Learning outcomes expected at the level of the course (4 to 10 learning outcomes) |
- distinguish commodity plastics and their application
- recognition of the structure and properties of polymers
- knowledge of the signs on plastic packaging and their meaning
- recognition of possible impact of polymerization processes on the environment
- recognition of environmental impact on polymers
- distinguish biodegradable poloymers
- perception of importance of plastic waste management toward lowering environmental pollution |
Course content broken down in detail by weekly class schedule (syllabus) |
1st week: Historical overview and world consumption of polymeric materials. Basic terms principles of polymer chemistry.
2nd week: Molecular and supermolecular structure of polymers. Physical and phase states. Thermomechanical curve. Classification of polymers (thermoplastic, elastomeric and thermosetting).
3rd week: Commodity polymers (PE, PP, PVC, PS, PET) and their properties and application. Symbols on the plastics packaging and their importance.
4th week: Polymers and the environment, global and local importance.
Environmental impact during production and processing oh polymers. Air emissions.
5th week: Waste waters, hazardous materials, other waste. Emission prevention and control in polymerization processes (PVC and PE polymerization)..
6th week: Process improvement by implementation of ”green” chemistry. Polymers and energy consumption.
7th week: First test.
8th week: Environmental impact on polymers (insolation, temperature, moisture, oxygen, atmospheric pollutants). Degradation mechanisms in polymers.
9th week: Thermal degradation. Oxidative degradation. Atmospheric pollutants. Ageing of polymer in the environmental and laboratory conditions.
10th week: Flammability and burning of polymers. Burning mechanisms. Burning test methods. Toxic emission from plastics burning.
11th week: Polymers in marine environment. Biodegradable polymers from renewable resources and petrochemicals (PHB, PLLA) production, properties and application.
12th week: Biodegradable water soluble polymers (PEO, PVA), properties and application. Improvement of polymers (bio)degradability by modification. Standard biodegradability tests.
13th week: Plastic and rubber waste management system.
14th week: Recycling and regeneration of plastic and rubber.
15th week: Second test. |
