90223 - Restoration and Recycle of Polymeric Materials

Learning outcomes

The course aims to illustrate the main processes and methods of recovery and recycling of polymeric materials: the aspects to be considered in the management of a process of recycling of plastics, the degradative phenomena in the processing and life of use of plastics, the classification of the recycling technologies (primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary) and examples of applications of recycled plastics (PET, PVC, Polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyamides, polystyrene, mixed plastics, elastomers and thermosets). Particular emphasis will be given to the definition of the sustainability of polymeric materials, processes and production of polymers from renewable sources, biodegradability of polymeric materials, use of natural polymers and synthesis of biodegradable polymers.

Course contents

Prerequisites: knowledge of organic chemistry and polymer science

Industrial Polymeric Materials, world production and use, their applications: termoplastics, thermosetting, rubbers, fibres, tecnopolymers, reinforced plastics and Special Polymers. Methods of pre-treatment (storage, size reduction units, washing, separation, agglomeration, regranulation, etc) before the recycling operations. The recycling plants that are used to sort and recycle raw materials from types of urban waste. Degradation of polymers. Additives and Stabilisers for polymeric materials. The mechanical recycling, the chemical recycling for the production of chemical products, the energy recovery from polymeric materials. The final part of the course analyses the closed loop market and the cascade markets for thermoplastics materials (polyolefins, PET, Polystyrene, polyamides, mixtures of plastics), thermosetting and rubbers. Bioplastics: definitions, properties and main uses in place of conventional polymers.

Readings/Bibliography

R. Francis, Recycling of polymers, Wiley, 2017, ISBN: 978-3-527-33848-1

A. Azapagic, A. Emsley, I. Hamerton, Polymers, the environment and sustainable development, Wiley, 2003, ISBN: 0-471-87740-9

Teaching methods

The teaching activities are performed through lessons and collective discussions.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment is performed through a final oral examination by which the achievement of a sufficient threshold of knowledges and abilities by the candidate is ascertained and evaluated.

Teaching tools

The contents of the course are presented by pc videoprojections. Files are available on IOL.

Students with DSA or Disability can contact the Students Service with Disabilities and DSA of the University of Bologna (http://www.studentidisabili.unibo.it/) and the Department's representative (giorgio.bencivenni2@unibo.it) or the course teachers to agree on the most suitable ways to consult the teaching materials and access the classrooms for the frontal lessons.

Office hours

See the website of Massimiliano Lanzi