Corso di laurea in Chimica e Tecnologie Chimiche

Periodic system and properties of elements. Fundamentals of Kinetics
and Thermodynamics. Fundamentals of organic chemistry

The main purpose of the course is the understanding of the development of the microstructures of metals and structures of polymers that determine the properties of the materials.

Students will be provided with the essential information on the structure of metals and alloys, their processing through heat treatment and the basic knowledge of the synthesis, chemical and physical properties, and applications of polymeric substances.

The course includes a description of the thermodynamics of alloys, the mechanisms of formation of microstructures in metallic and polymeric materials, polymerization processes and transformations process of the main polymers.

Course qualification is awarded to students who:

•  have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in the field of polymer and metal materials, with special attention to relations among structure and properties and to the chemical (synthesis) and physical (processes) method to attaining such properties.

• that they can apply this knowledge and comprehension in a manner that indicates a thorough and informed approach to their work, and have competences typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments, and formulating and solving problems within the field of polymer and metal materials;

• that they have a mastery of a number of specialized skills and tools which they can use selectively to address complex problems, including design problems;

• that they can communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialist and nonspecialist audiences;

• that they have developed those learning skills which are necessary for them to continue to undertake further study at a Master Degree Diploma.

- Structures in metals and alloys. Lattices fcc, hcp, bcc.

- Defects in metals and alloys: point defects, dislocations, grain boundaries.

- Alloys: solid solutions and intermetallic compounds.

- Phase diagrams.

- Ferrous alloys. The Fe-C phase diagram. Steels and cast irons.

- Non-ferrous alloys: Cu, Ti, Al.

- Mechanical properties. Stress-strain curves. Resilience, hardness, creep. Deformation mechanisms.

- The phase transformations in metallurgy. Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects. Formation of microstructures. Diffusion. Nucleation and growth. Precipitation.

- Oxidation and corrosion of metals.

MODULE POLYMERS - BRACCO

- Introduction to polymeric materials: historical, economic aspects.
Definition and classifications
- Microstructure of polymers: linear polymers, branched, crosslinked;
homopolymers and copolymers; sequence and geometric isomers,
stereoisomers; conformations of polymer chains
- Synthesis of polymers. Step-growth and chain polymerizations.
Polymerization kinetics
- Polymerization processes: in bulk, in solution, interfacial, dispersion
- Average molecular weights and molecular weight distributions
- Glassy state , glass transition temperature, descriptive models and
phenomenology
- Crystalline polymer phases, thermodynamics and kinetics of
crystallization, structural requirements
- Mechanical properties of polymeric materials, stress-strain curves,
viscoelastic behavior of polymers, creep and relaxation, hardness
- Production and processing of thermoplastics, thermosets and
elastomers
- Biopolymers

Lectures in presence (64 hours: 32h polymers + 32h metals)

The learning assessment will be done by TWO written tests, scheduled for different dates, one on the chemistry of metals and one on the chemistry of polymers. Each exam topic will consist of three open questions. The following aspects will be assessed: ability to discursively organize knowledge; critical reasoning skills; quality of exposure.
The time available will be ONE HOUR for each test.
It is not possible to pass the exam if sufficient knowledge of both the Metals and the Polymers part is not demonstrated, therefore the overall mark will be expressed in thirtieths and will correspond to the average of the marks expressed in thirtieths for the parts of metals and polymers, evaluated separately. Grades below 18/30 correspond to failed.
In the event of passing one of the tests (Metals or Polymers), the student will have ONE CALENDAR YEAR available to pass the other and record the final grade. After this period, it will be necessary to repeat both tests.

People passing both tests within 12 months need to register to the "appello verbalizzante" in order to record the final grade.
In the days following the tests, meetings will be convened with the students and the teachers will be available for any explanation concerning the evaluation.

Teachers are available by appointment to discuss, repeat and clarify the topics covered in class.

Students with SLD or disabilities are invited to read the support methods (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-studio/studenti-con-disabilita) and reception methods (https://www.unito. it/interno -studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa) of the University, and in particular the procedures necessary for support during the exam (https://www.unito.it/servizi/lo-study/ students-with-disabilities/support -for-students-with-disabilities-who-take-exams).

The recommended texts are:

W. F. Smith, J. Hashemi, Scienza e tecnologia dei materiali, McGraw-Hill, Milano, 2008.

W. D. Callister, Scienza ed Ingegneria dei Materiali, EdiSES, Napoli, 2002

E. Pedemonte, Fondamenti di Struttura, proprietà e tecnologia dei polimeri, Edizioni Nuova Cultura, 2011 (link)

E. Princi, Sintesi di Polimeri, Edizioni Nuova Cultura, 2012 (link) OR G. Odian, Principles of  Polymerization -; fourth edition, John Wiley & Sons, 2004

It is strongly advised to use the following material for insights and additions: slides presented in class and teachers' notes (see Moodle below)