Understanding Polymer Chemistry and Sustainability

Fundamentals of Polymer Science

• Delve into the core principles of polymer chemistry, covering polymerization mechanisms (addition, condensation, ring-opening).
• Master the concepts of molecular weight distribution, including number-average molecular weight (Mn), weight-average molecular weight (Mw), and polydispersity index (PDI). Learn techniques like Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) to determine these parameters and their impact on material properties.
• Explore the relationship between polymer structure (linear, branched, cross-linked) and macroscopic properties (mechanical strength, thermal stability, solubility). Understand how tacticity (isotactic, syndiotactic, atactic) influences crystallinity and performance.

Principles of Sustainable Polymer Design

• Learn the principles of green chemistry as applied to polymer synthesis, including atom economy, waste minimization, and the use of safer solvents and reagents.
• Explore the concept of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for polymers, covering all stages from raw material extraction to end-of-life management (recycling, biodegradation, incineration). Understand how to quantify environmental impacts using metrics like global warming potential (GWP) and energy consumption.
• Understand the design criteria for biodegradable polymers, including factors affecting degradation rate (hydrolysis, enzymatic degradation). Study the role of polymer architecture, molecular weight, and environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) on biodegradability.

Sources of Sustainable Monomers

• Examine bio-based monomers derived from renewable resources like plants, algae, and agricultural waste. Study specific examples, such as lactic acid (PLA), succinic acid (PBS), and furans (PEF).
• Learn about the extraction, purification, and chemical modification of bio-based monomers to tailor their properties for polymer synthesis.
• Explore the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a feedstock for polymer production, covering different CO2 capture and utilization technologies (CCU).

Eco-Friendly Plastics: Synthesis and Properties

Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymers

• Master the synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) through ring-opening polymerization of lactide. Understand the different stereoisomers of lactide (L-lactide, D-lactide) and their influence on PLA crystallinity and mechanical properties.
• Learn the synthesis and properties of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), a family of biodegradable polyesters produced by microorganisms. Explore different types of PHAs (e.g., PHB, PHBV) and their applications.
• Study the synthesis and properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and its copolymers (e.g., PBAT). Understand their biodegradability in different environments (soil, marine).
• Gain expertise in cellulose-based plastics, including cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, and regenerated cellulose (rayon). Learn about their production processes, properties, and applications.

Recycled Plastics: Processing and Upcycling

• Explore different types of plastic recycling (mechanical, chemical, energy recovery). Understand the challenges and opportunities associated with each method.
• Master the techniques for mechanical recycling of common plastics like PET, HDPE, and PP, including sorting, cleaning, grinding, and melt processing.
• Delve into chemical recycling methods like pyrolysis, gasification, and depolymerization, which break down plastics into their constituent monomers or other valuable chemicals.
• Learn about upcycling strategies for plastics, which aim to transform waste plastics into higher-value products with improved properties or new functionalities.

Additives for Eco-Friendly Plastics

• Explore the use of bio-based plasticizers, stabilizers, and antioxidants to improve the properties and processability of eco-friendly plastics.
• Understand the role of fillers (e.g., wood flour, starch, minerals) in reducing the cost and enhancing the performance of bioplastics. Learn about the challenges of compatibilizing fillers with polymer matrices.
• Examine the use of biodegradable additives to accelerate the degradation of conventional plastics.

Sustainable Rubbers: Natural and Synthetic Alternatives

Natural Rubber and its Modifications

• Understand the biosynthesis of natural rubber (polyisoprene) in Hevea brasiliensis trees. Learn about the structure and properties of natural rubber latex.
• Master the techniques for processing natural rubber, including compounding, vulcanization, and reinforcement. Understand the role of different additives in rubber formulations.
• Explore chemical modifications of natural rubber, such as epoxidation, hydrogenation, and grafting, to improve its properties and expand its applications.

Bio-Based Synthetic Rubbers

• Learn about the synthesis of bio-based isoprene from renewable feedstocks like sugars and biomass. Explore the polymerization of bio-based isoprene to produce synthetic natural rubber.
• Study the synthesis and properties of bio-based butadiene and its copolymers (e.g., styrene-butadiene rubber, SBR).
• Explore the use of vegetable oils and other renewable resources as building blocks for synthetic rubber production.

Recycled Rubber: Processing and Applications

• Explore different methods for recycling end-of-life tires and other rubber products, including mechanical grinding, cryogenic grinding, and devulcanization.
• Learn about the use of recycled rubber in asphalt pavements, construction materials, and other applications.
• Understand the challenges and opportunities associated with recycling cross-linked rubber materials.

Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) from Sustainable Sources

• Explore the different types of TPEs and their unique properties combining elasticity and thermoplastic processability.
• Learn about bio-based TPE alternatives and their potential applications in various industries.