Plastics Degradation and Its Environmental Impact
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The objectives of the course entitled "Plastics Degradation and Its Environmental Impact" are to:
- describe the degradation phenomena that affect a polymeric material during the different phases of its life cycle, from synthesis, to processing and transformation into plastic, to use (service-life), up to disposal (end-of-life),
- explain the degradation mechanisms in different scenarios (due to heat, oxygen, fire, UV-light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress), the influence of these phenomena on the physicochemical properties of a specific polymeric material, and the indispensable stabilization strategies,
- illustrate the main concepts on the sustainability of plastics achieved through various actions, namely, the circular economy model, the 12 principles of green chemistry, the Life Cycle Assessment, and the European waste management strategy,
- clarify the advantages and disadvantages of bioplastics and the environmental implications of the biodegradability and composting of polymers,
- illustrate the problem of microplastics in the environment.
- describe the degradation phenomena that affect a polymeric material during the different phases of its life cycle, from synthesis, to processing and transformation into plastic, to use (service-life), up to disposal (end-of-life),
- explain the degradation mechanisms in different scenarios (due to heat, oxygen, fire, UV-light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress), the influence of these phenomena on the physicochemical properties of a specific polymeric material, and the indispensable stabilization strategies,
- illustrate the main concepts on the sustainability of plastics achieved through various actions, namely, the circular economy model, the 12 principles of green chemistry, the Life Cycle Assessment, and the European waste management strategy,
- clarify the advantages and disadvantages of bioplastics and the environmental implications of the biodegradability and composting of polymers,
- illustrate the problem of microplastics in the environment.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
- identify and describe the degradation phenomena that influence the chemical stability and the resulting physical properties of polymeric materials during their life-cycle,
- describe and explain the degradation mechanisms in different scenarios due to heat, oxygen, fire, UV-light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress,
- identify and propose the most suitable stabilization strategy based on the specific degradation level of a polymeric material,
- describe and critically discuss the results collected by the main traditional and advanced analytical methods for evaluating the degradation phenomena of polymeric materials,
- explain the advantages and disadvantages of fossil-based plastics and bioplastics,
- critically discuss the existence of microplastics in the environment and how to address this challenge.
- identify and describe the degradation phenomena that influence the chemical stability and the resulting physical properties of polymeric materials during their life-cycle,
- describe and explain the degradation mechanisms in different scenarios due to heat, oxygen, fire, UV-light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress,
- identify and propose the most suitable stabilization strategy based on the specific degradation level of a polymeric material,
- describe and critically discuss the results collected by the main traditional and advanced analytical methods for evaluating the degradation phenomena of polymeric materials,
- explain the advantages and disadvantages of fossil-based plastics and bioplastics,
- critically discuss the existence of microplastics in the environment and how to address this challenge.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The program of course focuses on three macro-topics:
o Macro-topic 1: the life-cycle of polymers
Contents: the life-cycle of polymers: from synthesis to disposal; mechanical properties of polymers; polymer composites; polymer nanocomposites; polymer coatings.
o Macro-topic 2: the service-life of polymers
Contents: polymer degradation due to heat, oxygen, fire, light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress, assessment of polymer thermal degradation and oxidation: traditional vs. advanced analytical methods, assessment of polymer combustion: tests and standards; Assessment of polymer flame retardancy, assessment of polymer ageing: tests and UV stabilization, the case study of works of art in Cultural Heritage.
o Macro-topic 3: the end-of-life of polymers
Contents: the sustainable path of plastics, plastics waste management, biodegradability, as an end-of-life option, Life Cycle Assessment of plastics: case studies, microplastics: an example of poorly managed degradation of plastics
o Macro-topic 1: the life-cycle of polymers
Contents: the life-cycle of polymers: from synthesis to disposal; mechanical properties of polymers; polymer composites; polymer nanocomposites; polymer coatings.
o Macro-topic 2: the service-life of polymers
Contents: polymer degradation due to heat, oxygen, fire, light, ionizing radiations, and mechanical stress, assessment of polymer thermal degradation and oxidation: traditional vs. advanced analytical methods, assessment of polymer combustion: tests and standards; Assessment of polymer flame retardancy, assessment of polymer ageing: tests and UV stabilization, the case study of works of art in Cultural Heritage.
o Macro-topic 3: the end-of-life of polymers
Contents: the sustainable path of plastics, plastics waste management, biodegradability, as an end-of-life option, Life Cycle Assessment of plastics: case studies, microplastics: an example of poorly managed degradation of plastics
Prerequisites for admission
The course is intended for students who have attended fundamental courses in Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, and with some basics in polymer science, and for students who intend to acquire advanced knowledge on the degradation phenomena that affect a polymeric material during the different phases of its life-cycle , from synthesis, to processing and transformation into plastic, to use (service-life), up to disposal (end-of-life).
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of organic and physical chemistry, polymer chemistry and polymer science.
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of organic and physical chemistry, polymer chemistry and polymer science.
Teaching methods
o Frontal lessons with the aid of slides (power point presentations), the pdf of which can be downloaded from the Ariel website.
o Two exam simulations to prepare students for the final exam using the DRAB system in a collegial discussion.
o Two exam simulations to prepare students for the final exam using the DRAB system in a collegial discussion.
Teaching Resources
o Each lesson will be available in the form of a downloadable pdf file.
o Scientific papers, including reviews, as downloadable pdf files, on specific topics for every lesson. In fact, the last slide of each presentation will be dedicated to the list of available bibliographic references.
o Useful links for videos dedicated to the testing of polymers in different scenarios, interviews to academic and industrial experts.
o Books:
· "Polymer Coatings. A Guide to Chemistry, Characterization, and Selected Applications", of G. deWith, Wiley-VCH, 2018.
· "Fire Retardancy of polymeric materials" of A.R. Horrocks and D. Price, edited by CRC Press, 2013.
· "Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers. Synthesis, Characterization and Applications" of A. Lendlein and A. Sisson, edited by Wiley, 2011.
· "Thermal degradation of polymeric materials" of K. Pielichowski and J. Njuguna, edited by Rapra Technology, 2005.
· "Polymer Photodegradation: Mechanisms and Experimental Methods" of J.F. Rabek, edited by Chapman & Hall, 1985.
o Scientific papers, including reviews, as downloadable pdf files, on specific topics for every lesson. In fact, the last slide of each presentation will be dedicated to the list of available bibliographic references.
o Useful links for videos dedicated to the testing of polymers in different scenarios, interviews to academic and industrial experts.
o Books:
· "Polymer Coatings. A Guide to Chemistry, Characterization, and Selected Applications", of G. deWith, Wiley-VCH, 2018.
· "Fire Retardancy of polymeric materials" of A.R. Horrocks and D. Price, edited by CRC Press, 2013.
· "Handbook of Biodegradable Polymers. Synthesis, Characterization and Applications" of A. Lendlein and A. Sisson, edited by Wiley, 2011.
· "Thermal degradation of polymeric materials" of K. Pielichowski and J. Njuguna, edited by Rapra Technology, 2005.
· "Polymer Photodegradation: Mechanisms and Experimental Methods" of J.F. Rabek, edited by Chapman & Hall, 1985.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will consist of an oral interview lasting 30-35 minutes. The score will vary between 18 and 30 out of 30 and will be proportional to the number of correct answers.
The calendar with the exam dates will be published on the University system.
The oral interview will aim to ascertain the achievement of the expected learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and understanding. The evaluation criteria will focus on the student's ability to answer open short answer questions (DRAB) on all the topics covered in the course. In particular, the evaluation criteria will focus on the student' ability to:
o provide general definitions regarding the degradation of polymers,
o identify and describe a specific scenario can cause polymer degradation,
o illustrate the basics of an analytical technique for studying a specific scenario,
o critically discuss a case study regarding a specific scenario to which a polymer is subjected,
o analyse a specific problem concerning polymer degradation and provide suitable stabilization solutions for avoiding this phenomenon,
o illustrate the problem relating to the environmental impact due to plastic.
The calendar with the exam dates will be published on the University system.
The oral interview will aim to ascertain the achievement of the expected learning outcomes in terms of knowledge and understanding. The evaluation criteria will focus on the student's ability to answer open short answer questions (DRAB) on all the topics covered in the course. In particular, the evaluation criteria will focus on the student' ability to:
o provide general definitions regarding the degradation of polymers,
o identify and describe a specific scenario can cause polymer degradation,
o illustrate the basics of an analytical technique for studying a specific scenario,
o critically discuss a case study regarding a specific scenario to which a polymer is subjected,
o analyse a specific problem concerning polymer degradation and provide suitable stabilization solutions for avoiding this phenomenon,
o illustrate the problem relating to the environmental impact due to plastic.
CHIM/04 - INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Alongi Jenny
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Alongi JennyProfessor(s)
Reception:
Office hours by appointment
Building 5, Body B, 3rd floor, room 3051