Topics:
1.Research and development on polymer based materials
2.Recycling of Waste Rubber for the Development of Thermoplastic Elastomers
3.Polymer based Membranes for Gas Separation
Lecturer: Prof. DenisRodrigue, Laval University
Date: 10:00-12:00 am & 14:00-17:30 pm, 28th, Oct 2017
Venue: Meeting Room, 29th building
Topic 1: Research and development on polymer based materials
Abstract
Today, polymers can be found in every parts of our life from simple commodity products (home appliances, packaging, building and construction) up to high end applications (automotive and aerospace, electronics and energy). Nevertheless, there is still some important works aiming at improving the properties of polymer resins. This is why investigations are looking to develop the basic polymer materials (blends, composites and foams) as well as optimizing the structures (sandwiches, hybrids and density graded materials). In this presentation, the different research centers involved in polymer research at Laval University will be presented in terms of their objectives and current research collaborative projects. In particular, the work being developed in the Department of Chemical Engineering will be presented with relation with current concepts like sustainable development and 4RV (rethink, reduction, reuse, recycle and valorize).
Topic 2: Recycling of Waste Rubber for the Development of Thermoplastic Elastomers
Abstract
Over the years, different processes like biotechnological methods, supercritical fluids, as well as ultrasounds, microwaves or radiations have been proposed to recycle waste rubbers. In general, these methods use heat, mechanical energy or additives (chemicals) to improve material processing. But the most efficient methods (economically, technically and environmentally) are the ones combining two or more processes such as thermo-mechanical and thermo-mechano-chemical processes. In this presentation, a short review of the different regeneration processes is presented with a focus being made on current regeneration models and general understanding of the phenomena occurring during the regeneration process. As a specific application of recycled rubber, the continuous production of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) is presented using ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) as the dispersed phase and polypropylene (PP) as the matrix. Finally, the advantages and limitations of industrial processes are discussed with respect to commercial products.
