- Selection of polymers based on structure-property relationships for specific applications,
- Impact of the polymer industry and benefits of the circular economy,
- Introduction to the material, technological and economic constraints of the polymer industry.
The objective of this course is to demonstrate how macromolecular chemistry, combined with physical chemistry of polymer and engineering, has enabled the large-scale production of the main industrial polymer materials used daily in sectors as varied as transport, packaging, construction, electronics, agriculture and the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.
This course presents, comments and analyses the evolution of polymer materials, thermoplastics, rubber, elastomers and thermosets, from their industrialisation in the 20th century to the present day, as well as the main stages and scientific principles underlying their design, production and life cycle with a view to their more environmentally responsible use. Particular attention is paid to fibres, heterophase polymer materials and (nano)composites as well as electroconjugated, heat resistant and bioplastics. The impact of applied macromolecular chemistry on the development of the "plastics" industry will be demonstrated, in perfect complementarity with the "Macromolecular Chemistry" course taught in 3rd year BAC in Chemical Sciences. In addition, this course addresses the material, technological, economic and legal constraints faced by this particular industry, with particular reference to research and innovation.
1. Diversity and impact of the polymer industry: figures and impacts, main resources, major classes of industrial polymers, and outlook.
2. Industrial development of macromolecular chemistry: semi-synthetic products, so-called "mass market" or commodity polymers, engineering and specialty polymers, multifunctional polymer materials.
3. New applications in the polymer industry: electroconjugated polymers, heat-resistant polymers, bio-based/biocompatible and recyclable polymers.
4. Major industrial and economic laws: research and innovation - introduction to project management, production - pricing structure, logistics/procurement, operational efficiency, commercial operations - customer validation and approval, intellectual property.
Course assisted by a visual projection (ppt) in person.
Oral examination in person with written preparation. In case of compulsory distance assessment, the assessment will be conducted by individual video conference (TEAMS) with a preparation period on a shared document. An answer key will be made available on WebCampus/Sigale after the assessment.
List of the main bibliographical references consulted/copy of the ppt projection/appendices: classification of the main industrial polymers and applications.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master in Chemistry, Teaching focus | Standard | 0 | 4 | |
| Master in Chemistry, Research focus | Standard | 0 | 4 | |
| Master in Chemistry | Standard | 0 | 4 | |
| Master in Chemistry, Professional focus in Chemistry in Industry | Standard | 0 | 4 | |
| Master in Chemistry, Research focus | Standard | 1 | 4 | |
| Master in Chemistry, Professional focus in Chemistry in Industry | Standard | 1 | 4 | |
| Master in Chemistry, Teaching focus | Standard | 1 | 4 | |
| Master in Chemistry | Standard | 1 | 4 |