| Course label : | Polymers and biosourced composites |
|---|---|
| Teaching departement : | CMA / |
| Teaching manager : | Madam FABIENNE SAMYN |
| Education language : | |
| Potential ects : | 0 |
| Results grid : | |
| Code and label (hp) : | ENSCL_CI_M9_A1_1 - Polym. & composites biosourcés |
Education team
Teachers : Madam FABIENNE SAMYN / Mister OLIVIER GABUT
External contributors (business, research, secondary education): various temporary teachers
Summary
The course is divided into two parts covering renewable plastics (ten hours, Mr Gabut) and biocomposites (four hours, Ms Samyn). The course on renewable plastics follows and completes the engineering programme's second-year course on the main natural macromolecules (starch, cellulose and cellulose derivatives, and proteins). It begins by presenting and discussing data related to the world of renewable energy, then it addresses and defines the different categories of plastic materials with environmental connotations (biodegradable, biopolymer, bioplastic, and biosourced plastics) and specifies the methods used to obtain them, the advantages and the disadvantages. The approach involves the screening of a documentary with a post-it session during which students brainstorm critical opinions. It ends with a presentation of the plastic materials actually present on the market with examples of applications and samples of materials and products. After that, the use of bio-sourced resources for composite design is also covered in this module (four hours). The aim is to show through examples the properties and parameters to be taken into account when designing such materials in order to make them into high-performance materials. After an introduction presenting the context and defining the vocabulary relating to bio-sourced composites, a state of the art on the types of usable fibres and their properties is first presented to the students. The techniques for using bio-sourced composites are then presented, emphasising the challenges that need to be overcome. Details on the importance of fibre/matrix adhesion, in particular, are given by comparing the properties of composites made with functionalised or non-functionalised fibres. A brief description will be given on the techniques specific to the surface characterisation of the fibres.
Educational goals
The aim is to present in a non-exhaustive manner the field of renewable plastics and the way in which natural fibres can be enhanced in composite applications, accentuating the strengths and weaknesses of these different materials. Students who have completed this module will be able to think critically with regards to renewable, bio-composite plastics and their properties. They will be able to understand the relevant scientific publications.
Sustainable development goals
Knowledge control procedures
Continuous Assessment
Comments: The module will be assessed through role play. Divided into different groups, students are given a general theme related to the concepts discussed in class and a position to be defended in relation to the theme. They must therefore debate among themselves by opposing relevant arguments via opposing and supporting groups formed during the preparation phases.
Online resources
Pedagogy
General concepts are covered using a traditional method (lectures), interspersed with questions from students and discussions based on scientific articles. Course materials in PDF format are sent by email to students prior to the course (other formats are available on request).
Sequencing / learning methods
| Number of hours - Lectures : | 14 |
|---|---|
| Number of hours - Tutorial : | 0 |
| Number of hours - Practical work : | 0 |
| Number of hours - Seminar : | 0 |
| Number of hours - Half-group seminar : | 0 |
| Number of student hours in TEA (Autonomous learning) : | 0 |
| Number of student hours in TNE (Non-supervised activities) : | 0 |
| Number of hours in CB (Fixed exams) : | 0 |
| Number of student hours in PER (Personal work) : | 0 |
| Number of hours - Projects : | 0 |
Prerequisites
Validation of the Molecular and Macromolecular Chemistry course unit in semester 8.