FUVPP Project Results
Flame Retarded Polypropylene - UL94 V0 Classification
Sustainable management of polymeric materials covers a wide range of key objectives promoting the principles of circular economy. In terms of materials eco-design, PolymeReEng group addresses issues regarding structure-properties relationships for biobased/biodegradable polymers such as PLA, PBS, including stabilization and durability. A new category of recyclable and functional polymers are the vitrimers that bridge the gap between thermosets and thermoplastics and provide a solution to the lack of recyclability in thermoset polymers. The PolymeREng group works on vitrimerization processes transforming commercial thermoplastics into dynamic chemically crosslinked structures through transesterification reactions in the solid ∕ melt state. The use of environmentally-friendly (green) additives such as halogen-free flame retardants and natural antioxidants derived from agro-food waste in polyolefins (PE, PP), gains the last years particular interest in the Groups research activities.
In terms of recycling, PolymeReEng group aims to develop appropriate upcycling routes depending on the extent of degradation of polymeric waste. Restabilization, chain extension and SSP processes are being evaluated for a number of polymers (eg PP, PBS, PLA) as approaches to safeguard against further degradation or even restore recyclate performance aiming at value-added new recycled products.
Indicative References
- Panagiotopoulos Chr, Porfyris A, Korres M.D, Vouyiouka S. Solid-state polymerization as a vitrimerization tool starting from available thermoplastics: The effect of reaction temperatures. Materials 2021:14;9, doi.
- Georgiopoulou I, Pappa G, Vouyiouka S, Magoulas K. Recycling of post-consumer multilayer Tetra-Pak® packaging with the selective dissolution-precipitation process. Rec Conserv Rec 2021;165:105268, doi.
- Porfyris A, Vouyiouka S, Luyt A, Korres D, Malik S, Gasmi S, Grosshauser M, Pfaendner R, Papaspyrides C. Development of value-added polyethylene grades with extended service lifetime: Weathering resistant flame retarded materials for outdoor applications. J Appl Polym Sci. 2020;e50370 , doi.
- Luyt A, Gasmi S, Malik S, Aljindi R, Ouederni M, Vouyiouka S, Porfyris A, Pfaendner R, Papaspyrides C. Artifical ageing and stabilization of low-density polyethyelene (LDPE) produced via autoclave and tubular process technologies. eXPRESS Polymer Letters 2021;15(2):121-136, doi.
- Luyt A, Malik S, Gasmi S, Porfyris A, Andronopoulou A, Korres D, Vouyiouka S, Grosshauser M, Pfaendner R, B Brüll, Papaspyrides C. Halogen-free flame retardant compounds. Thermal decomposition and flammability behavior for alternative polyethylene grades. Polymers 2019;11:1479, doi.
- Georgousopoulou I-N, Vouyiouka S, Dole P, Papaspyrides C. Thermo-mechanical degradation and stabilization of poly(butylene succinate). Polym Degrad Stab, 128, 182-192, 2016, doi.
- Porfyris A, Vasilakos S, Zotiadis Chr, Papaspyrides C, Moser K, Van der Schueren L, Buyle G, Pavlidou S, Vouyiouka S. Accelerated ageing and hydrolytic stabilization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) under humidity and temperature conditioning. Polymer Testing 2018; 68:315-332, doi.
On-going PhDs
Panagiotopoulos Christos. Design and production of advanced polymeric materials via solid state polymerization. November 2020 – today.
Chronaki Konstantina. Solid state polymerization as a post-treatment tool for polymers upgrade. March 2017-today.
On-going Funded Projects
PRecycling: Plastics Recycling from and for home appliances, toys and textiles. Horizon Europe, 2022- 2026 (GA 101058670). Visit the Project Site.
BioICEP: Bio innovation of a circular economy for plastics. Horizon 2020, 2020-2024 (GA 870292). Visit the Project Site.
FUVPP: Flame-retarded and UV-Protected Polypropylene HFLS Pipes, (T2EDK-01466) EPAnEK 2014-2020, 2020-2023. Visit the Project Site (in greek).
Succivitr: Comprehending and controlling the dynamics of the adaptable network in biobased vitrimers. Design and production of advanced polymeric materials via solid state polymerization. November, PEVE0050, 2020 – today.
PRIORITY: COST action CA20101 - Plastics monitoring detection remediation recovery, 2021- 2025.
