Polymeric Materials

Code:

L.EMAT023

Acronym:

MP

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Science and Technology of Materials

Instance: 2024/2025 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Materials Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
L.EMAT	29	Syllabus	3	-	6	52	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The objectives to achieve are as follows:
1. To identify the importance of polymeric materials in engineering and in today's society. To recognize the
environmental problems associated with polymers
To know the main polymer synthesis methods, as well as the most used technologies for the industrial manufacture
of polymers
3. To master the relationship between the structure, the chemistry and the properties of polymers
4. To be able to define a polymer(s) or polymer adhesive suitable for a particular engineering application
5. To learn how to develop polymer synthesis and characterization work in a chemistry lab safely and efficiently
6. To develop teamwork skills.

Learning outcomes and competences

- Consolidation and integration of knowledge from many disciplines , including chemistry, physics and mechanics
- Analysis of engineering problems and proposed solutions in terms of materials and design parts
- Consolidation of knowledge through laboratory experimentation
- Learning through discussion and team work

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Basic knowledge of chemistry, especially organic chemistry, and materials science

Program

I. Introduction to polymers
History and importance of polymers. Definition of polymer and copolymer. Isomerism. Polymer Classification
II. Polymer Synthesis
Polymerization mechanisms.
III. Structure and properties of polymers
Molecular weight of a polymer. Chains arrangement. Crystallinity and defects. Mechanical properties and their
relationship with structure and chemistry. Melting and glass transition temperature. The elastomers.
IV. Thermoplastics and thermosetting products of general application. Properties and applications.
V. Polymeric Additives
VI. Properties and applications of hydrogels
VII. Polymer characterization techniques
VIII. Adhesives
IX. Speciality engineering polymers
X. Polymer degradation and environment problems
XI. Polymer recycling
XII. Introduction to the study of polymer matrix composites
Matrix types and reinforcements, requirements and properties. Relationship between structure and properties. Natural
composites. Composites with commercial interest.

Mandatory literature

Carraher C.E. & Charles E. ; Introduction to polymer chemistry, Taylor & Francis Inc, 2017. ISBN: 9781498737616
Joel R. Fried; Polymer science and technology. ISBN: 0-13-018168-4

Complementary Bibliography

Smith, William F.; Principios de ciência e engenharia dos materiais. ISBN: 972-8298-68-4
Morrison, R.; Química orgânica. ISBN: 972-31-0513-6
Askeland, Donald R.; The science and engineering of materials. ISBN: 0-7487-4083-X

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course will be developed with theoretical-practical (TP) and laboratory (PL) classes. In the TP classes the students
will be stimulated to participate in the process of exposure of the subjects.
In order to complement the theoretical training and stimulate the taste for the subjects, the students will have
laboratorial classes during which they will work in groups of 2-3 elements, and perform laboratory works related to
the classes. The results will be summarized in a final report.
Students will also make 1-2 study visits to companies.

keywords

Technological sciences > Technology > Chemical technology > Polymer technology
Technological sciences > Engineering > Materials engineering
Technological sciences > Technology > Materials technology > Plastics technology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	45,00
Teste	25,00
Trabalho laboratorial	30,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	110,00
Frequência das aulas	52,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Students must obtain a minimum score of 10 points in the weighted sum of the theoretical and practical components, and the final exam grade cannot be less than 9 out of 20.
The system of absences in force at FEUP will be applied in laboratory practical and TP classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not applicable

Internship work/project

Not applicable

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

An exam. However, students can opt to be evaluated as regular students

Classification improvement

The classification can be improved by taking a new final exam, weighted with the classification obtained in the practical component.