Course Description
Biodegradable polymers
decompose in natural aerobic (composting) and anaerobic (landfill) environments.
Biodegradation of these polymers can be achieved by enabling microorganisms in
the environment to metabolize the molecular structure of the product to produce
safe and clean byproducts. Biodegradable polymers have experienced strong growth
over the last three years and are set to make further inroads into markets
traditionally dominated by conventional thermoplastics in future.
Biodegradable Polymers
is a course that investigates four main classes of biodegradable polymers:
- polymers from biomass
such as the agro-polymers from agro-resources (e.g., starch, cellulose)
- polymers obtained by
microbial production (i.e. polyhydroxy-alkanoates)
- polymers
conventionally and chemically synthesized and whose the monomers are obtained
from agro-resources (e.g., the poly(lactic acid)
- polymers whose
monomers and polymers are obtained conventionally, by chemical synthesis
The course will review
biodegradation mechanism, measurement techniques and global standards,
polymerization, structure, and polymer properties. Students will study special
requirements of processing techniques, sterilization and storage of
biodegradable polymers, and a review of markets, applications, and outlook.
Course Outcome
After completing
Biodegradable Polymers, students will be equipped with a basic understanding of
the following:
- what does
biodegradation mean
- biodegradation test
protocols and standards
- biodegradable polymer
classifications
- polymerization,
structure, and properties
- processing techniques,
sterilization, and storage
- markets and
applications
- future outlook
Agenda
Introduction
Biodegradation
mechanisms
Measurement of
biodegradability
- Test protocols
- Global standards
Monomers obtained from agro-resourced polymers (i.e PLA,
PEG)
- Polymerization
- Structure
- Properties
- Degradation
- Suppliers
Biomass-derived polymers (i.e starch, cellulose based)
- Polymerization
- Structure
- Properties
- Degradation
- Suppliers
Synthetic biodegradable polymers (i.e. PCL, PEA, PBSA)
- Polymerization
- Structure
- Properties
- Degradation
- Suppliers
Microbial production-based polymers (i.e. PHA, PHB, PHBV)
- Polymerization
- Structure
- Properties
- Degradation
- Suppliers
Processing, sterilization and storage
of biodegradable polymers
- Film Blowing and Casting
- Injection Molding
- Blow Molding
- Injection Stretch Blow Molding
- Thermoforming
- Fiber Spinning
Markets &
Applications
Outlook for the future
Audience
Scientists
Engineers
Sales/marketing
Other