cookieImage
2025-2026 / CHIM9319-1

Chemistry and technology of polymers

Duration

30h Th, 10h Proj., 12h Labo.

Number of credits

 Master MSc. in Biomedical Engineering, professional focus5 crédits 
 Master MSc. in Chemical and Materials Science Engineering, professional focus in Chemical Engineering5 crédits 

Lecturer

Antoine Debuigne, Klaus Keck-Antoine

Coordinator

Klaus Keck-Antoine

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Lectures (30 h)


Outline 

1. General Introduction on Polymers

2. Chemistry of Polymers

2.1. Polymer Structure

2.2. Polymer Properties

2.3. Polymer Synthesis

3. Technology of Polymers

3.1. Introduction and Terminology

3.2. Industrial Considerations

3.3. Polymerization Technology

3.4. Modifications during Polymerization

3.5. Mixing and Homogenization

3.6. Shaping and Orientation

3.7. Modifications with Additives

4. End-of-Life Options

4.1. Introduction and Terminology

4.2. Routes to Recycling

4.3. Requirements for Recycling

4.4. Outlook on Energy and Resource Management       


Practical laboratory work (TP 12 hours)
The practical laboratory sessions will take place in small groups through collaborative work. Each team will be responsible for developing a project linked to a specific theme, designed to illustrate some fundamental concepts of polymer chemistry and technology. Emphasis will be placed on experimental work, critical interpretation of results, and connection to the theoretical notions studied in class. A written report will be required and will be evaluated as part of the final grade.

 
Project work (10 hours)
The project involves preparing and delivering a scientific presentation on the work completed in the lab sessions (TP). Each group is expected to outline the initial problem, present the experimental techniques used, illustrate the results in a structured and critical way, and explain the underlying theoretical concepts. This exercise is designed to develop both scientific skills (rigor, critical thinking, integration of theory and practice) and transferable skills (oral communication, teamwork, synthesis). The presentation will be evaluated as part of the final grade.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Ability to understand the basic chemical principles and technology procedures to manufacture polymers on an industrial scale. Understanding of the corresponding advantages & limitations.

Ability to apply the acquired principles to un-known situations. Ability to assess an assigned technical project within a working group and derive joint conclusions

This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.1, II.2, II.3, III.2, III.3, III.4, IV.2, VI.1, VI.2, VII.2 of the MSc in biomedical engineering.


This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.1, II.2, II.3, III.2, III.3, III.4, IV.2, VI.1, VI.2, VII.2 of the MSc in chemical and material science engineering.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Medium level English to follow the course. Ability to present the outcome of the group project work orally in English.

Introduction to polymers physics (ULg course PHYS00038-2)

Basic organic chemistry courses.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Lectures covering theory and industrial aspects (30 h)

Practical laboratory work (12 h)

Project (10 h)

Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)

Blended learning


Further information:

Lectures will be given based on powerpoint presentation face-to-face or by visio if required by the situation.

Practical laboratory work will take place in B6d.

Course materials and recommended or required readings

Bonten; Plastics Technology - Introduction and Fondamentals - Hanser Publishers

Paul C. Hiemenz, Timothy P. Lodge - Polymer Chemistry- CRC Press, 2007, ISBN 9781574447798

Exam(s) in session

Any session

- In-person

written exam


Further information:

- The knowledge of the course will be evaluated through a written exam in English (with no additional tools (except calculator) or books allowed) and will account for the majority of the final grade.

- The written TP report will count in the final grade (out of exam session).

- The oral presentation of the project will be evaluated as part of the final grade. (out of exam session).

Work placement(s)

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

Contacts

Chemistry of Polymers: 

Debuigne Antoine

adebuigne@uliege.be

 

Technology of Polymers:

Klaus Keck

akkaklaus5691@gmail.com

 

Association of one or more MOOCs