Rheometry and Polymer Processing

lmapr2018  2019-2020  Louvain-la-Neuve

Rheometry and Polymer Processing
Note from June 29, 2020
Although we do not yet know how long the social distancing related to the Covid-19 pandemic will last, and regardless of the changes that had to be made in the evaluation of the June 2020 session in relation to what is provided for in this learning unit description, new learnig unit evaluation methods may still be adopted by the teachers; details of these methods have been - or will be - communicated to the students by the teachers, as soon as possible.
5 credits
30.0 h + 22.5 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Bailly Christian; Van Ruymbeke Evelyne;
Language
English
Prerequisites

The prerequisite(s) for this Teaching Unit (Unité d’enseignement – UE) for the programmes/courses that offer this Teaching Unit are specified at the end of this sheet.
Main themes
I. Introduction  : industrial polymer processing, non Newtonian fluids, continuum mechanics refresher
II. Shear viscosity, normal forces and elongational viscosity: observations and phenomenological models
III. Flow through a channel
IV. Capillary rheometry and extrusion defects
V. Origin of viscoelastic effects; notions of rheological models; introduction to processing flow simulation
VI. Cone-plate and plate-plate rheometric flow; Elongational flow
VII Major industrial polymer processing operations : rheological aspects, technology and applications
Aims

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 Contribution of the course to the program objectives
With respect  to the LO of the programme KIMA, this activity contributes to the development and acquisition of the following LO:
  • LO 1 : 1.1, 1.2
  • LO 3 : 3.1, 3.3
  • LO 4 : 4.1, 4.2, 4.4
  • LO 5 : 5.1, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6
Specific learning outcomes of the course
At the end of this course, the student will be able to
  • LO1.1. : Understand and explain the scientific concepts underpinning polymer processing and rheometry
  • LO1.1. : Understand and explain the functioning of major polymer processing operations and rheometry techniques
  • LO1.2. : use relevant models and theories described in literature to predict the functioning of major polymer processing operations and corresponding rheometric measurements
  • LO3.1 : document and  summarize the scientific, technological and industrial state of the art for a particular  class of polymer processing operations or rheometric measurement method
  • LO3.3 : prepare a report on the state of the art and current challenges/perspectives for a particular class of of polymer processing operations or rheometric measurement method
  • LO4. : work in team to analyze an issue and prepare a seminar + a report for a given class of polymer of polymer processing operations or rheometric measurement method
  • LO5. : present and defend a seminar and a report on polymer processing or rheometry in a rigorous, up to date  and attractive way, with the right balance between the parts on scientific, technological and industrial practice aspects.
 

The contribution of this Teaching Unit to the development and command of the skills and learning outcomes of the programme(s) can be accessed at the end of this sheet, in the section entitled “Programmes/courses offering this Teaching Unit”.
Content
I. Introduction  : industrial polymer processing, non Newtonian fluids, continuum mechanics refresher
II. Shear viscosity, normal forces and elongational viscosity: observations and phenomenological models
III. Flow through a channel
IV. Capillary rheometry and extrusion defects
V. Origin of viscoelastic effects; notions of rheological models; introduction to processing flow simulation
VI. Cone-plate and plate-plate rheometric flow; Elongational flow
VII Major industrial polymer processing operations : rheological aspects, technology and applications
Teaching methods
A combination of :
  1. Ex cathedra courses : concepts are illustrated by concrete exemples taken from industrial practice and the experience of the teachers.
  2. Rheometry laboratory and/or processing simulation project
  3. seminars prepared and presented by the students
  4. Laboratory and plant visits 
Evaluation methods
The students will be individually graded based on the objectives indicated above. More precisely, the evaluation involves the grading of :
  • The presentation of a project in groups of two or three on a topic linked to the course content. This project will carry 20% of the total mark.
  • Few practical works and lab (10%)
  • Oral exam (70%)
Online resources
Bibliography
Notes de cours sur Moodle, livres à la bibliothèque en fonction des besoins
Faculty or entity
FYKI


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Aims
Master [120] in Biomedical Engineering

Master [120] in Chemistry and Bioindustries

Master [120] in Chemical and Materials Engineering