96890 - Bioplastics and Polymers for a Circular Economy

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is able to evaluate the environmental sustainability of a polymeric material, he is able to design its extraction/synthesis from a renewable resource, to evaluate its possible applications and disposal. The student understands the impact of a polymeric material with the environment during its life. Moreover, the student has gained the tools to understand the structure-property correlations in polymeric materials and he is able to predict its physical and chemical properties on the basis of its molecular structure.

Course contents

• Review of macromolecular chemistry and physics: definitions, polymer classifications, synthesis, thermal and mechanical properties, main characterization techniques, polymer processing, and structure- property correlations.

• Bioplastics: definitions and regulations     
  • Definition of polymer form renewable resource and methods to define the amount of biobased content (ISO16620)
  • Biorefinery: production of monomers, building blocks and polymers
  • Polymer disposal and recycling: mechanical, chemical and biological recycling and incineration (ISO 15270)
  • Biodegradation and composting (definition, mechanism, ISO14855, EN 13432)

• Classes of bioplastics
  • Polymers from renewable resource by extraction or fermentation (cellulose, starch, polyhydroxyalkanoates)
  • Monomers from renewable resources and their polymers (polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate and copolymers, aliphatic-aromatic polyesters, aliphatic polyamides, bio-PE and bio-PET)
    

Readings/Bibliography

The lesson's notes will be fundamental.

Power point presentations shown during lessons will be available at the following website: https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Useful readings are publications on the website of the European Bioplastics (http://www.european-bioplastics.org/news/publications/ )

Further readings are:

“Monomers, Polymers and Composites from Renewable Resources” Ed. M. N. Belgacem and A. Gandini Ed.

“Biopolymers from Renewable Resources” D.L. Kaplan Ed.

“Bio-based Plastics Materials and Applications” S. Kabasci Ed..

Teaching methods

Lectures with the aid of projector.

Assessment methods

Assessment of learning takes place exclusively through the final oral exam. The exam, lasting approximately 40 minutes, will assess the knowledge acquired in the areas of “bioplastics: definition and regulations” and “classes of bioplastics.” In addition, the student must demonstrate mastery of macromolecular chemistry and physics. During the exam, the ability to use appropriate technical-scientific language and the level of understanding of the topics covered will also be evaluated.

Failing grade: significant gaps in the course content; serious deficiencies in basic polymer knowledge, inappropriate language, and lack of orientation within the topics covered in the course.

Passing grade: barely appropriate language, poor argumentative skills, and minimal knowledge of the exam topics.

Good evaluations require at least a good memorized knowledge of the subject, and at least a fair ability to summarize and perform structured analysis, using correct technical language.

Excellent evaluations: in addition to competence, the ability to apply it is required; a clear and comprehensive understanding of the topics, strong argumentative skills, and mastery of broad and specific technical language.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Lectures with the aid of PC, projector.

Office hours

See the website of Chiara Gualandi