Synthetic and Biobased Polymers

The aim of the course is the introduction to the basic knowledge of the science of polymers, be they of petrochemical origin or deriving from natural sources, preparatory to the study of advanced courses in this sector. The course was divided into three sections, each with specific sub-objectives.
In the first section, dedicated to the introduction to polymer science, the student will learn the definitions and basic notions relating to polymer science.
In the second section, dedicated to synthetic polymers, the student will learn the classical polymerization mechanisms which include the mechanism of step polymerization and polymerizations with radical, ionic and coordinated chain mechanisms.
In the third section, dedicated to polymers from natural sources, the student will learn the definitions and classifications relating to biopolymers and bioplastics. The main families of biopolymers, their functions in nature and their role in human technological development will be discussed. The student will learn the influence of the structural parameters of biopolymers on their properties, degradation mechanisms and related degradation products.
He will also learn the chemical modification strategies of biopolymers for the production of bioplastics, biomass fermentation processes and polymerization of monomers deriving from renewable sources; their applications, their methods of chemical, physical and biological degradation.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:
1. Define the basic concepts preparatory to the study of polymer science, including the concept of molecular mass distribution and its determination, and the characteristics of the amorphous and crystalline solid state of polymers.
2. Describe the classical mechanisms used for the synthesis of polymers, such as step-growth polymerization, radical, ionic and coordinated chain-growth polymerizations and predict the behavior of the average degree of polymerization as a function of conversion in the various polymerization processes.
3. Classify biopolymers and predict their properties and applicability based on their chemical structure.
4. Classify bioplastics and their main application sectors.
5. Describe the main production methods of bioplastics, whether derived from fossil or renewable sources, biodegradable or non-biodegradable.
6. Describe the properties of the main bioplastics from a commercial point of view and compare them with the "classic" alternatives derived from petroleum.
7. Define the concept of "structure-activity" relationship and learn to predict the trend of the properties of polymeric materials in relation to their structural characteristics.
8. Describe the chemical, physical and biological degradation methods of biopolymers and bioplastics.