529-0615-00L  Polymerization Reaction and Colloid Engineering

SemesterAutumn Semester 2016
LecturersM. Morbidelli, P. Arosio
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
529-0615-00 GPolymerization Reaction and Colloid Engineering3 hrs
Tue13:45-15:30HCI J 3 »
Wed11:45-12:30HCI J 6 »
22.11.13:45-15:30HPT C 103 »
M. Morbidelli, P. Arosio

Catalogue data

AbstractPolymerization reactions and processes. Homogeneous and heterogeneous (emulsion) kinetics of free radical polymerization. Product characterization in terms of distributions of molecular weight, chain composition and chain sequences. Design of homo- and co-polymerization processes for specific product characteristics. Post treatment of polymer colloids. Kinetics and design of aggregation processes.
ObjectiveIntroduce the students to the design of polymerization reactors for the production of polymers with molecular characteristics suitably tuned for specific applications. This includes the post-treatment of polymer latexes and the analysis of their colloidal behavior.
ContentThe aim of the course is to provide the tools needed for the understanding of the fundamental processes and the design of the industrial units involved in the production of polymeric materials and in the post-treatment of polymer colloids. In particular, the following topics are discussed: Physico-chemical characterization of polymers and description of the polymerization processes. Kinetics of free-radical polymerization and use of population balance models. Production of homo- and co-polymers with controlled characteristics in terms of molecular weight distribution and chain composition distribution. Living polymerizations. Design of polymerization reactors and the thermal runaway problem. Kinetics and control of emulsion polymerization. The radical segregation problem. Surfactants and colloidal stability. Aggregation kinetics and aggregate structure in conditions of diffusion and reaction limited aggregation. The role of shear conditions on aggregation and breackage kinetics and on the aggregate structure. Modeling and design of colloid aggregation processes.
Lecture notesSkripts are available on the 'Polymerization Reaction and Colloid Engineering' web page of the Morbidelli-group, vide the given link for details.
LiteratureR.J. Hunter, Foundations of Colloid Science, Oxford University Press, 2nd edition, 2001
D. Ramkrishna, Population Balances, Academic Press, 2000

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits7 credits
ExaminersM. Morbidelli, P. Arosio
Typesession examination
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionThe performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examinationoral 30 minutes
Additional information on mode of examinationThe exam may start with a discussion of the exercises treated during the semester.
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

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Only public learning materials are listed.

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Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Chemical and Bioengineering MasterElectivesWInformation
Chemical and Bioengineering MasterPolymersW+Information