Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho nº 9183/2020 - 25/09/2020
6 ECTS; 1º Ano, 1º Semestre, 30,0 T + 16,0 PL + 14,0 TP , Cód. 300104.
Lecturer
- Cecília de Melo Correia Baptista (1)(2)
- Marco António Mourão Cartaxo (2)
(1) Docente Responsável
(2) Docente que lecciona
Prerequisites
NA.
Objectives
Study of the morphology, synthesis, classification and daily usage of polymers.
Identify the relationships between chemical structure and properties of macromolecular materials.
Recognize the most important polymerisation reactions and the processing of plastic materials.
Program
Theoretical contents
Chapter 1 - Basic Concepts
1.1 Historical review
1.2 Structure, architecture and polymer classification
1.3 Chain reaction and step by step polymerization.
Copolymerization
1.4 Nomenclature of vinilic and non-vinilic polymers
1.5 Biodegradability and recycling.
Chapter 2 - Chemical structure, morphology, characteristics and polymer properties
2.1 Polymer solutions and molecular weight
2.2 Chemical structure and morphology: MM, DP, amorphous and crystalline morphologies, crystallinity degree, Tg, Tm, crosslinking
2.3 Chemical structure and polymer properties: mechanical and thermal properties, flame and chemical resistances, degradability and electrical conductivity
2.4 Methods of characterization and analysis.
Chapter 3 - Synthesis and Polymer Processing
3.1 Polymerization reactions: phases, main characteristics and kinetics
3.2 From polymer to plastic processing
3.3 Additives
3.4 Plastic fabrication methods: injection molding, extrusion, thermoforming, calendering, curing, pressing, RIM and others
3.5 Reinforced plastics and composites.
Chapter 4 - Natural polymers
4.1 Polysaccharides: cellulose, starch and derivatives
4.2 Proteins: silk, wool and regenerated proteins
4.3 Mixed polymers: rubber, amber, lignin, tall-oil derivatives
Laboratorial practice
TP1. Study of several properties of commodity plastics.
TP2. Purification and polymerization of MMA.
TP3. Polymerization of a poliamide (nylon 6,6).
TP4. Polimerização of PS.
TP5. Effect of a plasticizer on the flexural properties of a cross-linked polymer.
TP6. Determination of DP by capillary viscosimetry - determination of the viscosity of a paper pulp and calculation of the degree of cellulose polymerization.
TP7. Synthetic polymers versus natural polymers - analysis and comparison of properties.
Evaluation Methodology
A - Laboratory work assessment. B - Group assignment including oral presentation or written final test.
Final grade - (A+B)/2
Bibliography
- Carraher Jr., C. (2012). Introduction to Polymer Chemistry. New York: CRC Press
- Lovell, P. e Young, R. (2011). Introduction to Polymers. New York: CRC Press
- Stevens, M. (2009). Polymer Chemistry - An introduction. New York: Oxford University Press
Teaching Method
Lectures. Laboratory classes and tutorials including problem-solving. One field trip to a polymer manufacturing/processing facility.
Software used in class
NA.
