Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Materials
Other languages of instruction: Catalan, English
Teaching staff
Introduction
The subject of materials science will serve to understand the basic principles of materials engineering to understand the relationship between the chemical structure and composition with their properties, to finally find their application in our society. These concepts are considered basic to be able to understand and design in the near future materials with biological applications and therefore, their application in bioengineering.
Pre-course requirements
None
Objectives
The objective of the subject is that the student acquires knowledge of the fundamentals of materials science, their structure and their defects, and how they relate to the final properties of the materials.
To know different techniques of microstructural characterization, as well as to know how to interpret the results obtained through the different techniques.
Knowledge of the fundamentals of science, technology and materials chemistry. Understand the relationship
between the microstructure, the synthesis or processing and the properties of the materials.
Solve problems related to the engineering of the manufacturing processes, based on the materials
that make up the element.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- CB2 - Students must know how to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional way and have the competences that are demonstrated through the creation and defence of arguments and the resolution of problems within their field of study.
- CB4 - Students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
- CE6 - To incorporate the foundations of science and materials technology, while taking into account the relationship between microstructure, synthesis or process and the properties of materials.
- CE9 - To apply the basic foundations of elasticity and the resistance of materials to the behaviour of actual volumes.
- CG1 - To undertake projects in the field of Bioengineering that aim to achieve a concept and a design, as well as manufacture prosthetics and orthotics that are specific to a certain pathology or need.
- CG7 - To analyse and evaluate the social and environmental impact of technical solutions
- CT2 - The ability to link welfare with globalisation and sustainability; to acquire the ability to use skills, technology, the economy and sustainability in a balanced and compatible manner.
- CT7 - To be fluent in a third language, usually English, with a suitable verbal and written level that is in line with graduate requirements.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Acquire knowledge of the fundamentals of the families of the materials, their structure and defects.
To know different techniques of microstructural characterization, as well as to know how to interpret the results obtained through the different techniques.
Syllabus
1) Materials for engineering
- Science and engineering of materials.
- Types of materials: metals, ceramics and glass, polymers, composite materials, semiconductors.
- From the structure to the properties.
2) Dislocations and sliding in crystals
- Unit cell.
- Crystal systems.
- Simple crystalline structures (BCC, FCC, HCP).
- Directions and crystallographic plans. Miller indices.
- Compact crystalline structures.
3) Elastic limit, tensile strength and ductility
- Traction test: tension-strain diagram
- Bending test
- Hardness test
- Impact test
- Fatigue test
4) Hardening mechanisms of hardening and plastic deformation in polycrystals
- Defects in crystalline materials (point defects, linear defects, planar defects, volumetric defects)
- Dislocations (Geometry of dislocations and Burguera vector)
- Movement of dislocations (sliding of dislocations)
5) Analysis of crystalline structures
- Diffraction techniques: X-ray diffraction (properties and X-ray sources, Bragg formulation, powder diffractometer)
- Identification and analysis of crystalline phases
6) Structure and characterization of polymers
- Obtaining the polymers (polymerization reactions). Molecular molecular mass and techniques for
determination.
- Molecular architecture (linear, branched and reticulated) and classification of polymers in thermoplastics,
thermostable and elastomers.
- Structure of polymers (amorphous and semi-crystalline). Techniques for the determination of the transition temperature
vitreous
- Copolymers.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
Classes will be taught in theoretical format, problems and laboratory practices where competences will be introduced
specific to the subject. There will be face-to-face activities to work on oral and written communication and
teamwork.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
The student's grade will be:
Final grade = 0.5 Final Exam + 0.3 Partial Exam + 0.2 Practical classes (exercises to solve / presentation / laboratory)
Second call
Final grade = 0.8 Second call exam + 0.2 Practical classes
Important considerations:
- Plagiarism, copying or any other action that may be considered cheating will be zero in that evaluation section. Besides, plagiarism during exams will mean the immediate failing of the whole subject.
- In the second-sitting exams, the maximum grade students will be able to obtain is "Excellent" (grade with honors distinction will not be posible).
- Changes of the calendar, exam dates or the evaluation system will not be accepted.
- Exchange students (Erasmus and others) or repeaters will be subjected to the same conditions as the rest of the students.
Bibliography and resources
Callister, William D. Introducción a la ciencia e ingeniería de los materiales. 2a ed. México: Limusa, 2009. ISBN 9786075000251.
Evaluation period
- E1 10/01/2025 P2A03 08:00h