ECTS - University of Pisa
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FUNDAMENTALS OF POLYMER PROCESSING
ANDREA LAZZERI
Academic year2022/23
CourseMATERIALS AND NANOTECHNOLOGY
Code1000I
Credits9
PeriodSemester 2
LanguageEnglish

ModulesAreaTypeHoursTeacher(s)
FUNDAMENTALS OF POLYMER PROCESSINGING-IND/22LEZIONI72
VITO GIGANTE unimap
ANDREA LAZZERI unimap
Syllabus not available in selected language
Learning outcomes
Knowledge

After the completion of the course the students will have the following knowledges:

  • Understand the mathematical equation behind the typical polymer processing operations.
  • Capability to design solutions in the field of polymer processing and to optimize the processes.
  • Study the correlation morphology/properties for polymeric compounds, in particular to understand how the processing can influence the final properties of a polymeric system. 
Assessment criteria of knowledge

Knowledge will be assessed via:

  • ongoing lab experiences
  • Final Project
  • Final Oral Exam
Skills

Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate a good understanding of rheology in relation to pseudoplastic behavior.
  • Demonstrate the ability to completely understand the processing operations like twin-screw extrusion, injection molding, 3D printing, thermoforming.
  • Ability to use a simulation software to optimize process parameter for the twin-screw extrusion.
Assessment criteria of skills

Skills will be assessed via:

  • ongoing lab experiences
  • Final Project
  • Final Oral Exam
Behaviors

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • Design a screw configuration in relation to the compound/composite to extrude
  • Design a mold for injection molding process avoiding defects.
  • Evaluate the Transport Phenomena Balance Equations & Model Simplifications in the field of polymer processing.
  • Evaluate the chemical, rheological and physical features of the polyemrs in relation to the processing operations.
Assessment criteria of behaviors

Behaviors will be assessed via:

  • ongoing lab experiences
  • Final Project
  • Final Oral Exam
Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry and rheology
Syllabus
  • Introduction and presentation of the course: Historical Backgorund, general properties, macromolecular structure & molecular weight.
  • Generalities and background on polymers: Arrangement of Polymer Molecules; Copolymer and Blends.
  • Overview on polymers features: viscoelasticity, cristallinity and mechanical behaviour.
  • Polymer additives.
  • Melt Rheology: What is reology? Newton's law; Types of fluids.
  • Empyrical models for viscosity.
  • Overview and description of the main polymer processes: Extrusion (single screw and twin-screw).
  • Isothermal flow in channels with circular or rectangular section.
  • Overview on Distributive and Dispersive Mixing - Mixing Devices.
  • Overview: Blow Molding; Thermoforming; Calendering; Compression Molding; foaming; Rotational Overview: Additive Manifacturing; fiber spinning.
  • Transport Phenomena in Polymer Processing: Dimensional Analysis and Scaling.
  • Transport Phenomena: Balance Equations & Model Simplification.
  • Transport phenomena: Simple Models in Polymer Processing.
  • Transport Phenomena: Mechanics of Particulate Solids.
  • Modeling of Injection molding - Isothermal and non-isothermal flows.
  • Twin-screw extrusion: applications of polymer blends and composites; more in-depth of twin screw extrusion features and modeling result examples.
  • Lab Experience I - Melt Flow tester.
  • Lab Experience II - Minilab rectangular section rheometer.
  • Lab Experience III - Minilab as Microcompounder and Compression Molding.
  • Lab Experience IV - twin-screw extrusion.
  • Lab Experience V - Injection molding.
  • Ludovic Software Simulation - A general Introduction, Screw design and Geometry Parameters.
  • Ludovic Software Simulation: Product recipes and Simulation Resylt analysis.
  • Ludovic Software Simulation - DOE Analysis.
  • Ludovic Software: Cases studies and exercises for students.
Bibliography
  • Osswald, Tim A. Understanding polymer processing: processes and governing equations. Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH Co KG, 2017.
  • Tadmor, Zehev, and Costas G. Gogos. Principles of polymer processing. John Wiley & Sons, 2006.
  • Course Slides
Assessment methods
  • Final Project + Oral Exam
Notes

The fundamental objective of the course is to connect the features of polymeric materials with primary and secondary processing technologies in order to achieve the desired final properties through processing and optimisation of process parameters.
Updated: 18/01/2023 12:00