POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING IN MEDICINE

Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: LORENA SAITTA

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be able to recognize the main classes of polymeric materials used in the medical field, identifying their structure and properties. Furthermore, they will understand the type of production processes depending on the type of object to be created and, through laboratory practice, they will have acquired the fundamentals of some testing and production techniques.

Course Structure

The course consists of lectures aimed at acquiring the required knowledge and laboratory activities focused on applying it to the production processes of polymeric and composite materials. Should the course be delivered in blended or remote mode, appropriate adjustments may be introduced to what was previously stated, in order to ensure compliance with the program established and outlined in the syllabus.

Required Prerequisites

The prerequisites are Chemistry and Physics. The course will provide basic knowledge where not present.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance is considered mandatory. However, exemptions to this requirement are in force for students who are employed.

Detailed Course Content

1. Introduction to Materials Science (10 hourse)

1.1 Materials structure: basic concepts (2 hours)
1.2 Materials classification: Metals, Polymers, Ceramics and Composites (3 hours)
1.3 Thermomechanical properties of Materials (Stress and Strain, Tensile and Flexural testing, Tg and Tm, CTE) (5 hours)

2. Introduction to Materials used in Medicine (20 hours)

Introduction to biomaterials science(Classification, Surface interaction, Role of Water) (2 hours)

Some examples of biomaterials used in medicine (18 hours)

2.2.1        Titanium (artificial prosthesis)
2.2.2        Stainless steel (screw and jigs)
2.2.3        Zirconia (Dental application)
2.2.4        UHMWPE (artificial prosthesis)
2.2.5        PVC (tubing and )
2.2.6        PES (stent)
2.2.7        PCL (Scaffold)
2.2.8        PMMA (intraocular lens)
2.2.9        Fiber reinforced composites (external prosthesis and jigs)
2.2.10     Thermoset Resins (microfluidic)

3. Manufacturing technologies used in Medicine (15 hours)

3.1 Polymer Extrusion and film blowing -> piping, suture and blood bags (2 hours)
3.2 Injection Moulding -> stents and generic medical devices (1 hour)
3.3 Electrospinning -> scaffolds (3 hours)
3.4 Metal AM -> artificial prosthesis (3 hours)
3.5 Polymer AM -> scaffold and invisalign (6 hours)

4. Laboratory Practice (15 hours)

4.1 Mechanical testing (testing of metallic and plastic specimens; DMA and CTE testing) (2 hours)
4.2 Polymer AM (7 hours)
4.3 Polymer Extrusion (1 hour)
4.4 Composite manufacturing (4 hours)
4.5 Electrospinning (1 hour)

Textbook Information

The texts below are recommended for consultation. During the course, slides and articles useful for preparing for the exam will be provided.
1) W. R. Wagner et al Biomaterials Science. An Introduction to Materials in Medicine. Academic Press Elsiever
2)Tim A. Osswald Science of Polymers for Engineers. Hanser

Course Planning

	Subjects	Text References
1	Introduction to Materials Science	W. R. Wagner et al Biomaterials Science. An Introduction to Materials in Medicine. Academic Press Elsiever
2	Introduction to Materials used in Medicine	W. R. Wagner et al Biomaterials Science. An Introduction to Materials in Medicine. Academic Press Elsiever
3	Manufacturing technologies used in Medicine	W. R. Wagner et al Biomaterials Science. An Introduction to Materials in Medicine. Academic Press Elsiever
4	Laboratory Practice	W. R. Wagner et al Biomaterials Science. An Introduction to Materials in Medicine. Academic Press Elsiever

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

Learning assessment will be based on the completion of conceptual tests (questions to multiple and open answer), realization of practical experiences and case studies; discussion final oral.

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, students can request a meeting in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measure, according to the educational goals and specific needs. In this case, it is advisable to contact the CInAP (Centre for Active and Participated Integration - Services for Disabilities and/or SLD) professor of the Department where the Degree Course is included.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Why is UHMPE used in knee replacements?

Which criterion can be used when choosing a polymer for application in the dental field?

How do you identify the printing time in a FDM machine?

Degree Course in

Automation Engineering and Control of Complex Systems