This lecture is a general introduction to polymers. It gives at first a brief overview of the history of the discovery of polymers as well as of the fundamental physical chemistry knowledge (chemical structure and material cohesion). The lecture is illustrated with several examples. The main definitions are presented, as well as a classification of polymers according to various aspects: their structure, reaction with the environment, stereoregularity, molar mass, and various characteristic quantities. Some elements about natural polymers are also presented.

In a second part, the context and issues related to recycling are introduced through various types of activities (lecture, jigsaw classroom, case studies) in particular :  order of magnitudes of volumes of polymer produced; the corresponding volumes of waste; of recycled polymers; possible evolutions in time. The organization of the recycling value chain and the main recycling techniques are presented prior to discuss the recycling difficulties at each stage of the value chain and the possible ways to circumvent them.

À la fin de cette UE, vous serez capable de :

• Give the definition of a polymer, and know the main steps of their discovery
• Name the main families of polymers
• Vocabulary and major definitions
• Calculate the molar mass of a polymer knowing the theoretical description, its polydispersity index
• Have general knowledge about plastic recycling, in particular in Europe and in France: actors and organization of the plastics recycling chain, quantities of recycled plastics;
• Know the different techniques for sorting and recycling plastics;
• Have critical thinking about the usefulness and function of plastic objects, in particular packaging; about the conditions necessary for a polymer to be recyclable and recycled;
• Consider the conditions for improving recycling.

Licence physique chimie, physique, chimie

1ère session : Contrôle continu écrit
 
2ème session : Examen écrit