Macromolecular chemistry

The aim of the course is to illustrate the mechanistic, kinetic and productive aspects of polymeric materials, correlating their chemical-physical properties with the molecular properties.

 Details of the expected learning outcomes

-Knowledge and understanding: knowledge of the main chemical and phenomenological aspects related to the synthesis of polymers and  the structure-property correlations;

-Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: being able to develop chemical synthesis processes in relation to the type of polymers to be obtained and their use. Development of knowledge useful for the application of different instrumental/analytical techniques useful for the determination of polymeric properties;

-Making judgements: allow the objective evaluation of the chemical-physical properties of the polymers correlated to the methods of preparation and to the fields of application of the same;

-Communication skills (communication skills): develop and/or improve the ability to present even complex scientific concepts by implementing the technical terminologies suitable for polymeric materials;

Learning skills: Apply techniques and theoretical models for solving problems of macromolecular chemistry.

Information for students with disabilities and/or SLD

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory measures, based on the educational objectives and specific needs.

In this case, it is advisable to contact the CInAP (Centre for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) professor of the Department where the Degree Course is included.

The course will be co-taught by Professors Placido Mineo (Lectures, 4 CFU) and Angelo Nicosia (Laboratory, 2 CFU).  

To better finalize each individual lesson, also considering the preparation and/or attention level of the students, a didactic/interactive engagement with the students is established during the lessons.  

Experimental activities in the laboratory.  

Before carrying out the laboratory experiments, brief theoretical introductions are conducted that are preparatory to the subsequent experiences. These theoretical introductions allow verifying the students' preparation and deepening certain topics, preparatory to the laboratory activities, in order to better finalize learning and improve the students' awareness during the laboratory experiences.  

If the course is delivered in a blended or remote mode, necessary adjustments may be introduced compared to what is stated above, in order to comply with the program outlined in the syllabus.

Structure of polymers: Nomenclature and constitutional analysis; Structure-Property Relationship; Configurational analysis; microtacticity and NMR analysis; Conformational analysis of macromolecules in the solid state and helical symmetries.  

Molecular weights of polymers, degree of polymerization, and polydispersity.  

Mechanisms and kinetics in the synthesis of polymers and copolymers obtained by step-growth and chain polymerization, in homogeneous and heterogeneous phases.  

The laboratory activity will focus on the synthesis and purification of polymers obtained by step-growth and chain polymerization. Additionally, aspects related to polymer characterization will be demonstrated.  

- Lecture notes (available in the UNICT Studium platform)

-Oral exam:  

Structure of polymers: Nomenclature and constitutional analysis;  

Structure-Property relationship;  

Configurational analysis;  

Microtacticity;  

Conformational analysis of macromolecules in the solid state and helical symmetries.  

Molecular weights of polymers, degree of polymerization, and polydispersity.  

Mechanisms and kinetics in the synthesis of polymers and copolymers obtained by step-growth and chain polymerization, in homogeneous and heterogeneous phases.  

Polymer production processes  

Synthesis of the most common polymers.  

Some questions will focus on commenting on possible errors made in writing the laboratory reports.  

The candidate describes the preliminary operations, laboratory instrumentation, and operational procedures necessary to carry out the required synthesis.  

The candidate describes and comments on the theoretical approach and mathematical operations used in calculating the average molecular weights during the processing of GPC chromatogram data.  

The candidate describes the viscometric approach to calculating the average molecular weights of polymers.  

-Written exam:  

poly(phenylene carbonate)  

copoly(cyclohexene-propylene)  

poly(naphthalene ether)  

diblock copolymer nylon6 – poly(acrylonitrile)  

polypropylene (industrial production)  

dendrimeric polyester  

Kevlar  

vinyl acetate-vinyl alcohol copolymer  

low-density polyethylene  

polyethylene oxide  

polyethersulfone  

CatecholIsophthalate-co-ResorcinolIsophthalate copolymer  

*Catechol = 1,2 dihydroxybenzene  

**Resorcinol = 1,3 dihydroxybenzene  

Butyl rubber  

polyetherurea  

novolacs  

PVC industrial production  

poly ether-ether-amide  

terpolymer vinyl chloride-acrylic acid-methyl methacrylate (60:30:10)  

PEEK  

polyphenylene oxide-naphthalene oxide (alternating copolymer)  

product obtainable from the reaction: 1,2-phthaloyl dichloride + 1,3-propylene glycol + polyethylene glycol (2:1:1)  

poly(1,3 phenylene-1,4 phthalate)  

polyureaimide  

nylon6,6-carbonate(BPA) block copolymer  

polyTHF  

star polystyrene  

LLDPE