Chemistry and building materials laboratory

Learning outcomes

Basic knowledge for the understanding of chemical phenomena aimed at the aspects most specifically of engineering interest and connected to the main construction materials.

Expected learning outcomes

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Acquire theoretical skills with reference to chemical and materials science aspects
APPLIED KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Acquire practical application skills with reference to chemical and materials science aspects

Course contents

atoms, molecules and types of bonds
acids, bases and salts
states of aggregation of matter and state diagrams
chemical balances
electrochemistry
principles of organic chemistry
the properties characterizing the materials used in the civil engineering sector and their measurement (mechanical, thermal, electrical, ...)
binding materials and cement conglomerates
ceramic building materials (bricks, stoneware and porcelain)
polymeric materials: polymerization and structure of the main polymers
composite materials: production, properties and uses in the civil engineering sector
metallic materials: cast iron and steel
iron-carbon phase diagram
corrosion phenomena in metals and protection methods

Prerequisites

Reading/Bibliography

Chemical THEORY

• Martin S. Silberberg “Chemistry” – Ed. McGraw-Hill
  Alternatively: M. Schiavello, L. Palmisano - Fundamentals of Chemistry - EdiSES.

STOICHIOMETRIC

• Giomini, Balestrieri, Giustini – Fundamentals of Stoichiometry – EdiSes.

MATERIALS SCIENCE THEORY

• WF Smith, Materials Science and Technology, McGraw-Hill

Teaching methods

The teaching activity is frontal with theoretical lessons with projection of teaching material in electronic format, made available online. The teaching is accompanied by stoichiometry exercises in the classroom.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of a written test lasting two hours on n. 3 stoichiometry exercises and n. 3 theory questions. Each question is worth 5 points.
The stoichiometry exercises cover the following topics:

• gas
• Weight ratios in chemical reactions. Purity and reaction yield
• concentration of solutions. Dilutions
• Acid-base balance: pH of weak acids and weak bases; buffer solutions; hydrolysis
• batteries
• use of the electrochemical series

The theoretical part concerns the topics covered in lessons and reported in the program.
Only the use of a calculator is permitted during the exam.
The exams will be held in person unless otherwise indicated by the teacher following the health emergency situation. The results will be published on esse3 within 10 days of the exam