2024-2025 / CHIM9234-1

Polymers and environment, Part A

Duration

15h Th

Number of credits

 Master in chemistry, research focus (AMIS)2 crédits 
 Master in chemistry, research focus (FAME AIS)2 crédits 
 Master in physics, research focus (AMIS)2 crédits 
 Master in physics, research focus (FAME-AIS)2 crédits 

Lecturer

Philippe Lecomte

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

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.).
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 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, hybrid learning)

The mode of delivery is face-to-face. The course will be delivered by videoconference if the evolution of the COVID-19 outbreak requires it.  
This course will be given in english. The switch to French required a unanimous approval of all the students present and of the lecturer.

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

Continuous assessment

Other : Oral presentation of a bibliographic work and discussion


Additional information:

The student will have to prepare a powerpoint presentation on a topic decided before the exam with the aim to discuss the impact on the environment of a polymer or a family of polymers. The student has the possibility to propose a topic.

The examination will take place face to face. In specidal circumstances, the use of videoconference will be considered only if required by sanitary rules or by common agreement between the student and the lecturer.

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.