Unit ADVANCED MATERIALS: NUCLEAR, HIGH TEMPERATURE AND BIOPOLYMERS

Code	A006017
CFU	3
Teacher	Debora Puglia
Teachers	Debora Puglia
Hours	24 ore - Debora Puglia
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Ingegneria dei materiali
Sector	ING-IND/22
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	Italian
Contents	The course aims to provide the chemical, physical and technological knowledge required for the design and characterisation of new-generation structural and functional polymeric materials. The main topics cover biocomposites (polymer matrices reinforced with natural fibres), organic-inorganic hybrid materials (structures at the nanoscale and molecular level) and vitrimers, a revolutionary class of polymers based on dynamic covalent networks that combine the performance advantages of thermosets with the recyclability of thermoplastics.
Reference texts	- Mohanty, A. K., Misra, M., & Drzal, L. T. (2005). Natural Fibres, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites. CRC Press. - Key articles and reviews on vitrimers and dynamic networks - Recent scientific articles provided by the lecturer on the chemistry of dynamic networks and hybrid nanomaterials.
Educational objectives	- Understand the mechanisms of interfacial interaction in composite and hybrid materials and the chemical principles underlying the exchange of dynamic covalent bonds in glass-like polymers. - Be able to design the formulation of a hybrid material or a biocomposite by selecting suitable surface treatments to optimise adhesion between different phases. - Be able to assess the life cycle and sustainability of an advanced material, critically distinguishing when the use of a vitrimer or a biocomposite offers a real technological and environmental advantage over traditional materials.
Prerequisites	A basic understanding of the fundamental concepts of polymer science is required
Teaching methods	The course consists of lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations
Learning verification modality	Oral exam
Extended program	- Polymer Biocomposites: Classification of natural fibres (lignocellulosic, animal, mineral) and their hierarchical structure. - Polymer matrices for biocomposites: recycled conventional polymers vs. biopolymers (PLA, PHA). - Chemical (acetylation, silanisation) and physical (plasma) surface treatments. - Mechanical properties, environmental degradation and water absorption in biocomposites. - Definition and classification of hybrid materials - Dynamic Covalent Networks and Vitrimers - Associative exchange mechanisms (Vitrimers) vs. dissociative (Diels-Alder polymers). The network topology remains constant during exchange. - Rheological behaviour and deviation from the Arrhenius equation. - Unique properties of vitrimers: self-healing, weldability, chemical/mechanical recyclability and shape memory in cross-linked matrices.

Code	A006016
CFU	3
Teacher	Debora Puglia
Teachers	Florian Zikeli (Codocenza) Debora Puglia
Hours	8 ore (Codocenza) - Florian Zikeli 16 ore - Debora Puglia
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Ingegneria dei materiali
Sector	ING-IND/22
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	Italian
Contents	The course provides an in-depth study of macromolecules of biological origin and of biodegradable and/or bio-based synthetic polymers. The course examines structure-property relationships, extraction methods, chemical and biotechnological synthesis routes, as well as industrial processing methods. A significant part of the course is devoted to biodegradation mechanisms, composting regulations and life cycle assessment (LCA) as tools for evaluating the actual environmental impact of these materials as alternatives to traditional fossil-based plastics.
Reference texts	- Yu, L. (2009). Biodegradable Polymer Blends and Composites. John Wiley & Sons. - Relevant technical standards (UNI EN 13432, ASTM D6400)
Educational objectives	- Distinguish between the concepts of ‘bio-based’ (origin of the raw material) and ‘biodegradable’ (end-of-life behaviour), understanding the synthesis and degradation pathways of both categories. - Be able to select the most suitable biopolymer for a specific industrial application (food packaging, biomedical, agriculture) based on the required barrier, thermal and mechanical properties. - Critically assess the sustainability of biopolymers, balancing the use of agricultural land for non-food purposes (food vs. fuel/plastics) against the benefits of reducing the carbon footprint.
Prerequisites	Knowledge of the basic concepts of organic chemistry and polymer science
Teaching methods	The course consists of lectures supported by PowerPoint presentations
Learning verification modality	Oral exam
Extended program	- Introduction to and Classification of Biopolymers: the polymer sustainability framework: Bio-based vs. Petroleum-derived; Biodegradable vs. Durable. - Sources of biomass (first, second and third generation) and biorefineries. - Natural Biopolymers (Extracted from Biomass) - Polysaccharides: Cellulose and its derivatives (cellulose acetate, ethers); starch (native, plasticised and thermoplastic - TPS); chitin and chitosan; alginates. Structure, barrier properties and hydrophilicity. - Natural proteins and polyesters: Gluten, zein, collagen and gelatine. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): bacterial biotechnological synthesis, intracellular accumulation and properties of PHB and PHBV. - Synthetic biopolymers (from bio-based or fossil monomers) - Polylactic acid (PLA): Synthesis via direct condensation and via ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) of lactide. Stereochemistry of PLA (L-lactide, D-lactide, meso-lactide) and control of crystallinity. Mechanical properties and modifications (blending). - Aliphatic and Aliphatic-Aromatic Polyesters: Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polybutylene succinate (PBS), and Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT). Synthesis mechanisms and trade-off between flexibility and degradability. - Bio-based drop-in polymers: Bio-PE, Bio-PET and Bio-polyamides: synthesis from bio-ethanol and bio-oils without altering the properties of the traditional polymer. - Degradation mechanisms: chemical hydrolysis, enzymatic and microbial degradation. The influence of crystallinity, hydrophilicity and morphology on degradation kinetics. - Laboratory standards and certifications: the UNI EN 13432 standard for industrial composting. Requirements regarding disintegration, biodegradation and the ecotoxicity of residues.

Code	A006014
CFU	3
Teacher	Maurizio Natali
Teachers	Maurizio Natali
Hours	24 ore - Maurizio Natali
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Ingegneria dei materiali
Sector	ING-IND/22
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	Italian
Contents	This course will provide a detailed overview of high-temperature materials -also known as Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials - and will cover the manufacturing, the traditional and advanced thermal and thermo-mechanical testing. TPS materials are used in the production of the heat shields of probes and space vehicles and are also used in the production of chemical propulsion systems such as liquid fueled rocket engines or solid (or hybrid) rocket motors. At the end of the course, the student will be able to correctly identify the use of each class of high-temperature materials, helping her/him to get quickly integrated in the sector of the aerospace industry.
Reference texts	- P.K. Mallick, Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Materials, Manufacturing, and Design, CRC Press, [3 or 4 ed.]. - Ronald Gibson, Principles of Composite Material Mechanics, McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math. - G.F. D'Alelio and J. A. Parker, Ablative Plastics, 1971. - Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt, Theodore L. Bergman, Adrienne S. Lavine, Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer [6 ed.]. Other lecture notes or papers provided by the teacher.
Educational objectives	The student will be guided to understand the fundamental concepts behind the theory of TPS materials. At the end of the course the student will possess the basic tools at the base of the design of TPS materials.
Prerequisites	Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, structural mechanics, polymers.
Teaching methods	TEL-DE: the course consists of lectures with the aid of PDF texts, PPT. etc, videos. The course will be balanced in terms of theoretical and experimental concepts provided to the student through a unique approach aimed at maximizing the effectiveness of the teaching activity. The module consists of lectures using PDF presentations, PPT, videos, and teachings related to laboratory characterization techniques. Topics related to the module “HEAT TRANSFER AND ABLATION PROCESS” are preparatory to the module called “HIGH TEMPERATURE MATERIALS - HIGH TEMPERATURE MATERIALS.” Therefore, the fruition of the two modules must be in sequence with the order indicated. Each Activity will correspond to a video-recorded lecture of 10 to 20 min duration. In-person Activities: In this part of the course - exclusively in-presence that cannot be done through synchronous/asynchronous online lectures - integrative lessons on composite materials and manufacturing and characterization techniques, will be provided.
Other information
Learning verification modality	Oral exam – only in presence. The score is expressed in thirtieths. The test is considered passed upon reaching a score of 18/30. The test is held exclusively in presence and constitutes the Open Badge.
Extended program	Introduction to the different hyperthermal environments: the atmospheric reentry flight and classification based on heat fluxes, generalities on chemical propulsion, liquid engines and solid or hybrid rocket motors, specific and total impulse, the de Laval nozzle, structural materials the motor case, thrust vectoring; - Introduction to high temperature materials or Thermal Protection System (TPS); - Non-ablative TPS materials for atmospheric reentry: generalities on non-ablative TPS materials, low density ceramic materials, manufacturing processes, diffusion and sintering, Reusable Surface Insulation, the Space Shuttle heat shield; - Ablative TPS materials: refractory metals, ceramics, carbon materials, graphite, mechanisms of erosion and thermo-oxidation, introduction to polymeric ablative TPS materials, application examples in rocket propulsion; - Insulating materials: elastomeric matrix (EPDM and silicone), production methods (calendering, kneader, etc.), examples of EPDM/Kevlar formulations, SLA-561V, DC 93-104; vulcanization, peroxides, specific applications, rigid matrix insulating materials, production methods, wood, cork (P50); - Fiber-reinforced TPS materials: matrix classification, thermal and dimensional stability, phenolic matrices, cure cycles, carbon yield, generalities on fibers (glass, basalt, silica, carbon), surface treatment, fillers, thermal and mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced TPS materials; - Nanostructured TPS materials: introduction, differences between low and high heat flux ablation mechanisms; - Carbon/phenolic type fiber-reinforced TPS materials: fiber fabrication process (Rayon, PAN and pitch), differences between fiber types in terms of chemical functionalization and affinity to different polymer matrices, thermal and mechanical properties, production techniques of carbon/phenolic composites, applications, hints on sizing a carbon/phenolic laminate (new review); - Basic thermophysical characterization of TPS materials: thermodynamics, definition of heat capacity, thermal conductivity, temperature measurement theory, Seebeck effect, types of thermocouples, data acquisition systems, thermal characterization techniques (TGA/DTG/DTA, DSC, LFA), dimensional stability, characterization techniques (TMA), role of heating rate; - Advanced thermophysical characterization; - Advanced characterization of TPS materials: thermal conditions, chemical conditions, mechanical conditions, types of torches (plasma, arc-jet, HVOF, etc.), oxy-acetylene torch, determination of heat flux, calibration, types of calorimeters (slug, Gardon gages, etc.), role of oxidizer/fuel ratio, test examples, morphological characterization of flame-exposed surface, definition of mass loss and erosion rate, post-test and real time erosion rate measurement systems; - Advanced characterization of TPS materials using liquid propellant engine-based test beds, solid propellant engine-based test beds, NASA MSFC test system, hybrid engine-based test beds, X-ray analysis of TPS materials. - Ultra lightweight TPS materials: Lightweight Ceramic Ablators, Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablators, manufacturing methods; - Introduction to modeling ablative phenomena: introduction to mathematics governing the degradation of materials, degradation kinetics (Friedman's methods, Ozawa, etc.), Arrhenius' law determination of kinetic parameters by TGA, rule of mixtures, modeling of the thermal conductivity and heat capacity also as a function of temperature, mechanical erosion, differences between surface and volume ablation.

HIGH TEMPERATURE MATERIALS

Code	A006015
CFU	3
Teacher	Maurizio Natali
Teachers	Maurizio Natali
Hours	24 ore - Maurizio Natali
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Ingegneria dei materiali
Sector	ING-IND/22
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	Italian
Contents	This course will provide a detailed overview of high-temperature materials -also known as Thermal Protection System (TPS) materials - and will cover the manufacturing, the traditional and advanced thermal and thermo-mechanical testing. TPS materials are used in the production of the heat shields of probes and space vehicles and are also used in the production of chemical propulsion systems such as liquid fueled rocket engines or solid (or hybrid) rocket motors. At the end of the course, the student will be able to correctly identify the use of each class of high-temperature materials, helping her/him to get quickly integrated in the sector of the aerospace industry.
Reference texts	- P.K. Mallick, Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Materials, Manufacturing, and Design, CRC Press, [3 or 4 ed.]. - Ronald Gibson, Principles of Composite Material Mechanics, McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math. - G.F. D'Alelio and J. A. Parker, Ablative Plastics, 1971. - Frank P. Incropera, David P. DeWitt, Theodore L. Bergman, Adrienne S. Lavine, Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer [6 ed.]. Other lecture notes or papers provided by the teacher.
Educational objectives	The student will be guided to understand the fundamental concepts behind the theory of TPS materials. At the end of the course the student will possess the basic tools at the base of the design of TPS materials.
Prerequisites	Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, structural mechanics, polymers.
Teaching methods	TEL-DE: the course consists of lectures with the aid of PDF texts, PPT. etc, videos. The course will be balanced in terms of theoretical and experimental concepts provided to the student through a unique approach aimed at maximizing the effectiveness of the teaching activity. The module consists of lectures using PDF presentations, PPT, videos, and teachings related to laboratory characterization techniques. Topics related to the module “HEAT TRANSFER AND ABLATION PROCESS” are preparatory to the module called “HIGH TEMPERATURE MATERIALS - HIGH TEMPERATURE MATERIALS.” Therefore, the fruition of the two modules must be in sequence with the order indicated. Each Activity will correspond to a video-recorded lecture of 10 to 20 min duration. In-person Activities: In this part of the course - exclusively in-presence that cannot be done through synchronous/asynchronous online lectures - integrative lessons on composite materials and manufacturing and characterization techniques, will be provided.
Other information
Learning verification modality	Oral exam – only in presence. The score is expressed in thirtieths. The test is considered passed upon reaching a score of 18/30. The test is held exclusively in presence and constitutes the Open Badge.
Extended program	Introduction to the different hyperthermal environments: the atmospheric reentry flight and classification based on heat fluxes, generalities on chemical propulsion, liquid engines and solid or hybrid rocket motors, specific and total impulse, the de Laval nozzle, structural materials the motor case, thrust vectoring; - Introduction to high temperature materials or Thermal Protection System (TPS); - Non-ablative TPS materials for atmospheric reentry: generalities on non-ablative TPS materials, low density ceramic materials, manufacturing processes, diffusion and sintering, Reusable Surface Insulation, the Space Shuttle heat shield; - Ablative TPS materials: refractory metals, ceramics, carbon materials, graphite, mechanisms of erosion and thermo-oxidation, introduction to polymeric ablative TPS materials, application examples in rocket propulsion; - Insulating materials: elastomeric matrix (EPDM and silicone), production methods (calendering, kneader, etc.), examples of EPDM/Kevlar formulations, SLA-561V, DC 93-104; vulcanization, peroxides, specific applications, rigid matrix insulating materials, production methods, wood, cork (P50); - Fiber-reinforced TPS materials: matrix classification, thermal and dimensional stability, phenolic matrices, cure cycles, carbon yield, generalities on fibers (glass, basalt, silica, carbon), surface treatment, fillers, thermal and mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced TPS materials; - Nanostructured TPS materials: introduction, differences between low and high heat flux ablation mechanisms; - Carbon/phenolic type fiber-reinforced TPS materials: fiber fabrication process (Rayon, PAN and pitch), differences between fiber types in terms of chemical functionalization and affinity to different polymer matrices, thermal and mechanical properties, production techniques of carbon/phenolic composites, applications, hints on sizing a carbon/phenolic laminate (new review); - Basic thermophysical characterization of TPS materials: thermodynamics, definition of heat capacity, thermal conductivity, temperature measurement theory, Seebeck effect, types of thermocouples, data acquisition systems, thermal characterization techniques (TGA/DTG/DTA, DSC, LFA), dimensional stability, characterization techniques (TMA), role of heating rate; - Advanced thermophysical characterization; - Advanced characterization of TPS materials: thermal conditions, chemical conditions, mechanical conditions, types of torches (plasma, arc-jet, HVOF, etc.), oxy-acetylene torch, determination of heat flux, calibration, types of calorimeters (slug, Gardon gages, etc.), role of oxidizer/fuel ratio, test examples, morphological characterization of flame-exposed surface, definition of mass loss and erosion rate, post-test and real time erosion rate measurement systems; - Advanced characterization of TPS materials using liquid propellant engine-based test beds, solid propellant engine-based test beds, NASA MSFC test system, hybrid engine-based test beds, X-ray analysis of TPS materials. - Ultra lightweight TPS materials: Lightweight Ceramic Ablators, Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablators, manufacturing methods; - Introduction to modeling ablative phenomena: introduction to mathematics governing the degradation of materials, degradation kinetics (Friedman's methods, Ozawa, etc.), Arrhenius' law determination of kinetic parameters by TGA, rule of mixtures, modeling of the thermal conductivity and heat capacity also as a function of temperature, mechanical erosion, differences between surface and volume ablation.

Code	A006012
CFU	3
Teacher	Andrea Di Schino
Teachers	Andrea Di Schino
Hours	24 ore - Andrea Di Schino
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Ingegneria dei materiali
Sector	ING-IND/21
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	English
Contents	The course provides the basic skills needed for the selection of metallic materials intended for different conditions of use. The main contents concern: nature and properties of metallic materials, starting from the crystallographic aspects, to the defects, to the relationships between these and the macro-properties of the materials. Carbon steels, stainless steels and the main Al alloys are described in detail.
Reference texts	Teaching material including lecture slides, texts and solutions to the proposed exercises, tables, videos and more is available through the Unistudium platform.
Educational objectives	The teaching contributes to train the student on the methodological- operational aspects of engineering sciences in general and mechanical engineering in particular; It provides: 1. knowledge of the properties of metallic materials 2. ability to choose the process based on the properties of the material per energy application
Prerequisites	In order to understand and apply most of the concepts in teaching, preliminary knowledge of basic chemistry and physics is required.
Teaching methods	The course is organized in classroom lectures during which the topics covered in the course are addressed. All the teaching material used during the course – e.g. lecture slides, exercises completed and proposed, tables, videos and other content – is available through the Unistudium platform.
Other information	Further information is available through the Unistudium page of the course. The teacher is available for consultations at the end of each lesson; consultations with the teacher in person or through the Microsoft Teams platform can also be arranged at other times.
Learning verification modality	The exam consists of an oral test aimed at verifying knowledge of the topics covered.
Extended program	Microstructure Evolution at High Temperatures Creep at High Temperatures Creep Tests and Creep-Resistant Materials Surface Oxidation Phenomena Decarburization Phenomena Low-Temperature Embrittlement Phenomena Pipeline Steels: Microstructures Pipeline Steels: Microstructures-Properties Stainless Steels: General Information Families Stainless Steels: Steels for Energy Applications Stainless Steels: Applications in Turbine Plants Aluminum Alloys: General Information Aluminum Alloys: Effect of Alloying Elements Titanium Alloys: General Information Titanium Alloys: Effect of Alloying Elements Titanium Alloys: Families and Heat Treatments Copper Alloys: General Information Copper Alloys: Brasses Copper Alloys: Bronzes Zinc Alloys FeSi Steels
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile	Goal 4: Quality education • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Code	A006013
CFU	3
Teacher	Andrea Di Schino
Teachers	Andrea Di Schino
Hours	24 ore - Andrea Di Schino
Learning activities	Caratterizzante
Area	Ingegneria dei materiali
Sector	ING-IND/21
Type of study-unit	Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction	English
Contents	The course provides the basic skills needed to select metallic materials for nuclear applications. The main contents concern the nature and properties of metallic materials, starting from crystallographic aspects, defects, and the relationships between them and the macro- properties of materials.
Reference texts	Teaching material including lecture slides, texts and solutions to the proposed exercises, tables, videos and more is available through the Unistudium platform.
Educational objectives	The teaching contributes to train the student on the methodological- operational aspects of engineering sciences in general and mechanical engineering in particular; It provides: 1. knowledge of the properties of metallic materials 2. ability to choose the process based on the properties of the material.
Prerequisites	In order to understand and apply most of the concepts in teaching, preliminary knowledge of basic chemistry and physics is required.
Teaching methods	The course is organized in classroom lectures during which the topics covered in the course are addressed. All the teaching material used during the course – e.g. lecture slides, exercises completed and proposed, tables, videos and other content – is available through the Unistudium platform.
Other information	Further information is available through the Unistudium page of the course. The teacher is available for consultations at the end of each lesson; consultations with the teacher in person or through the Microsoft Teams platform can also be arranged at other times.
Learning verification modality	The exam consists of an oral test aimed at verifying knowledge of the topics covered.
Extended program	Nuclear Energy (Part 1) Nuclear Energy (Part 2) Nuclear Energy (Part 3) Nuclear Reactors (Part 1) Nuclear Reactors (Part 2) Nuclear Fusion Reactors Effects of Irradiation on Metals Prediction and Implications of Irradiation Damage Irradiation Swelling Irradiation Creep Effects of Irradiation on Mechanical Properties Effects of Irradiation on Localized Chemical Composition Materials for Fusion Austenitic Steels Ferritic-Martensitic Steels Reduced-Activation Ferritic-Martensitic Steels Vanadium Alloys Beryllium Tungsten Divertor Materials
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile	Goal 4: Quality education • Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure