Unit CHEMISTRY OF POLYMERS
- Course
- Chemical sciences
- Study-unit Code
- 55081406
- Curriculum
- In all curricula
- Teacher
- Assunta Marrocchi
- Teachers
-
- Assunta Marrocchi
- Hours
- 42 ore - Assunta Marrocchi
- CFU
- 6
- Course Regulation
- Coorte 2025
- Offered
- 2026/27
- Learning activities
- Affine/integrativa
- Area
- Attività formative affini o integrative
- Sector
- CHIM/06
- Type of study-unit
- Opzionale (Optional)
- Type of learning activities
- Attività formativa monodisciplinare
- Language of instruction
- Italian
- Contents
- The course introduces the fundamentals of polymer chemistry and polymer science, with a focus on the relationships between structure, properties and applications. The main characterization techniques and the use of polymeric materials in key application fields will be discussed, with particular attention to sustainability, bioplastics, microplastics, recycling, eco-design and emerging frontiers in polymer materials.
- Reference texts
- Articles, lecture notes and other teaching material available on the UniStudium platform:
https://www.unistudium.unipg.it/unistudium/login/index.php
Students are also encouraged to consult the publications available on the European Bioplastics website:
https://www.european-bioplastics.org/news/publications/
Additional useful reference texts:
C. E. Carraher Jr., Introduction to Polymer Chemistry, 3rd ed., CRC Press, 2022.
T. P. Lodge, P. C. Hiemenz, Polymer Chemistry, 3rd ed., Taylor & Francis, 2020.
A. Ahmad et al. (Eds.), Plastic and Microplastic in the Environment, Wiley-Blackwell, 2022.
Some texts may be accessible through the University’s electronic resources, including the ProQuest platform:
https://www.proquest.com/ - Educational objectives
- The main objective of the course is to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the structure, properties and applications of polymeric materials, with particular attention to structure–property–function relationships and sustainability aspects. The course also aims to develop the ability to interpret characterization data, compare conventional and biobased/biodegradable polymeric materials, and critically assess their use in different application fields, taking into account recycling, disposal and environmental impact.
The main knowledge acquired will include:
basic knowledge of the structure, classification and architecture of organic polymers;
knowledge of the main chemical, physical, thermal and mechanical properties of polymeric materials;
knowledge of the main structural, thermal and mechanical characterization techniques;
knowledge of structure–property–application relationships in polymeric materials;
knowledge of the main classes of conventional, biobased and biodegradable polymers;
knowledge of the concepts of bioplastics, biodegradability and compostability;
knowledge of the use of polymers in key application fields, such as packaging, textiles, automotive, agriculture, biomedical applications and separation processes;
basic knowledge of microplastics, recycling, circular economy, eco-design and European regulations related to plastic materials;
knowledge useful for assessing the sustainability and environmental fate of polymeric materials throughout their life cycle;
introductory knowledge of selected emerging frontiers in polymer materials, such as conductive polymers, smart polymers and nanocomposites. - Prerequisites
- -
- Teaching methods
- The course will be delivered through in-person lectures covering all course topics, supported by interactive tools such as Mentimeter to encourage active student participation. Journal Club-type activities will also be included, based on the guided reading and in-class discussion of scientific articles and case studies.
- Learning verification modality
- Assessment will be based on an oral examination of about 30 minutes, covering the topics included in the course programme. The exam will focus on the student’s understanding of polymer materials and on the ability to use the appropriate terminology, as well as to relate structure, properties, characterization methods, applications and sustainability aspects.
- Extended program
- Fundamentals of polymer chemistry and polymer science
Structure and classification of polymers. Macromolecular architectures. Crystallinity and properties of polymeric materials. Structure–property–application relationships.
Characterization of polymeric materials
Main structural, thermal and mechanical characterization techniques. Guided reading and interpretation of experimental data from scientific articles.
Polymers in key application fields
Polymeric materials for packaging, with comparison between conventional polymers, such as PET, PE and PP, and biobased or biodegradable materials, such as PLA and PHA. Polymers for textile and automotive applications, including polyamides, polyurethanes and bio-composites. Polymers for agricultural applications, such as LDPE, PLA, PBS and superabsorbent polymers.
Case studies on innovation and sustainability in polymer materials
Polymers for biomedical applications, including PMMA and silicones. Polymeric membranes for separation processes. Bioplastics obtained from residual biomass.
Sustainability, environment and regulations
Microplastics and the environment: scientific evidence, European regulation and possible technological solutions. Circular economy of polymeric materials: mechanical and chemical recycling, eco-design and strategies to reduce environmental impact. New European regulations on packaging and single-use plastics.
Insights from recent scientific literature
Guided analysis of recent scientific articles in the field of polymer chemistry and polymer science, with discussion in a journal club format.
Emerging frontiers in polymer materials
Introduction to conductive polymers, smart polymers and nanocomposites. - Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
- 9, 12, 14