Future of plastics
Lesson Summary In this lesson, Professor Ali Harlin from VTT will discuss the future of plastics. The topics include: Alternative routes for plastics: recycling and reduction Use of bio-based polymers, biopolymers, and biobased monomers Specific case studies like polylactic acid (PLA) High-performance and biodegradable plastics Materials such as polyhydroxyalkonates and protein-based plastics Recycling methods like municipal waste management and separate collection Strategies for reducing plastic use, reusing materials, and addressing single-use plastics The lecture consistently emphasizes sustainability and the environmental implications of plastic production and disposal....
Circular economy of plastics
Lesson Summary Anna Tenhunen-Lunkka, Senior Scientist and Project Manager at VTT ,discusses sustainable practices and innovative recycling technologies in transforming plastic waste into valuable resources as part of the PRIMUS EU project: The lesson emphasizes mechanical plastic recycling and utilizing recyclates in high-demand applications. The significance of plastics in modern society, benefits, and challenges are explored, including the issue of plastic waste accumulation in various ocean regions. Challenges and issues related to plastic recycling and circularity are highlighted: Only about 12% of global plastics are recycled. The composition of plastics, including polymers and additives, and the presence of hazardous substances like brominated flame retardants are explained. Discussion on...
High-resolution mass spectometric characterization of plastics
Lesson Summary Professor Janne Jännis, renowned for his expertise at the Department of Chemistry of University of Eastern Finland, delivered a lesson on high-resolution mass spectrometry characterization of plastics. The lesson covered: The distinction between polymers and plastics, physical and chemical properties of polymers, and the chemistry of plastics. The use of mass spectrometry in analyzing polymers and plastics with techniques like electrospray ionization and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization. The importance of high mass resolution in analyzing complex plastic samples and identifying polymer characteristics. The role of mass spectrometry in identifying polymer identity, heterogeneity, branching, molecular weight, and end-group chemistry. The significance of flame retardants in plastics and...
Sensor-based identification of plastics for recycling
Lesson Summary On this episode, Francisco Siena Vieira, VTT's Research Scientist, will be sharing insights about sensor-based identification of plastics for recycling, including: Key topics covered include applications of brominated flame retardants, hyperspectral imaging analysis for solid dosage forms, and monitoring plastics with brominated flame retardants. Development of active hyperspectral sensors for mineralogy mapping and plastic waste sorting is discussed. Francisco Siena Vieira from VTT emphasizes sensor-based plastic identification for recycling, using innovative methods like spectroscopy for accurate plastic assessment. The presentation highlights various techniques such as: Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) Near-infrared hyperspectral imaging (NIR-HSI) Raman spectroscopy Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) ...
Conversion of recycled plastics
Lesson Summary Jani Pelto, a principal scientist at VTT, delivers an informative lecture focusing on converting recycled plastics into value-added products, covering topics such as: Types of recycled polymers and the value of plastic products. Design considerations, waste classification, challenges, and degradation impacts on plastics. Importance of mechanical recycling processes, screw extruders, and the quality of post-consumer waste for recycling. The overarching theme is the promotion of sustainability and economic viability in recycling endeavors, with an emphasis on innovative methods to transform plastic waste into valuable resources. ...
Identification and characterization of plastics
Lesson Summary Identification and characterization of plastics are crucial in polymer science, achieved through techniques like spectroscopy and thermal analysis. These practices facilitate material selection, quality control, and innovation in industries such as packaging and automotive by optimizing polymer formulations. The process of converting recycled plastics into value-added products entails various recycled polymer types, their origins, and considerations like mechanical recycling, recyclable product designs, and the effects of additives on plastic degradation. Key points from the lesson include: Understanding the value of plastics products, upcycling, design for recycling, and the quality of post-consumer waste feedstocks are crucial in the recycling process. Mechanical recycling involves steps like shredding,...
Mechanical Recycling
Lesson Summary The lecture delivered by Ana Rita Neiva from Coolrec delves into the mechanical recycling process for plastics, which includes: Treatment and recovery of plastic waste Mechanical processes like shredding, grinding, washing, drying, compounding, and pelletizing Retention of the chemical structure of the materials Key points of the presentation: Highlighting the significance of mechanical recycling in establishing a closed loop for end-of-life materials Contribution to sustainability Support for the circular economy model The talk also covers: The position of mechanical recycling within European waste management Providing insights into recycling statistics Addressing the challenges and opportunities linked to plastic recycling through mechanical methods ...
Chemical Recycling
Lesson Summary In this lecture by Prof. Mika Härkönen, the following key points are covered: Exploration of plastic recycling challenges Discussion on the regulatory framework related to plastic recycling Role of recycling in addressing plastic waste concerns Overview of different routes and technologies for plastics recycling Explanation of mechanical and physical methods used for processing plastic waste Insight into chemical recycling techniques, including: Pyrolysis Chemolysis Gasification ...
Regulatory and legal considerations of recycled plastics
Lesson Summary The lecture by Mathilde Taveau from Plastics Recyclers Europe focuses on the regulatory and legal aspects of plastics recycling, aiming to promote circularity in plastics through various initiatives: Efforts by the organization to improve recycling practices and standard harmonization Advocacy for regulatory changes to enhance sustainability History and impact of the plastics recycling industry Environmental benefits of recycling, such as CO2 reduction Compliance with international and EU regulations, including the Stockholm Convention and the POP Regulation Challenges and strategies involved in ensuring recycled plastics meet current legislative standards for a circular economy ...
Introduction to polymers
[embed]https://youtu.be/p00fB2RQ7QA[/embed] Lesson Summary This lecture by Prof. Jarkko J Saarinen from the University of Eastern Finland provides a comprehensive overview of polymer science, covering various important aspects: Focus on the classification, structure, and nomenclature of polymers. Types of polymers including thermoplastics, elastomers, and thermosets. Explanation of key polymerization techniques: Condensation (step growth) polymerization. Addition (chain growth) polymerization. Exploration of the microscopic and macroscopic properties of polymers. Discussion on the practical applications of polymers in manufacturing processes such as: Injection molding. Extrusion. Calendaring. Connection of theoretical concepts to real-world industrial uses. ...