2025
Introduction to the Chemistry of Polymers
Name: Introduction to the Chemistry of Polymers
Code: QUI14179L
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Chemistry
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Based on the knowledge acquired in some previous course units, which were transverse to physics and chemistry, students will be introduced to polymer chemistry. The objectives to be achieved in this optional unit are the basic knowledge about polymeric materials namely, structure, properties, synthesis and production, technology, applications, reuse and recycling from the environmental and economic perspectives.
The competences to be developed by the students are: a) to understand the importance of polymer chemistry, in particular, in today's society and looking to the future; b) to interpret the applications and development of these materials in a multiplicity of domains (research, industry, consumer, health and welfare, and the exploration of new domains); c) to perform synthesis and characterization of polymers; d) individual and group research work; e) written and oral presentation of research work.
The competences to be developed by the students are: a) to understand the importance of polymer chemistry, in particular, in today's society and looking to the future; b) to interpret the applications and development of these materials in a multiplicity of domains (research, industry, consumer, health and welfare, and the exploration of new domains); c) to perform synthesis and characterization of polymers; d) individual and group research work; e) written and oral presentation of research work.
Contents
The key programme contents are
- Introduction, morphology and structure of polymers
- Molecular weight in polymers
- Polymer classification (nature, structure, application)
- Types of polymerisation
- Polymerisation reactions
- Physical and chemical characterization (mechanical, thermal, chemical resistance, conductivity, rheological and other properties)
- Other components such as additives, fillers, dyes and reinforcements in polymerisation processes
- Polymeric composites
- Polymer applications in areas such as environment, health, energy, electronics, transport and communications, optics, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, biology, security
- The circular economy vs, linear economy
- Characterization techniques (FTIR, DRX, Microscopy, Porosimetry; Thermal, Rheology, GC, Viscosimetry and others)
- Carrying out laboratory activities related to the characterization, preparation and application of polymers
- Exercise resolution in the field of polymers
-Research work and its presentation.
- Introduction, morphology and structure of polymers
- Molecular weight in polymers
- Polymer classification (nature, structure, application)
- Types of polymerisation
- Polymerisation reactions
- Physical and chemical characterization (mechanical, thermal, chemical resistance, conductivity, rheological and other properties)
- Other components such as additives, fillers, dyes and reinforcements in polymerisation processes
- Polymeric composites
- Polymer applications in areas such as environment, health, energy, electronics, transport and communications, optics, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, biology, security
- The circular economy vs, linear economy
- Characterization techniques (FTIR, DRX, Microscopy, Porosimetry; Thermal, Rheology, GC, Viscosimetry and others)
- Carrying out laboratory activities related to the characterization, preparation and application of polymers
- Exercise resolution in the field of polymers
-Research work and its presentation.
Teaching Methods
The teaching is based on an integrated set of classes of different types, with theoretical, theoretical-practical and laboratory components. On theoretical classes the subjects are presented, whenever possible supported in experimental aspects, and the interaction with the students will be spontaneous or encouraged by the continuous flow of questions and answers, which will generate a favourable dynamic. Current bibliographic sources and exercises will be made available to students. The correction of these and the resolution of difficulties experienced will take place in theoretical-practical classes. The preparation and characterization of some polymeric materials will occur in the laboratory component.
The evaluation is composed of written tests (frequencies or final exam, T classification) and elements of continuous evaluation (experimental reports, elaboration of monograph and respective presentation, AC classification), corresponding to a final classification of 0.6T+0.4AC.
The evaluation is composed of written tests (frequencies or final exam, T classification) and elements of continuous evaluation (experimental reports, elaboration of monograph and respective presentation, AC classification), corresponding to a final classification of 0.6T+0.4AC.
Accreditations and Certifications
