Sustainable and Recyclable Polymeric Thermosets

ongoing

The concerns connected to petroleum-based origin of polymeric materials and the problems related to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment need an urgent solution. One possible strategy to address this dramatic situation is the exploitation of bio-based resources as precursors for polymers. In particular, the valorization of agro-food wastes via extraction of polymeric precursors could be a winning strategy. Furthermore, the implementation of dynamicity in crosslinked polymeric materials with the introduction into the polymeric networks of labile noncovalent and dynamic bonds capable of undergoing reversible formation and cleavage, will give to the corresponding materials innovative recyclability properties.Within this frame, this project aims to face the complex challenge of the production of sustainable and recyclable polymeric thermosets. The proposed target can be reached by exploiting the peculiar properties of vitrimers, which allows a direct recyclability or reprocessability of the polymeric networks. On the other hand, the use of bio-based polymers holds great promises for the development of sustainable materials. Therefore, the integration of vitrimer 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, biopolymer functionalization, polymer photochemistry, vitrimer design and 3D-printing technology for object fabrication. The project will be run within the international and intersectoral consortium where different and complementary competences of the partners will be shared and exploited creating synergisms. The aim is within the objective of the MSCA-SE call, where transfer of skills and competences will lead to improved employability and career prospective of the involved seconded staff members.