Green Plastics Manufacturing: Introduction to Plastics, Elastomers and Additives from Renewable Resources

To register, fill out the registration form and fax it to (978) 934-2028. For more information about registering, click here.

1 DAY LECTURE/WORKSHOP
OFFERED ONCE:
June 18, 2012 (CRS# 00.754-011)
8:30am-5:00pm

TUITION: $625

OVERVIEW
This course will provide an introduction to plastics, elastomers and additives that can be obtained from renewable resources. An overview of naturally occurring polymers including natural rubber, cellulose and starch-based materials, as well as polymers such as polylactic acid, poly(hyroxyalkanoates) that can be produced from naturally occurring precursors will be provided. The class material will also touch upon additives from natural resources including natural fillers, fibers and clay nanocomposites. Brief discussion of aspects of processing these bio-based materials, bio-degradation and life cycle analysis will also be included.

CONTENT

• Historical perspective and introduction to commercial plastics and elastomers
• Natural Rubber (NR), modified NR and blends
• Polyesters from microbial and plant biofactories (polylactic acid and poly hyroxyalkanoates)
• Plastics from vegetable oils
• Cellulose and starch based materials
• Natural fillers, fibers, reinforcements and clay nanocomposites
• Biodegradability, life cycle assessment and economics of using natural materials

INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Ramaswamy Nagarajan