3 ECTS credits
75 h study time

Offer 1 with catalog number 4016079FNR for all students in the 2nd semester at a (F) Master - specialised level.

Semester
2nd semester
Enrollment based on exam contract
Impossible
Grading method
Grading (scale from 0 to 20)
Can retake in second session
Yes
Taught in
English
Partnership Agreement
Under interuniversity agreement for degree program
Faculty
Faculteit Ingenieurswetenschappen
Department
Materials and Chemistry
Educational team
Guy Van Assche (course titular)
Activities and contact hours
12 contact hours Lecture
24 contact hours Seminar, Exercises or Practicals
Course Content

Differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis are the basic thermal analysis techniques discussed in the course. For each of them, the measurement principle, the instrumentation, the calibration, measurement protocols and conditions, and the interpretation of results is discussed. Example results will be discussed for different types of materials, transitions, and transformations. Attention is paid to the strengths and weaknesses of the techniques, options to improve measurements (sensitivity/resolution), typical errors, and to advanced applications (including kinetic analyses, time-temperature superposition).

In addition to the three core techniques, more advanced techniques are also discussed (the selection may vary depending on the interests and needs of the students attending):

- modulated temperature DSC, a powerful extension of DSC is typically treated in detail,

- microcalorimetry, rapid heat cool DSC, and chip-based nanocalorimetry are briefly touched upon,

- the connection between DMA and dynamic rheometry is made,

- dielectric analysis (DEA),

- micro- and nanothermal analysis using an AFM with thermal probes can be discussed.

There is no organized lab session for this course, however, students are invited to perform thermal analysis measurements in our lab or at their own institution, and to bring results to the class for analysis and discussion.

Course material
Handbook (Recommended) : Thermal Analysis of Polymers, Fundamentals and Applications, J.D. Menczel and R.B. Prime, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 9780471769170, 2009
Digital course material (Required) : Slides op Canvas, course slides, G. Van Assche, Canvas
Additional info

not applicable

Learning Outcomes

Algemene competenties

Knowledge and understanding of thermal analysis as a characterization tool is aimed at, with emphasis on the most recent developments and primarily applied on polymers.
The student should be able to perform an optimized characterization of a wide variety of products and materials by means of well chosen complementary thermal analysis techniques.

The student should be able to interprete thermal analysis data, combining information of different analyses, and should be able to suggest other experiments to confirm or disprove the interpretation made. 

This course contributes to reaching the following learning objectives.

The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has in-depth knowledge and understanding of

MA_1   exact sciences with the specificity of their application to engineering

MA_17 an integrated insight in chemical process and materials' technology

MA_18 insight in chemistry as a link between process and materials technology

The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering can

MA_6   correctly report on research or design results in the form of a technical report or in the form of a scientific paper

MA_7   present and defend results in a scientifically sound way, using contemporary communication tools, for a national as well as for an international professional or lay audience

MA_11 think critically about and evaluate projects, systems and processes, particularly when based on incomplete, contradictory and/or redundant information

The Master of Sciences in Chemical and Materials Engineering has

MA_12 a creative, problem-solving, result-driven and evidence-based attitude, aiming at innovation and applicability in industry and society

MA_13 a critical attitude towards one’s own results and those of others

MA_15 the flexibility and adaptability to work in an international and/or intercultural context

MA_16 an attitude of life-long learning as needed for the future development of his/her career 

 

Grading

The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.

Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:

  • Oral exam with a relative weight of 1 which comprises 100% of the final mark.

    Note: Written exam followed by oral discussion (total duration 2-3 hours). Both theoretical and practical knowledge, insight, and problem-solving capacity are tested.

Additional info regarding evaluation

More information regarding the examination procedure can be found on Canvas.

Allowed unsatisfactory mark
The supplementary Teaching and Examination Regulations of your faculty stipulate whether an allowed unsatisfactory mark for this programme unit is permitted.

Academic context

This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Process Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: PR Profile Materials (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Cell and Gene Biotechnology: Medical Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Cell and Gene Biotechnology: Agrobiotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Cell and Gene Biotechnology: Synthetic Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Food Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Sustainable Chemical Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Bioengineering Sciences: Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology: Micro- and Nanobiotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Materials
Master of Chemical and Materials Engineering: Profile Process Technology