Description
Objectives
In this course the lignocellulosic materials and rocks will be addressed. The chemical and structural constitution of these materials will be studied in relation with the properties and processing technologies of these materials. The student should acquire knowledge about the structure, properties and applications of natural materials, such as rocks, wood, cork and paper. The student must identify the processing methods of these materials aiming at contributing to the development of new products.
Syllabus
Natural material: definition and examples (wood and cork, furs, bone, natural fibers, rocks). Lignocellulosic materials. Examples; properties; economic importance and uses. Cellular materials: Cork: formation; composition, structure; defects; properties; processing; applications. Wood: formation; composition; structure; defects; properties; degradation and preservation; processing and uses; paper. Other lignocellulosic materials. Rocks.Types and structure; technical and commercial denominations; applications and economic impact. Properties: physical, mechanical and test methods. Natural and dimension stone: processing; products and applications; characteristics affecting applications; alterability; causes and effects of environmental degradation; protection and conversation methods. New stone materials and products: design and selection; reinforcement and dimensioning; stone composites. Life cycle: environmental impact; conservation, cleaning and restoring; valorisation.
Prerequisites
NA.
Cross Competence Component
The UC allows the development of transversal competences on Critical Thinking (strategic thinking and problem solving approaches); Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills (oral, organizational and teamwork, self-discipline, perseverance, self-motivation skills); and Information and Media Literacy (ability to locate and access information, as well as to analyze and evaluate media content). The assessment percentage associated with these competences should be 20%.
Laboratorial Component
Laboratory classes will involve a number of experimental work on microscopic structure of the materials and mechanical characterization (compression, bending tests). The students will perform the pratical work along the semester organized in groups. The laboratory component will be object of written reports.
Ethical Principles
All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.