Research database

Sure-Poly - Sustainable and Recyclable Polymeric Thermosets

Duration:
48 months (2023 - 2027)
Principal investigator(s):
Project type:
UE-funded research - HE - Excellent Science - MSCA
Funding body:
COMMISSIONE EUROPEA
Project identification number:
101085759
PoliTo role:
Coordinator

Abstract

The concerns connected to petroleum-based origin of polymeric materials and the problems related to the accumulation of plasticwaste in the environment need an urgent solution. One possible strategy to address this dramatic situation is the exploitation of biobasedresources as precursors for polymers. In particular, the valorization of agro-food wastes via extraction of polymeric precursorscould be a winning strategy. Furthermore, the implementation of dynamicity in crosslinked polymeric materials with the introductioninto the polymeric networks of labile noncovalent and dynamic bonds capable of undergoing reversible formation and cleavage, willgive to the corresponding materials innovative recyclability properties.Within this frame, this project aims to face the complexchallenge of the production of sustainable and recyclable polymeric thermosets. The proposed target can be reached by exploitingthe peculiar properties of vitrimers, which allows a direct recyclability or reprocessability of the polymeric networks. On the otherhand, the use of bio-based polymers holds great promises for the development of sustainable materials. Therefore, the integration ofvitrimer properties with bio-based materials appears a great combination of choice to achieve the expected aim. For this reasons,SURE-Polymer has assembled an international team of researchers whose expertise spans green chemical synthesis, biopolymerfunctionalization, polymer photochemistry, vitrimer design and 3D-printing technology for object fabrication. The project will be runwithin the international and intersectoral consortium where different and complementary competences of the partners will be sharedand exploited creating synergisms. The aim is within the objective of the MSCA-SE call, where transfer of skills and competences willlead to improved employability and career prospective of the involved seconded staff members.

People involved

Departments

Partners

  • POLITECNICO DI TORINO - Coordinator
  • KTH - KUNGLIGA TEKNISKA HOGSKOLAN
  • Luxinergy
  • Monash University
  • POLYMER COMPETENCE CENTER LEOBEN GmbH-PCCL

Keywords

ERC sectors

PE5_14 - Macromolecular chemistry
PE8_8 - Materials engineering (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, etc.)
PE8_11 - Sustainable design (for recycling, for environment, eco-design)

Sustainable Development Goals

Obiettivo 12. Garantire modelli sostenibili di produzione e di consumo

Budget

Total cost: € 253,000.00
Total contribution: € 253,000.00
PoliTo total cost: € 92,000.00
PoliTo contribution: € 92,000.00