Cycle / Years
40th cycle [2024-2027]
Contacts
Supervisor(s)
Prof.ssa Erika Ribechini, Dr. Marco Mattonai
Title of the PhD project
Study of the degradation of compostable bioplastics using advanced analytical techniques
Abstract of the PhD project
Environmental issues arising from the extensive exploitation and disposal of products made from fossil fuels have led to the search for new green solutions. Among these, the development and use of products made from biodegradable and compostable plastics are gaining attention. The marketing of these products has introduced a wide variety of materials, differing in their chemical composition, production processes, degradation rates, and mechanisms. In this context, it is crucial to characterize the different types of compostable bioplastics, their degradation processes, and their interactions with the environment. This will help establish the properties of each material and understand their real environmental impact. The aim of this project is to develop new analytical methods based on analytical pyrolysis, chromatography, and mass spectrometry to study compostable bioplastics, from the production stage through to the degradation process under natural, controlled, and composting conditions. The management, treatment, and disposal of waste in composting plants or plastic fractionation plants involve the formation of complex matrices. Therefore, the development and optimization of new analytical methods aim to enable both qualitative and quantitative determination of compostable or non-compostable bioplastics in samples with such feature. Moreover, it is important to verify if the polyethylene content is below the minimum threshold composition value established by policies to classify a product as compostable. The application of these analytical methods also seeks to quantify the polyethylene content in compostable blends to ensure compliance with compostability regulations. Finally, the purpose of applying the developed methods is to achieve clear, reliable, effective, and fast identification of the material under investigation.
Academic Fields and Disciplines (SSD), main and secondary
CHIM01
Educational and third mission activities
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International
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Publications
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Oral communications at conferences
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Poster communications at conferences
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Other achievements
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Funding
PNRR, DM 630/2024
