Chemical Basis of Engineering Materials Science and Engineering Industrial Materials

By the end of this content area, students will be able to have: 1. a systematic understanding of the key aspects and concepts of materials science and engineering. 2. coherent knowledge of materials science and engineering including some at the forefront of the branch in mechanical engineering. 3. awareness of the wider multidisciplinary context of engineering. 4. the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding to identify, formulate and solve problems of materials science and engineering using established methods. 5. the ability to design and conduct appropriate experiments of materials science and engineering, interpret the data and draw conclusions. 6. workshop and laboratory skills in materials science and engineering. 7. demonstrate awareness of the health, safety and legal issues and responsibilities of engineering practice, the impact of engineering solutions in a societal and environmental context, and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering practice.

CB1. Students have demonstrated possession and understanding of knowledge in an area of study that builds on the foundation of general secondary education, and is usually at a level that, while relying on advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects that involve knowledge from the cutting edge of their field of study CB2. Students are able to apply their knowledge to their work or vocation in a professional manner and possess the competences usually demonstrated through the development and defence of arguments and problem solving within their field of study. CB3. Students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their field of study) in order to make judgements which include reflection on relevant social, scientific or ethical issues. CB5. Students will have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further study with a high degree of autonomy. CG1. Ability to solve problems with initiative, decision-making, creativity, critical reasoning and to communicate and transmit knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of Industrial Engineering. CG3. Ability to design a system, component or process in the field of Industrial Technologies to meet the required specifications CG4. Knowledge and ability to apply current legislation as well as the specifications, regulations and mandatory standards in the field of Industrial Engineering. CG5. Adequate knowledge of the concept of company, institutional and legal framework of the company. Organisation and management of companies. CG6. Applied knowledge of company organisation. CG8. Knowledge and ability to apply quality principles and methods. CG9. Knowledge and ability to apply computational and experimental tools for the analysis and quantification of Industrial Engineering problems. RA1. Knowledge and understanding: Have basic knowledge and understanding of science, mathematics and engineering within the industrial field, as well as knowledge and understanding of Mechanics, Solid and Structural Mechanics, Thermal Engineering, Fluid Mechanics, Production Systems, Electronics and Automation, Industrial Organisation and Electrical Engineering. RA2. Engineering Analysis: To be able to identify engineering problems within the industrial field, recognise specifications, establish different resolution methods and select the most appropriate one for their solution RA3. Engineering Design: To be able to design industrial products that comply with the required specifications, collaborating with professionals in related technologies within multidisciplinary teams. RA4. Research and Innovation: To be able to use appropriate methods to carry out research and make innovative contributions in the field of Industrial Engineering. RA5. Engineering Applications: To be able to apply their knowledge and understanding to solve problems and design devices or processes in the field of industrial engineering in accordance with criteria of cost, quality, safety, efficiency and respect for the environment. RA6. Transversal Skills: To have the necessary skills for the practice of engineering in today's society.

Topic 1: Environmental Impact of Materials. Materials¿ Life Cycle. Description: The environmental impact of materials encompasses the ecological consequences that arise from raw material extraction to their final disposal. During the life cycle of materials, factors such as pollutant emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste generation are considered at each stage: production, use, and disposal. The increasing demand for materials due to population growth places greater pressure on natural resources and ecosystems. Therefore, adopting sustainable practices, such as designing products for greater durability and selecting recyclable or low-impact materials, is crucial. Topic 2: Circular Economy and Resource Management Description: The circular economy proposes a production and consumption model that involves reusing, repairing, redesigning, refabricating, and recycling materials to extend their life cycle. This approach reduces the need for extracting new raw materials and decreases waste generation. Adequate management of industrial and urban solid waste is essential within this context. Separating and selecting urban solid waste (RSU) facilitates recycling and reuse, contributing to resource conservation and climate change mitigation. Implementing efficient collection systems and treatment plants can transform waste into valuable resources within a circular economy. Topic 3: Sustainable Development Goals and Materials Science Description: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) constitute a master plan for achieving a sustainable future for all. These 17 interconnected goals address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, health, education, and gender equality. Materials science plays a crucial role in achieving these objectives by enabling advances in areas such as sustainable energy, clean water, health, sustainable construction, rational use of raw materials, and environmental conservation. Topic 4: Recycling of Metals and Alloys Description: Recycling metals and alloys is a key process in waste management and environmental sustainability. Metals are highly recyclable materials that can be reused multiple times without losing their properties. The recycling process begins with collecting and classifying metallic waste, followed by smelting and refining to remove impurities. This recycling cycle reduces the need for extracting new resources, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and saves energy. Additionally, recycling specific alloys requires specialized technologies to separate and recover the different metals they contain. Topic 5: Comprehensive Metal Cycle. Basic Processes: Pyrometallurgy (Steel Scrap Treatment), Hydrometallurgy (Heavy Metal Recycling). Aluminum Recycling. Tinplate Recycling. Description: The comprehensive metal cycle encompasses all stages from mineral extraction to final recycling. This cycle includes mining, smelting, product manufacturing, use, and eventual recycling. An integrated approach considers not only recycling efficiency but also product design to facilitate metal recovery at the end of their useful life. Implementing circular economy practices in the metallurgical industry promotes more efficient resource use and minimizes waste, contributing to environmental and economic sustainability. Topic 6 - Environmental Impact and Recycling of Plastics: Plastic Separation Treatment. Reuse of Thermoset Plastics. Recycling of Thermoset Plastics. Bioplastics Description: Plastic recycling is a fundamental pillar for sustainability, as it allows us to reduce the environmental footprint by avoiding the extraction of new raw materials and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. This process involves collecting, sorting, washing, and transforming used plastics into new products, promoting a circular economy. Additionally, plastic recycling and reuse contribute to biodiversity protection and human health by reducing pollution and plastic waste that affects terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Topic 7 - Environmentally Friendly Plastics: Bioplastics: Advantages Description: Bioplastics offer an ecological alternative to traditional plastics derived from fossil fuels, providing significant benefits for the environment and sustainability. Among their advantages are biodegradability, allowing them to decompose naturally without polluting; a lower carbon footprint during production, contributing to climate change reduction; and the absence of harmful additives such as phthalates or bisphenol A. Furthermore, bioplastics do not consume non-renewable raw materials and reduce non-biodegradable waste that pollutes the environment. These characteristics make them a preferred option for a more sustainable future. Topic 8.- Recycling of Composite Materials. Sustainability. Examples: Recycling of GFRP and CFRP. Reuse or Recycling: Cases of Tires, Tetra Paks, etc. Description: Composite materials have a significant environmental impact due to their non-biodegradable nature and the difficulty in recycling them. Recycling these materials is complex and costly, requiring specialized technologies to separate the different components. However, the development of new recycling methods is helping to reduce this impact, facilitating the reuse of fibers and resins and promoting a more sustainable circular economy. Topic 9 - Recycling of Ceramic and Glass Materials. Integral Glass Cycle. Vitrification Process. Harmful Inorganic Materials: Asbestos and Its Deactivation Description: Recycling ceramic and glass is essential for sustainability and waste reduction. While ceramics are challenging to recycle due to their durability, glass offers a second life through crushing and remelting processes. Glass bottles and other glass items are transformed into glass powder (cullet), which is then used in the manufacturing of new products. Additionally, some companies reuse ceramic materials in construction projects, contributing to environmental care. The integral glass cycle refers to the complete and sustainable process that begins with raw material extraction and transforms it into glass products, such as bottles and containers. After use, these products are collected and taken to recycling plants where they are crushed and melted to create new glass articles without losing their original properties. This closed cycle significantly saves energy and raw materials while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a circular economy and environmental protection. Topic 10 - Issues with Nuclear Energy Waste. Sustainable Environmental Proposals. High-Activity Waste: ATC and Deep Burial. Dismantling of a Power Plant. Recycling of Nuclear Fuel. Map of the Future of Nuclear Energy. Description: Nuclear waste generated by nuclear energy poses significant concerns in terms of environmental impact and health. These wastes are hazardous and take hundreds of years to degrade. Nuclear energy, although efficient, is not renewable, and its management is an ethical challenge. To address these issues, solutions such as deep geological storage, nuclear fuel recycling, and the use of fast neutron reactors have been proposed to reduce the environmental footprint and make better use of uranium resources. Topic 11 - Materials and Devices for Clean Energy Generation: Li-ion Batteries, Na-ion, ¿, Electrochemical Devices for Green Hydrogen Generation, Non-Critical Metals, Photovoltaic Cells, etc. Description: Clean energy generation refers to the production of electricity and heat using renewable sources that emit few or no pollutants. These sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. By adopting these alternatives, we reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable and healthy planet. Topic 12 - Recycling of Energy Generation Systems: a) Lead Batteries, Primary Cells, Rechargeable and Reversible Cells, Ni-Cd/Pb/Li-ion Batteries, ¿ b) Photovoltaic Panels (Based on Silicon, Perovskites, ¿). Mercury Management. Fluorescent Bulbs Description: The recycling of batteries and cells reduces pollution from heavy metals and toxic chemicals. Materials such as lead and acid are recycled, and metals are recovered to manufacture new batteries. Mercury management encompasses its controlled use and responsible recycling to minimize environmental impacts based on Regulation (EU) 2017/8521, which limits its use in products and promotes proper mercury waste management, focusing on reducing mercury in circulation and establishing criteria for its safe storage and disposal.

Masterclasses, individual and/or group assignments, student presentations, aimed at acquiring theoretical and practical knowledge about material recycling and its influence on the environment. The course will consist of masterclasses and practical classes in the classroom that will include the presentation of work on topics related to the subject. (14 sessions) Students may request individual tutorials with their teachers by appointment. All teaching materials (class slides, exercise sheets, practice scripts, and additional material) will be available through the Aula Global 2 platform well in advance. An attempt will be made to visit the Valdemingómez or Toledo Urban Solid Waste Center to learn about the integrated treatment/management/separation and revaluation process of the CM¿s waste.