Duration
15h Th
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
1. General introduction that exposes the global problem by presenting the life cycle of a polymer and discussing the different stages: synthesis of materials, processing, application, end of life (incinaration, recycling, chemical recovery). Particular attention will be paid to the use of polymers for the production of green energy (wind turbines, solar cells, etc.). The involvement of polymers in circular economy will be discussed.
2. The different families of biosourced and CO2-sourced monomers, as well as their polymers will be presented.
3. The different families of (bio) degradable polymers and the mechanisms of (bio) degradatoin will be presented
4. Special attention is given to synthesis techniques for the synthesis of typical polymers, biobased, CO2-sourced and / or biodegradable polymers. The evolution of polymerization techniques will be studied and their impact on the environment assessed.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
The student will master the knowledge on the synthesis of monomers and polymer materials, their processing, their application and their end of life (incinaration, recycling, chemical valorization) et will be able to discuss the impact of environment of each step of the life cycle of a polymer material.
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 made up of modules of 2 hours. Copies of the slights will be given to the students.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Further information:
The mode of delivery is face-to-face. The course may be delivered via videoconference with the common agreement of the instructor and students. Hybrid delivery will be considered if requested by students and provided justification is accepted by the instructor.
This course will be given in english. The switch to French required a unanimous approval of all the students present and of the lecturer. This option is only possible for courses fully in presential mode.
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- Microsoft Teams
Further information:
No reading is required for this course.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Other : Oral presentation of a bibliographic work and discussion
Further information:
The student will be able to choose between two options. The choice will be made in consultation with the instructor before the exam date.
1) The student will be required to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on a pre-determined topic, the purpose of which will be to discuss the environmental impact of a polymer or a family of polymers. The student is free to propose a topic. The topic must be approved by the instructor. The exam will be held in person (oral exam). In case of constraints, the exam may be organized via videoconference with the agreement of the student and instructor.
2) The student will randomly select a polymer or a family of polymers from a series of suggestions, and will be asked to discuss the environmental impact of each polymer or family. The oral exam will be held in person, and the student will be given preparation time to write a written report incorporating the discussion points.
1+2) Whether the chosen option is the first or second, the student will be required
to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts and definitions covered in the course.
Grading will be based on the scientific quality of the discussion and the student's
grasp of the concepts and definitions covered in the course.
Work placement(s)
No training is foreseen.
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
The schedule will be set up based on the availability of students following this course.
Contacts
For any question, please contact Philippe Lecomte at the following address : Philippe.Lecomte@uliege.be
Association of one or more MOOCs
There is no MOOC associated with this course.