Chemistry of Plastics and Biopolymers

11B2307

Bachelor

German

5.0

only summer term

1 semester

For the development, processing, application and selection of polymer materials, knowledge of their chemical structure in combination with the manufacturing processes and properties is an essential prerequisite. In this module, the most important representatives of standard and technical polymers are examined with regard to their petrochemical production processes, chemical structure and properties. In addition, biotechnological processes for the production of biopolymers and the use of renewable raw materials for a more sustainable use of polymers are considered. After completing the module, students will be familiar with the main synthesis principles for polymers and will be able to recognize basic relationships between chemical structures and polymer properties.

1. Definition and Categorization of plastics and biopolymers

2. Presentation of the most important standard and technical plastics with regard to the manufacturing processes including reaction mechanisms, their properties and chemical structure

3. Biotechnological processes for the production of biopolymers

4. Renewable raw materials in polymer chemistry, extraction, sustainability aspects

Experimental work: carrying out polymer syntheses, determining conversion and residual monomer content

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• oral exam and Field work / Experimental work or
• Written examination and Field work / Experimental work

The examiners choose the type of examination from the options provided and inform the students at the beginning of the semester.

The weighting is 50 % K1/M and 50 % EA.

• EA: 5 experiments of 180 minutes each
• C/M: Determination according to study-related regulations

The module assumes basic knowledge of general chemistry, in particular chemical bonds and functional groups, as acquired in introductory chemistry modules.

The following basic literature is recommended:

E.C. Mortimer, U. Müller. Basiswissen der Chemie, Thieme Verlag, 13. Auflage 2013.

Students can explain the most important synthesis reactions of polymers and illustrate them using reaction equations. They have basic knowledge of biotechnological processes for the production of biopolymers and the use of renewable raw materials in polymer chemistry.

Students can discuss polymer properties and synthesis possibilities on the basis of chemical principles.

Students will be able to establish basic relationships between the chemical structures of polymers and relevant application properties and manufacturing conditions.

Students are able to take the knowledge they have acquired into account when selecting polymer materials for different applications. They can reflect on the use of biotechnological processes compared to standard processes.

• Petersen, Svea

• Petersen, Svea

Schmidt, Hannelore