Bioplastics

Recommended Prerequisites

Chemistry and organic chemistry at the university level, polymer science

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes will take place with the support of powerpoint material. In each class, the theoretical concepts related to each of the topics presented above will be explained. The practical class will allow students to have contact with the most common processing methods for plastic materials.

Learning Outcomes

The aim of the course is to introduce students with the main types of bioplastics, especially with regard to their synthesis, characterization, properties and current market. Aspects related to the potential of industrialization/commercialization of the different materials and the difficulties involved will be addressed. Aspects related to the 'end of life' of these materials will also be presented in this course to make known the existing methods for this purpose, namely biodegradation, composting and recycling (mechanical or chemical). A mention to life cycle analysis of bioplastics and their comparison with plastics of fossil origin will also be made.

With this course, students will acquire knowledge in the field of bioplastics, in terms of their potential and advantages regarding the replacement of fossil based plastics.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

The course will be organized in 5 theoretical modules that will address the following topics:

- Introduction: classification of bioplastics; market os bioplastics and future trends

- Synthesis and characteristics of the main type of bioplastics

- Biodegradability and compostability of bioplastics

- Recycling of bioplastics

- Sustainability of bioplastics vs sustainability of fossil based plastics

- Additives for the formulation of bioplastics

- Processing of bioplastics.

The practical module will be about processing of bioplastics and will be carried out in the facilities of CDRSP at Polythecnic Institute of Leiria. 

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 100.0%

Bibliography

- Bioplastics for Sustainable Development.(2021), Kuddus, M., Roohi (eds) Springer, Singapura.

- Ashter, S. A., Introduction to Bioplastics Engineering. (2016), Ebnesajjad, S. (ed), William Andrew Publisher, Reino Unido

- Publicações seleccionadas  e indicadas pelo docente no final de cada módulo. /Supporting bibliographic material selected according with the techniques and indicated by the professor in the end of each module.