam and an optional oral exam:

Written Exam (Compulsory)
The test includes:
1 numerical exercise, aimed at testing practical skills (e.g., calculations involving molecular weights, reaction kinetics, or stoichiometry);
3 open-ended theoretical questions, designed to assess knowledge and independent judgment by asking students to compare materials, justify synthetic routes, or analyze processes.

Each question/exercise is assigned a specific score, adding up to a maximum total of 33/30 (a score of 33 results in 30 cum laude). The minimum passing grade for the written exam is 18/30.

Oral Exam (Optional)
Available only to students who have passed the written exam. It consists of a review of the written exam mistakes followed by 2 open theoretical questions, aimed at further assessing critical thinking, communication skills, and autonomous learning capabilities.

Specifically, the grade distribution criteria are defined as follows:
Unsatisfactory / Fail (0–17): Lack, incompleteness, and inadequate knowledge of the topics covered in the syllabus; use of non-technical language.
Sufficient / Pass (18–20): Sufficient knowledge of the topics covered in the syllabus and overall adequate use of technical terminology.
Satisfactory (21–23): Satisfactory knowledge of the topics covered in the syllabus, adequate ability to articulate arguments and make connections between topics, and appropriate use of technical terminology.
Good (24–26): Good knowledge of the topics covered in the syllabus, good capacity for in-depth analysis and critical thinking, supported by the appropriate use of technical terminology.
Very Good (27–28): Very good knowledge of the topics covered in the syllabus, above-average capability for in-depth analysis, cross-topic connections, critical reasoning, and mastery of technical terminology.
Excellent (29–30): Excellent knowledge of the topics covered in the syllabus, outstanding capacity for in-depth analysis and cross-topic synthesis, alongside strong critical thinking and full mastery of technical vocabulary.
Outstanding (30 cum laude): Excellent knowledge of the topics covered in the syllabus, exceptional ability for in-depth analysis, cross-topic synthesis, critical reasoning, and complete mastery of technical terminology.

Module 1: Introduction to Polymer Science and Structure-Property Relationships
Macromolecular Architectures, Definitions, and Nomenclature: Linear, branched, and crosslinked polymers.
Stereochemistry and Macromolecular Morphology: Glassy state, glass transition temperature (Tg), crystalline state, and melting temperature (Tm).
Polymer Molecular Weight: Average molecular weight (Mn, Mw) and dispersity; analytical methods for molecular weight determination (end-group analysis and Gel Permeation Chromatography / Size Exclusion Chromatography, GPC/SEC).
Rubber Elasticity and Crosslinking Concepts.
Module 2: Main Synthetic Processes and Industrial Polymers
Step-Growth Polymerizations (Polycondensations): General reaction mechanism. Synthesis, properties, and applications of major industrial polymers: polyamides (Nylon), polyesters (PET), polycarbonates, and epoxy resins.
Chain-Growth Polymerizations (Polyadditions): Free-radical mechanism (initiation, propagation, termination, and chain transfer). Overview of ionic and controlled polymerizations. Main addition polymers: polyolefins (PE, PP), polystyrene (PS), PVC, and PMMA.
Copolymerization: Types of copolymers (statistical, block, and graft) and industrially relevant examples (ABS, SBR).
Module 3: Sustainable Polymers and Circular Economy
Renewable Resource-Derived and Biodegradable Materials: Bio-based polymers (Bio-PE, Bio-PET vs. PLA and PHA). Concepts of biodegradability and compostability (relevant standards and regulations).
End-of-Life and Material Recovery: Mechanical recycling of plastics (thermomechanical degradation and compatibilization strategies). Chemical/feedstock recycling (solvolysis, PET depolymerization, and pyrolysis).

Knowledge and Understanding:
-Know the fundamental relationships between molecular architecture, morphology, and physicochemical properties of polymeric materials (glassy state, crystallinity, rubber elasticity).
-Understand the primary industrial synthesis mechanisms (step-growth and chain-growth polymerizations) and molecular weight characterization techniques (GPC/SEC).
-Understand the principles of sustainability applied to polymers: bio-based materials, biodegradability criteria, and mechanical and chemical recycling processes.

Applying Knowledge and Understanding:
-Be able to correlate the chemical structure of a polymer with its macroscopic properties and industrial applications.
-Be able to identify the most suitable synthetic strategy and end-of-life management route (recycling or biodegradation) for a given polymer and target application.

Making Judgements:
-Develop the critical thinking needed to evaluate and compare synthetic routes, fossil-based vs. bio-based materials, and recycling options, supporting reasoned discussions based on technical and environmental criteria.

Communication Skills:
-Master and apply the specialized technical vocabulary of macromolecular chemistry, materials technology, and circular economy with scientific rigor.

Learning Skills:
-Be able to independently search, consult, and interpret provided course materials, scientific literature, technical datasheets, and industry environmental regulations.