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Polymeric Materials I

Objectives

The main goals of this curricular unit are: to introduce the theoretical, practical and laboratory concepts necessary to understand the mechanisms of formation of a polymer chain from different types of polymerization reactions; To teach how, in general, a polymer can be obtained experimentally, to hydrolyse, purify and quantitatively characterize the molecular structures of polymeric materials. On the other hand, this curricular unit aims at understanding the relations
between the molecular structure and the macroscopic properties of the Polymeric Materials, as well as the study of its main physical properties. The aim is to develop in students the ability to apply their basic physics-chemistry knowledge in the study of the main theories that describe the behavior of the polymers, as well as to apply mathematical knowledge in solving concrete problems that involve the applications of polymeric materials.

General characterization

Code

12693

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Maria Helena Figueiredo Godinho, Susete Maria Brazão Nogueira Fernandes

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 64

Teaching language

Português

Prerequisites

There are no specific requirements, however, prior knowledge of organic chemistry and thermodynamics is advised.

Bibliography

“Chimie Macromoléculaire”, G. Champetier, vol.I, Hermann, Paris, 1970.
“Organic Chemistry of Synthetic High Polymers”, R.W. Lenz, Interscience, London, 1967.
“Laboratory Preparation for Macromolecular Chemistry”, E.M. Macaffery, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1970.
“The Chemistry of Polymers”, J.W. Nicholson, Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, 1991.
“Advanced Polymer Chemistry”, M. Chanda, Marcel Dekker, New York, 2000.
“Polymer Chemistry”, P.C. Hiemenz, T.P. Lodge, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, London, 2007.

"Introduction to Polymers",  R.J.Young, Chapman and Hall, London, 1981

Polymer Science and Technology”, J.R. Fried, Prentice Hall PTR (Eds), 1995

Polymers: Polymer Characterization and Analysis”, Encyclopedia Reprint Series, J.I. Kroschwitz (Ed.), John Wiley & Sons, 1990.

Teaching method

Expository theoretical classes (using powerpoint);

 Theoretical classes to discuss different themes;

 Practical classes of problems and laboratory classes.

 

Evaluation method

The assessment of the curricular unit is divided into two components.

- Theory tests (T)/Exam

- Reports and Presentations (P)

Mandatory frequency to the subject is determined by attendance at laboratory classes, including those given in the classroom.

The final grade (N) is a weighted average of the ratings of all assessment elements according to:

N = 0.4 NP + 0.6 NT

On what:

NP is the arithmetic average grade obtained in reports and presentations related to Laboratory classes, including work carried out in the classroom and performance in practical classes (5% of the 40%).

NT is the arithmetic average of the grade of the two theoretical tests obtained in continuous assessment or, alternatively, the exam classification.

All grades are between 0 and 20 values, and NP and NT grades are rounded to the nearest tenth. To pass the CU, the minimum grade for each component is 9.5.

The mandatory attendance to the subject is given by carrying out all practical activities defined by the teacher.

The Final Grade will be a weighted average of the ratings of all assessment elements.

Failure to attend implies exclusion from the CU.

Subject matter

Introduction to polymers: definition of polymer, structure of polymers. Thermoplastic, thermosetting polymers and elastomers. Examples and nomenclature. 

Synthesis of polymers: polycondensation reactions, polymerization reactions, copolymerization reactions, polymer modification reactions.

Distribution of molecular masses. Determination of the average molecular mass by osmometry and other colligative properties. Determination of the viscosimetric average molecular mass.

Thermodynamics of polymer solutions. Theory of Flory-Huggins. Diluted polymer solutions. Theory of Flory-Krigbaum. Solubility of polymers.

Thermal, morphological and optical characterization of polymers.