SCIENZA E TECNOLOGIA DEI MATERIALIModule MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: ANTONINO POLLICINOExpected Learning Outcomes
DD1 Knowledge and Understanding: Basic knowledge of the relationships between the structure of polymeric materials and their mechanical properties, polymer transformation technologies, and issues related to the production of polymeric products.
DD2 Applied Knowledge and Understanding: Ability to apply what is learned during lectures to the exercises conducted throughout the course.
DD3 Ability to critically evaluate data and parameters to make decisions based on one's knowledge and understanding in the field of macromolecular chemistry and technology.
DD4 Communication Skills: Students develop communication skills that are developed both during lectures, thanks to continuous verbal dialogue with the instructor, and during the oral exam.
DD5 Making Judgments: Students learn to objectively evaluate what they have learned during lectures and exercises.
Learning Skills: Learning skills are assessed through the oral exam and exercises, which constitute an important part of the course.
The knowledge acquired will be used in the design and management of polymeric materials and systems aimed at improving the quality of life, in accordance with objectives 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the 2030 Agenda.
Learning ability: Learning skills are assessed through the oral exam, in-class tests, and exercises, which constitute an important part of the course.
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the nature of chemical bonds, the structure of crystalline and amorphous solids, and the thermodynamics of state transitions acquired through the Chemistry course (Important).
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Classification and structure of polymeric materials. Mechanical behavior at small deformations: viscoelastic behavior, creep tests, relaxation tests and dynamic-mechanical behavior. Boltzman's principle, viscoelastic models. Module diagrams. Mechanical behavior at large deformations. Rheology: flow curves and constitutive relationships. Rheometry. Rheological behavior of polymers in the melt state. Transformation technologies of polymeric materials. Polymer composites and their production technologies
Textbook Information
Course notes
Introduction to physical polymer science (L.H.Sperling – Wiley)
Mechanical properties of solid polymers (I.M. Ward-J.Sweeney – Wiley)
Fundamental of Polymers Science for Engineers – (S.Fakirov - Wiley-VCH)
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Definitions, polymerization, molecular weight and structure | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 2 | Transitions, classification and formulations | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 3 | Viscoelastic behavior. Creep tests and relaxation tests | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 4 | Mechanical dynamic behavior Boltzmann's principle | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 5 | Mechanical behavior at large deformations | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 6 | State Transitions - TTT Diagrams | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 7 | Rheology Flow curves and constitutive relations | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 8 | Rheometry | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 9 | Oscillatory rheology | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 10 | Behavior of polymer melts | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 11 | Notes on polymeric materials transformation technologies | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
| 12 | Notes on polymer matrix composites | Lecture notes and slides provided by the lecturer |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
During the course, enrolled students' learning will be assessed through two written tests. Successful completion of these tests will result in the acquisition of credit for the module, with a grade expressed according to the criteria outlined below. Students who fail one or both of the written tests will be interviewed for an oral exam covering the entire module.
During the year, seven (ordinary) exam sessions are scheduled besides to four sessions reserved for out of-course students.
During the periods allowed by the academic calendar it is also possible, by contacting the teacher by e-mail or by telephone, to arrange further exam interviews (on a weekly basis)
How to register for an exam session: Booking on the university portal and contacting the teacher to agree day and time of the exam
The oral exam consists in the oral presentation of topics addressed during the course
The evaluation of the exam is based on the following criteria: level of knowledge of the required topics, expressive ability and language properties, ability to apply knowledge to simple case studies, ability to connect the different themes of the course program.
Learning assessments may also be conducted electronically, should circumstances require it.
To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with applicable laws, interested students may request a personal interview to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on their learning objectives and specific needs. Students may also contact the CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or DSA) contact teacher in their department.
The following criteria will be taken into account when assigning the final grade:
• Failed exam: The student does not possess the minimum required knowledge of the main content of the course. The ability to use specific language is poor or non-existent and the student is unable to independently apply the knowledge acquired. • Grade 18–21: the student has minimal knowledge of materials technology, has a modest ability to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented and presents the topics in a sufficiently clear manner although the command of language is poorly developed; • Grade 22–25: the student has a fair knowledge of materials technology although limited to the main topics; is able to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented but not always linearly and presents the topics in a fairly clear manner with a fair command of language; • Grade 26–28: the student has a good knowledge of materials technology, is able to integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, is able to solve complex problems fairly independently and presents the topics clearly using appropriate language; • Grade 29–30 with honors: the student has an in-depth knowledge of materials technology, is able to promptly and correctly integrate and critically analyze the situations presented, independently solving even highly complex problems; has excellent communication skills and language ability.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Viscoelastic properties of polymers. Constitutive equations. Compliance.
Dynamic mechanical measurements and study of the structure of polymers and transitions.
Viscoelastic models.
Mechanical principles of brittle fracture of polymeric materials. Mechanical properties of fibers.
Newtonian and non-Newtonian behavior.
Dependence of viscosity on deformation rate.
Dependence of viscosity on molecular mass.
Melt elasticity phenomena.
Constitutive equations of melted viscoelastic polymers.
Rheometers.
Printing. Extrusion. Injection molding.
Fibers and matrices. Fiberglass. Carbon fibers. Aramid fibers. Fiber format for composites.
Particle composites. Mechanical properties. Micromechanics of the lamina.
Manual forming technologies. Forming in an autoclave. Resin Transfer Molding. Filament winding.
Pultrusion molding.