2017-2018 / CHIM9234-1

Polymers and environment

Duration

15h Th

Number of credits

 Master in chemistry (120 ECTS) (FAME - Erasmus mundus)2 crédits 
 Master in physics (120 ECTS) (FAME - Erasmus mundus)2 crédits 

Lecturer

Philippe Lecomte

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The different techniques used to synthesize homopolymers and copolymers (random and block) will be introduced (chain-growth polymerization, step-growth polymerization, anionic and cationic polymerizations, radical polymerization, coordination polymerization, ring-opening polymerization). These techniques will be compared in terms of environmental concerns. The concept of living polymerization will be introduced. A special attention will be paid to the synthesis of bio-based and biodegradable polymers. Finally, it will be shown that architecture of homopolymers (block copolymers, comb-shaped polymers, star-shaped polymers, branched polymers, networks) as well as the blending of different polymers enables to tailor the properties of polymer materials, which is usefull for many applications akin to environment.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

The student will have to acquire all the knowledges related to the synthesis of macromoleculesand he will have to understand the impact of the modifications of the materiel at the molecular level onto the macrospcopic properties.  The student will have to be able to discuss the implications on environment of both aspects

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

A basic knowledge in organic chemistry and in macromolecular chemistry is required.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The oral course is madu up of 7 modules of 2 hours and one last module of one hour. Copies of the slights will be given to the students.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

The mode of delivery is face-to-face. This course will be given in english.

Recommended or required readings

No reading is required for this course.

Assessment methods and criteria

Oral exam with a written preparation.

Work placement(s)

No training is foreseen.

Organizational remarks

The schedule will be organized with the students who decided to follow this course.

Contacts

For any question, please contact Philippe Lecomte at the following address : philippe.lecomte@ulg.ac.be