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Basic Polymer Science of Biomass/Biomaterials
Second title: Basic Polymer Science of Biomass/Biomaterials
Provider: Faculty of Science

Activity no.: 5385-19-05-31 
Enrollment deadline: 01/03/2019
Date and timeApril 2019 - June 2019
Regular seats10
ECTS credits7.50
Contact personAnand Ramesh Sanadi    E-mail address: anrs@ign.ku.dk
Enrolment Handling/Course OrganiserAnand Ramesh Sanadi    E-mail address: anrs@ign.ku.dk
Written languageEnglish
Teaching languageEnglish
Semester/BlockSpring
Block noteRegistration deadline: 1 March 2019
Scheme groupNot included in the scheme group
Scheme group noteNot relevant
Exam requirementsPh D and Masters students with appropriate background allowed after getting permission for their study plan. The course is not for students who have previously taken polymer science courses.
Exam formOther
Exam detailsThe student will need to give a seminar based on a peer reviewed scientific article relevant to the course. Questions based on the seminar and paper will be part of the evaluation. Questions on the fundamentals taught during the course can also be asked during this period.
Grading scalePassed / Not passed
Course workload
Course workload categoryHours
Lectures28.00
Tutoring7.00
Preparation95.00
Study Groups40.00
Seminar29.00
Class Seminar7.00
Sum206.00
Content
This course is meant for students that have no or little background in polymers and polymer materials science and could be particularly useful for students interested in biomass, bioenergy, food science, biomaterials, etc. It is intended for students who would like to gain some knowledge of the fundamentals of material science of natural materials and of interesting examples in the area of biomimetics and biomimicry. The purpose of the course is that the student gets a grasp of how structure of a polymer and other materials can relate to its properties, commonly known as structure-property relationships. Molecular weight distributions, glass transition temperature and other basic, but very important basic polymer concepts will be covered. The concepts of intermolecular bonding, surfaces and adhesion, and composites will be taught. We will try and relate some of the concepts you learn to natural materials such as lignocellulosic material, especially the wood cell wall chemical and ultrastructure, and materials that exist in both human and animal bodies such as bones, shells, spider webs, etc. Subjects such as the chemistry of polymerization and how polymers are synthesized will not be covered. During the course the students will make short scientific reports based on the lecture contents and the course literature and these will be discussed in class. The students will read scientific articles supplementing the lectures.
The course covers the following subjects:
Introduction to Biomimetics and Biomimicry.
Primary and secondary atomic bonding.

Polymers:
Introduction to polymers.
What is the glass transition temperature (Tg)?
How chemical structure and morphology influences Tg and properties?
Structure-property relationships in polymers.

Surfaces and Adhesion:
Surface properties and Wetting
Adhesion Mechanisms


Bio-based Material:
Plant Based: Relating what has been learned in the previous sections; we will discuss and read papers on wood (softwood and hardwood), plant and agricultural fibers, and other natural and bio-based materials. This will include knowledge on wood ultrastructure, hemicellulose, lignin and cellulose.

Animal based: An introduction to diverse materials such as spider webs, seashells, fish scales, bones, mussels, barnacles, etc. will be taught to give an idea of biomimetics and biomimicry. and others interested in natural materials.

Learning outcome
Knowledge:
Introduction to Biomimetics and Biomimicry. Primary and secondary bonding. Molecular weight distributions, glass transition temperature and other basic polymer concepts will be covered. The relation of how structure of the polymer determines properties, commonly known as structure-property relationships, will be an important part of the course. Surface phenomenon and basics of adhesion and elementary concepts of composites will be covered. We will try and relate some of the concepts you learn during the course to understand natural materials such as wood and other lignocellulosic material, and materials that exist in both human and animal bodies.
Skills:
Application of the basic knowledge on polymer and biopolymer science for understanding and discussing research articles. Relate wood or animal based material ultrastructure to the understanding of the basics of polymer science.
Competences:
Apply basics of chemistry and polymer science for understanding biopolymer structure and properties, and constitution and properties of plant and animal based materials.

Literature
Basic book on primary and secondary molecular bonding. Scientific papers will be distributed throughout the course, and will also be the source of student lectures.

Teaching and learning methods
A significant participation by the student in teaching is expected to give a common learning process. The students will be giving presentations which are based on exposition of relevant articles as chosen by the student and teachers. Two consecutive lectures are given twice a week, the first two by teachers, the last two by a student for each lecture. Supervision can be up to 1 hr after each 2 consecutive classes if needed. Reading of peer reviewed articles on fundamental principles of polymers and articles exclusively about bio-based (plant and animal) materials. Also included will be reading material that will enhance the knowledge of what has been taught.

Lecturers
Lecturers: Anand Ramesh Sanadi, anrs@ign.ku.dk

Remarks
Regular seats: Minimum 5, maximum 10 Students

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