Polymer Science

This course aims to provide students with a clear and in-depth understanding of the fundamental concepts relating to the synthesis and physical-chemical characterization of polymers, thus preparing them to study advanced courses in the discipline. In the initial phase, basic polymer concepts and definitions will be introduced. Subsequently, students will delve into both classical and advanced mechanisms of polymer synthesis, with particular attention to the controlled synthesis of complex polymer architectures, including controlled radical polymerization and ring-opening polymerization. The course will also cover the physical chemistry of polymer solutions and blends, the thermal properties of polymers and the techniques for their determination. Finally, a complete overview of the different methods of determining molecular masses, both traditional and advanced, will be provided.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Define the basic concepts and terms essential for the study of polymer science.
2. Identify the classes of polymerizable monomers with the synthetic mechanisms described.
3. Describe the fundamental mechanisms used for the synthesis of complex and controlled polymer architectures, using living polymerization mechanisms.
4. Define the basic concepts related to polymer solutions.
5. Understand the different characteristics of the amorphous and crystalline solid state of polymers and the influence of the transition temperatures typical of these states on the physical properties and workability of the polymers.
6. Interpret simple calorimetric traces of the DSC type, identifying melting and glass transition temperatures and physical aging phenomena.
7. Interpret simple thermogravimetric (TGA) plots to determine the thermal stability of polymers and the composition of polymer blends.
8. Interpret simple MALDI-TOF spectra for the identification of the distribution of the molecular masses of the polymers and their structural details.
9. Interpret simple SEC spectra and determine the molecular weights of polymers.