Course detail

Polymer Degradation, Stabilization and Additivation

FCH-MCO_DSAAcad. year: 2022/2023

The lecture includes analysis of principle types of polymer degradation from the viewpoint of their mechanisms and kinetics - i.e. thermal degradation in inert media, termooxidative and photooxidative degradations, biodegradation and chemical degradation. It deals with mechanisms and kinetic aspects of inhibited oxidations, individual types of antioxidants, light stabilizers as well as with mechanisms of their action, mechanism of polymers burning and modes of flame retardation. From other classes of additives, there are described softeners, lubricants, antistatics, foaming agents, colours and pigments, fillers, reinforcements etc. Strategy of formulating complex additivation systems, environmental aspects, recycling and waste liquidation are also discussed.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. RNDr. Josef Jančář, CSc.

Department

Institute of Materials Science (ÚCHM)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

1) Knowledge of basic principles and mechanisms of degradation of synthetic polymers
2) Knowledge of environmental impacts determining the life-span of synthetic polymer
3) Knowledge of test methods and testing conditions of polymers related to the intended application.
4) Ability of carrying out selection of polymers suitable for applications under given conditions
5) Ability of designing and evaluation of additive systems
6) Orientation in technical application capabilities of the most used commodity plastics

Prerequisites

Knowledge in the field of organic chemistry and macromolecular chemistry. Elementary knowledge in the polymer processing technology.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course uses teaching methods in form of Lecture - 2 teaching hours per week. The e-learning system (LMS Moodle) is available to teachers and students.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Examination
1st part a written test
2nd part an oral examination

Course curriculum

1. Oxidative degradation of polymers - mechanism and kinetics
2. Degradation of polymers during processing
3. UV degradation
4. Physical ageing of polymers
5. Stabilization of plastics
6. Additives for polymers (except of stabilizers)
7. Behaviour of additives in polymers
8. Evaluation of the polymer degradation
9. Predition of life-time of plastics, techniques of accelerating ageing
10. Burning of plastics
11. Techniques for the determination of polymer degradation
12. Controlled degradation and degradable polymers
13. Strategies for the additivation of polymers

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The goal of the lecture “Degradation, Stabilization, and Additivation of Polymers” is to make students in the field of material chemistry familiar with mechanisms of polymer degradation as well as with possibilities and mechanisms of stabilization and additivation of polymers accordingly to the requirements of individual applications.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

none

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Gächter R., Müller H.: Plastics Additives Handbook. Carl Hanser Verlag, München 1993. (CS)
Hawkins W.L.: Polymer Stabilization. Wiley-Interscience, New York 1972. (CS)
Scott G.: Mechanisms of Polymer Degradation and Stabilization. Elsevier S.P., Essex 1990. (CS)

Type of course unit

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Josef Jančář, CSc.

Guided consultation in combined form of studies

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. RNDr. Josef Jančář, CSc.