The course is aimed at acquiring the basic knowledge of the structure and chemical-physical properties of the polymers used in the restoration of cultural heritage. Through this knowledge the student will have to be able to choose which materials will be used for a specific purpose on the basis of:

1) Purpose of the treatment

2) Chemical affinity and compatibility with the substrate to be treated

3) Environmental conditions to which the object will be exposed

4) Residence time of the polymer on the support

5) Reversibility of treatment

01 - Reactivity of functional groups in organic chemistry.

02 - ddition, elimination, substitution and condensation reactions.

03 - Polymers: definition and classification.

04 - Intermolecular interactions. London forces, dipolar interactions, hydrogen bond.

05 - Synthesis of polymers.

06 - Molecular weight of polymers.

07 - Solid state polymers: crystalline zone and amorphous zone.

08 - Thermal behavior of polymers. Glass transition and fusion.

09 - Solubility of polymers.

10 - Physical properties of polymers: viscosity. Definition of viscosity, measurement of viscosity.

11 - Solutions and filmogens.

12 - Mechanical properties of polymers

13 - Polyethylene. Synthesis, properties, uses.

14 - Vinyl polymers. Synthesis, properties, uses.

15 - Acrylic and methacrylic polymers. Synthesis, properties, uses.

16 - Polyurethane and polyamide polymers: Summary, properties, uses.

17 - Low molecular weight resins. Ketone, aldehyde and aliphatic resins.

18 - Ethers and esters of cellulose. Synthesis, properties, uses.

19 - Two-component epoxy resins: synthesis, properties, uses.

20 - Fluorinated resins: synthesis, properties, uses.

21 - Thermal characterization of polymers.

22 - Analysis and characterization of polymers through infrared spectroscopy.

23 - Degradation of polymers. Mechanisms, degradation analysis, methods to extend the life of a polymer.

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D1 - Knowledge and understanding. The student must know the general chemical structure of a polymer and be able to classify it on the basis of the concatenation (linear-branched-cross-linked-graft), on the basis of the composition (homopolymer-copolymer) and on the basis of the structure of the main chain (homochain-heterochain). The student must know the importance of the physical (molecular weight, viscosity, glass transition, melting, solubility) and chemical (reactivity) parameters that characterize a class of polymers. The student must know which classes of synthetic polymers are used in the restoration of cultural heritage. The level of this knowledge is assessed with oral questions.

D2 - Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. The student must prove a deep understanding of structure/property relationships of polymers (how physical and chemical properties of a polymer are related to the chemical structure). These skills will be tested through the assessment procedures, by asking to explain some choices made during the restoration laboratory courses or by proposing practical problems to be solved.

D3 - Autonomy of judgment. The student must be able to use analytical skills to successfully solve possible problems and/or complete a given procedure, proposing the most suitable type of product, proving the ability to design a restoration intervention. These skills derive directly from the two descriptors previously described and the laboratory courses. This competence will be tested through the assessment procedures.

D4 - Communication skills. The student must be able to describe the concepts learned during the course in a concise and clear manner, with accurate terms, with appropriate examples and with clear well-designed schemes and formulas. During the oral assessment the student will have to graphically represent some concepts (diagrams, chemical formulas, mathematical relationships) through which the teacher will evaluate his ability to synthesize.

D5 - Students must be able to critically and independently build their own skills and scientific background by using the teaching material provided by the teacher and any other material (book or scientific article) provided. These skills will be stimulated by the teacher, for example by proposing the analysis of scientific literature articles on the use of polymers in restoration. This competence will be tested through the assessment procedures.

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

The course will consist of  lectures on the basic concepts of Chemistry and problem solving activities aimed to help the student to understand the basic concepts.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory.

Basic knowledge of general chemistry and organic chemistry are required

Course books

Leonardo Borgioli, Paolo Cremonesi: Le resine sintetiche usate nel trattamento di opere policrome, Collana i Talenti, Casa Editrice Il Prato;

Leonardo Borgioli, Polimeri di Sintesi per la conservazione della Pietra, Collana i Talenti, Casa Editrice Il Prato; Mauro Mattini, Arcangelo Moles La Chimica nel Restauro, Nardini Editore

Assessment

The learning assessment involves an oral examination on the teaching program. The assessment will focus on the general aspects of the program (topics 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 19, 20). The student will then choose  and discuss ONE class of polymer among topics 11-18.  The score of the oral examination will be expressed in thirty (n/30) taking into account the 5 Dublin indicators (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5).

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.