Polymeric Materials II

Objectives

At the end of this curricular unit the student will have acquired the knowledge, skills and competences that allow him: - Understand: (i) the specificities of elastomeric materials, namely rubber, (ii) the viscoelastic character of thermoplastic polymers and how this character influences their response to mechanical stresses, (iii) the relationship between structure and properties of the polymers, (iv) the need to make the polymers less harmful to the environment. - To be able to establish stress/strain relations for both elastomeric materials and thermoplastic polymers, when subjected to different types of mechanical actions.

- To know: (i) the main commercial polymers, including natural polymers, their properties and main applications, (ii) general information on the main thermoplastic polymer processing techniques.

General characterization

Code

12694

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

João Paulo Miranda Ribeiro Borges, Maria Teresa Varanda Cidade

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 63

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

There are no requirements as such, but approval in Polymeric Materials I is highly recommended. It is also recommended to pass mathematics curricular units, namely those dealing with derivatives and integrals and differential equations.

Bibliography

L.R.G. Treloar, “The physics of Rubber Elasticity”, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1975
I.M.Ward, J.Sweeney, “An introduction to the Mechanical Properties of Solid Materials”, John Wiley and Sons Ltd, 2004.~
R. C. Arridge, "Mechanics of Polymers", Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1975
N.Phan-Thien, “Understanding Viscoelasticity”, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 2002
R.J. Crawford, “Plastics Engineering”, Pergamon Press, 1987
“Physical Properties of Polymers Handbook”, Mark, James (Ed.), Springer, Washington, 2007
Scientific papers

“Processamento de Polímeros – Texto de Apoio”, M.T.Cidade, 1995.

Teaching method

Expository theoretical classes (using powerpoint);

Theoretical classes to discuss different themes;

Practical classes of problems and laboratory classes.

Evaluation method

The final grade (NF) is calculated from

NF=0.7*(T1+T2)/2+0.3*NP + X

or

NF=0.7*E+0.3*NP + X

where T1 and T2 represent the grades obtained in the 1st and 2nd tests, respectively, E the grade obtained in the exam, NP the practical grade (frequency grade), obtained through questionnaires to be carried out in the classroom, and X a grade with a value between - 1 and +1 to be awarded for student participation in the various components of the curricular unit.

The student obtains approval in the course if: NP, frequency grade, E and NF ≥ 9.5

Note that the test score must be greater than 9.5 but with a minimum of 8 in T1

Note: Working students are not exempt from laboratory classes.

Subject matter

Sol-gel transition. Rubber vulcanization. Elasticity of the rubber.
Viscoelasticity: viscoelastic models, master curves, time-temperature overlap principle, WLF equation, Boltmann 
superposition principle.

Brief reference to the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites.

Main commercial polymers. Additivations. Properties and applications.
General information on polymer processing
Polymers and environment. The evolution of polymer materials, natural polymers, opportunities and challenges.

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: