6 ECTS: 32 hours of lectures and 24 hours of laboratory practice

Aim: Aim of the course is to be a guide and a support for the student in modern polymer chemistry. First it will be offered an overview on the main synthetic aspects, the control over polymer structure and possible functionalization reactions. After that, the main aspects of renewable, biocompatible and sustainable polymers will be described. Finally, a large part will be dedicated to offer a wide panoramic on smart polymers and their current applications.

The student is expected to become familiar with the synthetic aspects of modern polymerization technique and their current applications.

Lectures: The course will include guided self-study, lectures given by the course teachers and by invited international experts, final oral exam.

GENERAL:

• Possible structures (homo- and co-polymers, linear, branched, grafted, network, random, statistic, block, gradient)
• Advanced Synthesis and Characterization (step and chain growth, ATRP, RAFT, ROMP, ROP, living, MIP)
• Renewable, compostable, biocompatible, sustainable polymers (introduction, main type, applications)
• Polymer Functionalization

SMART POLYMERS AND APPLICATIONS

• Pharma-polymers and Polymeric Biomaterials
• Stimuli-responsive polymers
• Smart polymer hydrogels
• Metal Polymers
• Polymers of Intrinsic Porosity (Mixed Matrix Membrane Vapor/Gas adsorption)
• Conducting/Semiconducting/Conjugated Polymers

Laboratory practice

One or more experiences on a complete synthesis and characterization and application of smart polymers.